Welcome to Barcelona

WELCOME TOBARCELONAPRACTICAL RELOCATION GUIDE FOR BUSINESS PEOPLE WiTh The suppOrT OF

3W elcome to Barcelona,As Mayor of Barcelona it gives me great satisfaction to welcome you to one of the mostattractive and dynamic cities of Europe.Throughout its more than two thousand years of history, Barcelona, a Catalan and Medi-terranean city, has always been open and welcoming. A city, with a mix of styles, with astrong character, and at the same time, with a great respect for what is local as a factor ofcompetitiveness and global attraction.Here you will find the friendliness and warmth of the Mediterranean character, a pleasantclimate throughout the year, an enviable quality of life, as well as an environment thatencourages creativity and innovation.With a long commercial and industrial tradition, a very competitive and diversifiedbusiness fabric, and technology and infrastructures from the 21st century, Barcelonaand its metropolitan area offers interesting opportunities for business, investments andentrepreneurship.I am totally convinced that both you, and your family if you have come accompanied,will find this city an ideal place to develop your personal and professional projects and,above all, to be happy.I invite you to become a new Barcelona citizen! Xavier Trias / Mayor of Barcelona

5B arcelona, Mediterranean, cosmopolitan, entrepreneurial and tolerant, will be yournew home. To help you with your personal “landing”, we have prepared Welcome to Bar-celona, a guide designed for professionals, executives or people from the business worldwho come to our city to live and work.If you are either thinking of moving to Barcelona, or if you in the process of doing so orhave just arrived, this publication will help you in your decision to settle down in the cityand to get the most out of your first experiences here.With practical information and useful advice about topics as important as accommoda-tion, administrative procedures, education, Social Security and leisure, this guide includeseverything you need to know before coming to Barcelona and on your arrival so that youcan settle in and to make your daily life easier.You will also find information and support services if you wish to do business, set upa company, develop your professional career, or to establish business relations andcontacts.In the blink of an eye you will feel settled and ready to enjoy everything this lovely andvibrant city can offer you. Sònia Recasens / Deputy Mayor for Economy, Enterprise and Employment. City Council of Barcelona

10 26 / Choosing a place to liveCONTENTS 26 / The neighbourhoods of Barcelona 30 / Metropolitan area: Surrounding towns and cities INTRODUCTION • • 33 / The Barcelona rental and 12 / Catalan culture property market 33 / Buying property in Barcelona 34 / Rental contracts 16 35 / Utilities 38 / Domestic services • 39 / Education 39 / Choosing a school PRE-ARRIVAL INFORMATION 39 / The Spanish school system • 39 / Pre-primary 17 / Applying for a visa and 41 / International and bilingual residence permit schools 17 / EU nationals 46 / Local schools 18 / Non-EU nationals 47 / School terms 19 / City Council registration 47 / Higher education 20 / Social Security Number 49 / International business schools (Número d’afiliació a la Seguretat Social) 49 / Language schools • 50 / Other courses 20 / Money and banking • 20 / Currency 51 / Healthcare 20 / Opening a bank account 51 / Public healthcare 21 / Banking hours 51 / Hospitals 21 / Credit cards 52 / Pharmacies 21 / Paying bills 52/ Private health insurance • 52 / Maternity and Paternity 22 / Accommodation 54 / People with disabilities 22 / Short-term accommodation 54 / Pets 23 / Medium and long-term accommodation •

58 100 75 / International community 75 / Foreign Consulates in Barcelona 77 / Social Interaction and Business NetworkingDAY-TO-DAY INFORMATION • DOING BUSINESS IN • 78 / Religious services BARCELONA 59 / Practical information • • 59 / Addresses 79 / Sports and leisure 101 / Why Barcelona? 59 / Holidays 79 / Public sports and fitness • 61 / Local time centres 102 / Municipal services and 79 / Private sports and fitness support 61 / Mealtimes clubs 103 / Support for foreign61 / Opening times and working 79 / Football investment hours 79 / Other sports 103 / Business creation - 62 / Postal services • entrepreneurs 62 / Tipping 80 / Culture and 104 / Finding offices and 62 / Tobacconists premises entertainment • 105 / Career Development 80 / Museums and art galleries 63 / Getting in • 83 / Music and dance 63 / By plane 106 / Other key economic 84 / Theatre 65 / By sea agents 85 / Sport and other live events • • 85 / Tickets 65 / Getting oriented 110 / International chambers 86 / For the kids and trade offices • 86 / Mass media 68 / Public transportation • 68 / By rail 89 / Beaches 116 70 / By bus • 71 / By leisure transport 92 / Parks and gardens 71 / By taxi • 72 / By bike 94 / Restaurants and nightlife • • USEFUL INFORMATION 72 / Private transportation 95 / Shopping 72 / Car importation 95 / Food and groceries 73 / Driving license 95 / Municipal markets 73 / Parking 74 / Car rentals 74 / Car sharing •

