Travel tips · Barcelona · Spain
Barcelona travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, with its own language, flag and traditions alongside Spanish ones. Street signs, menus and announcements are in Catalan first, and festivals feature human towers (castells), fire-running devils (correfocs) and giant figures (gegants). Daily life runs late, with long lunches and dinners after 9pm.
Key facts
- Language
- Catalan and Spanish
- Currency
- EUR
- Plugs
- Type C and F sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe to drink but heavily treated, so many locals prefer filtered…
- Emergency
- 112 (European emergency number)
Things to know
- Learn a few words of Catalan — 'Bon dia' and 'Gràcies' are warmly received.
- Beachwear belongs on the beach: walking around the city in swimwear or shirtless can bring a fine.
- Keep noise down in residential buildings and streets at night, especially if you are staying in a holiday apartment.
- Greet shop and bar staff when you walk in; a simple 'Hola' or 'Bon dia' is expected.
- Do not drink alcohol in the street; drinking in public spaces can be fined.
- Book Sagrada Família ahead: Entry is by timed ticket only and sells out days ahead in high season; buy on the official website.
- Book Park Güell ahead: Timed tickets for the Monumental Zone sell out in high season; book online.
- Book Casa Batlló ahead: Prices rise at peak times; booking online is cheaper than buying at the door.
- Buy a T-casual or Hola Barcelona card rather than single tickets, which cost much more per ride.
Tipping
Tipping is optional. Locals leave small change in bars and round up or add 5–10% in restaurants for good service; service is not usually added to the bill.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Bon dia | Good morning (Catalan) |
| Bona tarda | Good afternoon (Catalan) |
| Gràcies | Thank you (Catalan) |
| Si us plau | Please (Catalan) |
| Una canya, si us plau | A small draught beer, please |
| La cuenta, por favor | The bill, please (Spanish) |
| Adéu | Goodbye (Catalan) |
What to wear
Casual but neat; cover up when you leave the beach, and wear clothing that covers shoulders for the Sagrada Família and other churches.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type C and F sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is safe to drink but heavily treated, so many locals prefer filtered or bottled water.
- Emergency number
- 112 (European emergency number)
- Phone and internet
- EU roaming applies to European SIMs; free municipal Barcelona WiFi is available in many public spaces, and eSIMs work well for other visitors.
- Time zone
- Europe/Madrid
Barcelona is generally safe, but pickpocketing and bag snatching are common on La Rambla, on the Metro, at the beaches and around the Sagrada Família. Keep bags zipped and in front of you, and be wary of distraction tricks such as a stranger pointing out a stain on your clothes.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Spain's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Barcelona?
Tipping is optional. Locals leave small change in bars and round up or add 5–10% in restaurants for good service; service is not usually added to the bill.
+Can you drink the tap water in Barcelona?
Tap water is safe to drink but heavily treated, so many locals prefer filtered or bottled water.
+What plugs are used in Barcelona?
Type C and F sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Barcelona?
Catalan and Spanish.