THE CITY DURING THE ASSEMBLY
Barcelona is one of the Mediterranean’s historic ports. Situated on the coast and surrounded by the Collserola ridge and the Besòs and Llobregat rivers, is the capital of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain. Despite being only 150 kilometres from the Pyrenees its location on the shores of the Mediterranean means it enjoys a temperate climate and pleasant temperatures all year round. In Barcelona, as in the rest of Catalonia, there are two official languages: Catalan, the language of the region and Spanish.
It is a city of renowned architectural interest, from its Roman walls to the urban planning of the 1980’s. Its Modernista heritage and contemporary architecture are of particular interest.
Barcelona offers a great variety of cultural activities, such as museum visits, exhibitions, theatre productions and other shows.
The daytime temperature in November and December is very variable but tends to be between 12 and 17ºC.
For more information on Barcelona please go to www.bcn.es.
Meals
In Barcelona, as elsewhere in Spain, mealtimes are usually later than in the rest of Europe. Here, at home many people have lunch between 2 and 3 p.m. and dinner between 9 and 10 p.m. However, restaurant lunchtime hours are adapted to working hours and to visitors. Lunch is normally served from 1 to 3 p.m., and dinner between 9 and 11.30 p.m. But there are many restaurants that have more flexible opening hours, not to mention the numerous tapas bars and bistros that stay open all day.
Shopping
The shops in Barcelona open between 9 and 10 a.m. and most close at lunchtime, that is, about 1.30 p.m. They open again in the afternoon between 4 and 5 p.m. and do not close for the day until 8 to 8.30 p.m. The department stores and hypermarkets do not close for lunch. All retailers, including both small shops and department stores, open on Saturdays and close on Sundays, except for a few establishments with special permits.
Banking
Banks open from 8.30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday to Friday. Some banks also open on Thursday afternoon until 8.00 pm or on Saturdays, from 8.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. A bank is always open at Sants railway station.
Credit cards, currency and foreign exchange
Most international credit cards are accepted. Foreign currency and traveller’s cheques may be exchanged at banks and at most exchange offices. A large percentage of banks have automatic teller machines that accept most international credit and debit cards. The Spanish currency is the euro (€), as in most countries of the European Union. The euro is based on the decimal system, one euro being equal to one hundred cents.
VAT
A VAT (value-added tax) of 7 to 16% is applied to all products and services. In most cases it is included in the price. Whenever it is not included, however, it will be clearly specified.
Drinking water
The tap water in Spain is purified so it is suitable for drinking. Most people, however, prefer to drink bottled water because it tastes better and is moderately priced.
Electricity
The electric current here is 220 Volts/50 Hz. Participants coming from North America with 110 V/60 Hz appliances should ensure they use an appropriate transformer.
Telephone calls
First dial the code for Spain +34 and then dial the telephone number that already includes area code.
General safety
Barcelona is a safe city and tourists and visitors may walk securely along its streets. As in all big cities, however, some basic precautionary measures should be always kept in mind.
Medical care
The Spanish National Health Service may be used by all persons from European Union countries who have the E111 Form. This form should be obtained at the health service or post office of the visitor’s home country before travelling to Spain. It is advisable for participants from countries outside the European Union to take out medical insurance before reaching Spain since they will be charged for access to the national health system.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are easy to identify thanks to the green or red cross displayed outside. Medicines that do not require a medical prescription may be purchased directly over the counter. If you need advice, do not hesitate to ask the pharmacist. If you usually take a particular medicine, it is advisable to bring a sufficient amount with you for your trip. There are duty pharmacies open 24 hours a day in most city districts. Outside all the pharmacies there is a list of the nearest duty pharmacies.
Tips
Tips are not obligatory in Spain, although people usually leave them at restaurants (for a maximum of 10% of the total amount of the bill). Hotel and airport porters will accept tips, depending on the luggage.
Tourist information offices
Plaça Catalunya (metro station)
Plaça Catalunya, 17
Plaça Sant Jaume (Barcelona Town Hall)
Carrer Ciutat, 2
Estació de Sants (train station)
Plaça dels Països Catalans, s/n
El Prat Airport
Terminals A and B
Tourist information websites
You can visit Barcelona City Council website, www.bcn.es, or the website of the website of Barcelona tourist organisation www.barcelonaturisme.com.
Visa information
Citizens from some countries require a visa to enter Spain. You can consult the Spanish Embassy’s website for further information. www.embajada-online.com
Getting to Barcelona
By air
Barcelona airport has daily flights to Europe’s leading cities and extensive intercontinental connections. It is 14 km from the city itself and offers a bus service (Aerobus) to the city centre (Plaça Catalunya) with departures every 15 minutes (current price: €4.05).
The hosts will be providing a shuttle service from the airport to the hotel for those attending the Assembly. However, should wish to make your own way, the taxi service from the airport to the Assembly hotel should costs about €25 and Renfe Rodalies also runs a train service from the airport to the city centre (Estació de Sants railway station) every 30 minutes.
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Some airline companies offer low-cost flights to Barcelona as well as to Girona and Reus, cities that are located 1 hour from Barcelona.
Girona airport lies 1 hour 15 minutes from Barcelona by bus. There is a bus after every flight and it takes you to Barcelona’s main bus station Estació del Nord (fare: €12 single, €21 return).
Reus airport lies 1 hour from Barcelona by bus (fare: €11 single, €18 return) There is a bus after each flight lands. It takes you to Sants railway station (Barcelona’s main railway station).