10INTRODUCTION BARCELONA

11Barcelona is the economic, cultural and world. Its economy has a long commercialadministrative capital of Catalonia, one and industrial tradition, attractive for busi-of the Spanish autonomous communities. ness development, with leading researchCatalonia is located in the north east of and creativity that surpasses borders.the Iberian Peninsula where seven millionpeople live, of which around two thirds re- The Mediterranean style of life, the streetsside in the metropolitan area of Barcelona. full of vitality, and the pleasant climate of Barcelona, all help to attract qualifiedThe City of Barcelona, on the shores of professionals, entrepreneurs, researchersthe Mediterranean sea, is just two hours and students from all over the world.by car to France, and is well connected tothe main Spanish and European cities byair, train and road. If before settling in Barcelona you wantIt is a city of great vitality and one which to explore the city and surroundings as ais densely populated, in which 1.6 million tourist, you can visit the official websites ofpeople live in its 100 square kilometres. tourism of Catalonia.However, the real Barcelona is a much www.turismedecatalunya.com, and ofbigger metropolitan area with nearly 200 Barcelona www.barcelonaturisme.communicipalities and five million inhabitants. and www.bcn.cat/turismeThe metropolitan area is characterised byits diversely demographic population andits social cohesion, as well as the continu-ity of its urban landscape: you can leaveBarcelona and enter a different municipalitywithout noticing so, just by crossing a street.Its citizens say it is a dynamic city, cosmo-politan, a city of contrasts, bordered bythe sea and by mountains, where the wideavenues and modern skyscrapers live sideby side with narrow medieval streets, andcontemporary urban life is enriched by itsfascinating history.Other signs of identity include its solidentrepreneurial culture based on rigor, afuture vision, ambition, the capacity for in-novation and the fact of being open to the

12 Barcelona is a multilingual city with two CATALAN CULTURE official languages. Here as in the rest of Catalonia, Spanish shares co-official status with Catalan, the language of Catalonia. The Catalan language is a cherished, indispensable part of Catalan identity and culture, and it will surely play an important role in your everyday life in Barcelona. Most locals, especially those living in urban areas such as Barcelona, can be considered balanced bilinguals. This means that they can switch between Catalan and Span- ish with little to no effort. In fact, many Catalans instinctively speak to foreigners in Spanish. In addition, a part of Barcelona’sLa Rambla population is composed of immigrants or descendants of immigrants from otherCatalan society has a long tradition of au- parts of Spain who consider Spanish theirtonomy and cultural uniqueness. In Spain, mother tongue and home language. Spanishthe Catalan people are known for their is widely used in Barcelona, in the home,motivation, thrift and commitment to work, in the street and in the media, and if youvalues rooted in a strong mercantile tradi- speak the language you can communicatetion. They can also be perceived as serious with the locals as soon as you arrive.and reserved, but this should never beinterpreted as unfriendliness but rather The importance of the Catalan languagea clearer division between professional in all areas of Catalan life is undeniable. Aand personal relationships. Catalans, large number of Catalan families exclusivelyserious as they are in business affairs, are speak Catalan in the home and considerat their most extroverted and lively when it their language of identity. Catalan is thesurrounded by family and friends. Catalans language of instruction in schools in Catalo-are Spanish in their vitality and zest for nia, where Spanish and a foreign language,life, and for all the importance they place usually English, are also taught. In theon hard work, they always put social and region’s universities, although teaching isfamily life first. With just the right amount conducted in both Spanish and Catalan, theof respect and amiability, you will have no latter is adopted as institutional languagetrouble at all finding pleasant colleagues, and is thus used in administrative affairs.good neighbours and even lifelong friends Local government bodies and institutionsamong Barcelona’s locals. also conduct business in the local language.

