Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please confirm event/venue details in advance.
COUNTRY CODE:
Dial +34 for Spain
FROM THE AIRPORT
Car Hire :
Take advantage of the special easyJet inflight rates. Visit the Europcar desk on arrival or call +34 93 298 3300 from 7am–midnight seven days a week.
Airport Transfer :
Pre-book your door-to-door transfer with easyJet’s transfer partner, Holiday Taxis—from home to the airport and the airport to city or resort. Just log on to easyjet.holidaytaxis.com.
Train :
Trains go to Barcelona's Sants station every half hour. Tickets: €2.50.
Taxi :
A ride to the centre costs €20–€25.
Bus :
The Aerobus stops outside each terminal every six to 15 minutes and heads to Plaça Catalunya. Tickets: €3.90.
(11 Carrer Princesa. Tel. 93 319 2826) This simple Japanese eatery on the outskirts of the Born neighbourhood offers traditional dishes at surprisingly low prices.
(182 Carrer Casanova. Tel. 93 419 7616) Market-fresh produce and seasonal specialities make this informal, family-run restaurant in L'Eixample an excellent choice for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
(106 Carrer Comte Borrell. Tel. 93 454 7837) You'll find traditional Catalan cuisine of the highest order at this old-fashioned farmhouse restaurant. The menu depends on what's available that morning at the market, ensuring everything served is as fresh as can be.
(9 Passatge Marimon. Tel. 93 241 3233) For creative Mediterranean cuisine, this intimate eatery is one of the city's best. Sleek, minimalist décor complements the innovative versions of traditional Catalan dishes.
(111-113 Carrer Nou de la Rambla. Tel. 93 441 4001) One of two concert halls at the classic Apolo theatre, [2] boasts a stellar line-up of near nightly live shows in all genres (www.sala-apolo.com).
(15 Carrer Capella. Tel. ) Indie rock, alternative electronic music and cutting-edge beats provide the soundtrack at this hole-in-the-wall bar in the Sant Andreu neighbourhood. The outdoor terrace is a highlight.
On the ground
Shop
History buffs will love the quirky A la Premsa d'Aquell Dia shop in El Raval, where magazines and newspapers dating back decades, even centuries, are for sale. Closed on the weekend (44 Carrer Joaquim Costa).
Insider Tip
The arrival of the AVE (Alta Velocidad Espanola) high-speed train to Barcelona means it's easier than ever to explore Spain from the Catalan capital. Head to Tarragona (34 minutes), Lleida (60 minutes), Zaragoza (90 minutes) or Madrid (158 minutes). See www.renfe.es more information.
Key Area
The narrow medieval streets surrounding the Cathedral are home to some of Barcelona's most magical squares, including Plaça del Rei, the enclosed courtyard off Plaça de Sant Iu and Plaça de Sant Felip Neri.
This month
The 21st annual Tradicionàrius Festival is a series of concerts devoted to folk music and other traditional art forms (ends 13 June. www.tradicionarius.com, Spanish only).
Day Tripping
Dalí Triangle
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Three destinations around the Costa Brava make up the Dalí Triangle. First visit the Museu Dalí in Figueres, then zip over to the artist's former home in Port Lligat, and finish with a trip to the Dalí-decorated castle in Púbol (www.salvador-dali.org).
No way!
The lovely stained-glass rose window that dominates the façade of the Església de Santa Maria del Pi is believed to be the largest of its kind in the world. Visit the church in late afternoon for the best light.
