Useful information when visiting Barcelona

European SOS 112
The number 112 can be dialled to reach emergency services – medical, fire and police – from anywhere in Europe. This Pan-European  emergency number 112 can be called from any telephone (landline, pay phone or mobile cellular phone). Calls are free. Alongside 112, the following emergency numbers are available:

Emergency
Guardia civil: 062
Police: 091
Health emergencies: 061
Fire fighters: 080
Local police: 092

In addition to the national language(s), the calls can be answered in English, French, Portuguese, Arabic and German, depending on the call centres.

Source: website European Commission

Here’s our top 5 list of breathtaking views in Barcelona:

A. Parc Guell
B. Mirador Torre Collserola
C. Tibidabo Mountain
D. Montjuic Castle
E. The Beach!

Check out our blog City Guide Pages for more information.

Top 5 Tapas Bars

Barcelona’s vivacious streets are simply overflowing with delectable tapas bars, offering tantalising samples of Catalan and Spanish cuisine. Finding the best venues can be something of an adventure, although visitors with limited time to explore can take advantage of the following list, which presents the city’s top 5 tapas bars.

1. Quimet & Quimet
   Although shielded from the touristic core, this local favourite has become something of an institution within Barcelona. Located in the authentic Poble Sec, this family run bodega makes up for its compact size with bags of atmosphere and mouth-watering produce, particularly celebrated for its tasty montaditos. Dating back to 1914, Quimet & Quimet have continued to hone their expertise over the years, resulting in the beloved establishment that exists today.
2. Cal Pep
   Another famous name amongst the tapas scene, Cal Pep is simply adored by locals and tourists alike. Renowned for their delicious seafood dishes, this Catalan gem is constantly inundated, with visitors advised to arrive before opening time to secure a place at the bar. The staff are especially welcoming and the vibe is warm and convivial.
3. El Xampanyet
   Adorning the vibrant passageways of El Born, El Xampanyet deserves inclusion for its jovial ambience and authentic character. A true Barcelona classic, this cherished haunt fuses fresh, eclectic tapas with exceptional service. The bar is also revered for its sumptuous house cava; traditional, refreshing and incredibly good value.
4. Cerveceria Catalana
   Buzzing with energy and hugely popular within the community, this tapas treasure can be found in the Eixample neighbourhood surrounded by a plethora of lively bars. Open until 1.30am, Cerveceria Catalana makes the perfect choice for satiating your appetite as you party until the early hours. Clean, modern and serving a variety of delectable plates, this Barcelona hotspot is certain to leave a lasting impression.
5. La Cova Fumada
   Inhabiting the heart of Barceloneta, the final instalment evades the tourist crowds, allowing you to mingle with the locals and enjoy an undiscovered culinary treat. Famous for inventing their trademark spicy ‘potato bomb,’ La Cova Fumada or the Smoked Cave takes you back in time, with the atmosphere remaining relatively unchanged since its conception in the 1940s. Friendly and charming, this treasured bar serves to remind us exactly why Barcelona is at the top of its games when it comes to tapas.

1. Barcelona’s beaches are artificial.
   Barcelona’s beautiful sandy coastline didn’t exist until 1992, when the Olympic Games transformed the city’s waterfront for the better. Previously home to local industries, the area was dramatically rejuvenated and now consists of a series of scenic beaches, which include the colourful Barceloneta, once voted the world’s best urban beach by the Discovery Channel.
2. La Sagrada Familia has taken more time to build than the Great Pyramid.
   Egypt’s incredible Pyramid of Giza was completed in 20 years, despite only having primitive tools available. In contrast, La Sagrada Familia is still under construction more than 130 years after its conception. However, its ongoing building works haven’t deterred the crowds, with the basilica regarded as Spain’s most visited monument.
3. The Barcelona FC Museum is the city’s most popular museum.
   Home to one of the world’s most successful football clubs, Camp Nou and its resident museum receive approximately 1.3 million guests per year, making it Barcelona’s most visited cultural venue. The stadium itself remains Europe’s largest sports ground, boasting a capacity of almost 100,000 spectators.
4. Catalonia has two official languages.
   Although Spanish is widely spoken throughout the city, Barcelona’s predominant language is Catalan, which takes precedence in all official institutions. Information at museums and attractions are always provided in both languages, with English also available at most venues.
5. Barcelona’s famous sons.
   Catalonia’s capital has produced an array of world famous personalities, predominantly from the field of art and design, which include such illustrious figures as Joan Miro, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Lluis Domenech i Montaner, and of course, Barcelona’s favourite powerhouse, Antoni Gaudi.