13In Barcelona and the rest of Catalonia, com-mercial signage is mostly in Catalan, andstreet, town and city names are always in For more information on the Catalanthis language. For anyone planning to live in language and Catalan language policy, visitBarcelona, learning at least a little Catalan www.intercat.cat/lingcat andis highly recommended. www20.gencat.cat/portal/site/LlengcatThe good news is that Catalan, like Span- To learn Catalan online, go toish, is a Romance language. Given the www.parla.catclose proximity between these related lan-guages, if you speak Spanish (or French orItalian or any other language in the family),you are already one step ahead in learningCatalan. Apart from this, the Catalan gov-ernment and many of its universities andinstitutions offer free introductory coursesas well as Internet learning resources.When you get to Barcelona or even beforeyou arrive, there are a number of ways foryou to learn Catalan.The presence of a regional language is justanother feature that makes the culturaltapestry of Barcelona richer and morecolourful. Knowledge of Catalan, thoughby no means required, will make yourintegration into Catalan society easier. Itcan open new doors in your professional,business, social and personal life, enrichyour living experience in Barcelona, andenable you to enjoy a rich, diverse culturaland leisure offering that reflects the city’sthousand-year old history.

16 PRE-ARRIVALINFORMATIONThings you need to know before coming to Barcelona

17 If you live outside Barcelona, you need to APPLYING FOR A VISA go to the designated National Police Sta- AND RESIDENCE PERMIT tion in your area.EU nationalsCitizens of European Union (EU) countries You can download the application formand Iceland, Norway and Switzerland do from www.mir.es/SGACAVT/modelos/not need a visa to enter Spain, only a pass- extranjeria/modelos_extranje/ex_14.pdfport or an official valid indentity card (ID).All EU nationals planning to reside in At the police station, you must present the dulySpain for a continuous period of more completed form, together with your passportthan three months are required to have a and a copy of it. Barcelona does not requireNúmero d’identificació d’estranger (NIE). your City Hall registration (empadronament),The NIE is a unique identification number but other towns and cities do ask for it.assigned to all foreigners living in Spain.It is required for filing taxes and all other If you do not speak Spanish or Catalan, ittransactions with the state, as well as for is advisable to be accompanied by some-buying property, establishing a business, body who does.opening a Spanish bank account, settingup a mobile-phone contract, etc. At the police station, you will be given a form in triplicate, which you need to takeIndividuals must obtain a NIE within three to any Spanish bank for payment of themonths of entry into Spain. To do this, you required administration fees. You then goneed to apply personally at the Foreign Af- back to the police station to return thefairs section (Extrangeria) of the National forms with the bank stamp. The documentPolice station (Comisaria) on Carrer de is issued on the spot.Balmes.Comisaria de la Policia NacionalCarrer de Balmes, 192Opening hours : Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m.to 2:00 p.m.FGC : Gràcia L6 L7

18Alternatively, if you wish to receive your residence card (Targeta de Residència) atNIE ahead of time, you can apply for it at the Foreigners’ Office (Oficina d’Estrangers).the Spanish Consulate in your country.Only certain consulates process NIEapplications, so it is recommended that Oficina d’EStranGers de Barcelonayou contact the consulate first. Also be Carrer del Marquès de l’Argentera, 4aware that processing the NIE at a Spanish Tel : +34 93 520 14 10consulate takes much longer. Opening hours : Monday to Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Fridays, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Metro : Barceloneta L4 For more information, visit the Life in Spain page of www.investinspain.org Go to www.mir.es/MIR/Directorio/Non-EU nationals Servicios_Perifericos/Cuerpo_ Nacional_de_Policia/Oficinas_de_Non-EU nationals whose country of citi- extranjeros/Cataluna/ for a completezenship has an existing agreement with list of Foreigners’ Offices in CataloniaSpain can stay in the country for up tothree months within a six-month periodor for a transit stay of a maximum of five Spain issues different kinds of residencedays. Citizens of all other countries are permits, depending on the foreigner’s situ-required to have a visa to enter Spanish ation in the country.territory. Visas are issued by the SpanishMinistry of Foreign Affairs through itsconsular representatives abroad. For more information, visit the Life in Spain page of www.investinspain.org For more information about entry and visa requirements visit the website of the The process takes less time for non-EU na- Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC) tionals married to EU nationals, as long as the www.maec.es proper documents have been presented and the marriage is registered in an EU country.You can enter Spain once you have your visa. All non-EU documents must be duly au-Upon your arrival, you need to apply for a thenticated and notarized. All documents

19written in a foreign language must be You can apply for your empadronamientotranslated into Spanish by a government- as an individual or as a family. You canaccredited translator (traductor jurat). do this at the Citizen’s Assistance OfficeTranslation companies in Barcelona offer (Oficina d’Atenció al Ciutadà) of the Bar-sworn translations (traducció jurada). celona City Council.Note that this process can take severalmonths. It is recommended that you prepare Oficina d’Atenció al CiuTadàall the necessary documents before leaving Plaça Sant Miquel, 3your home country and that you apply as OPENING HOURS : Monday to Saturday, 8:30 a.m.early as possible. Make sure that you apply to 8:00 p.m.; August, Saturdays 9:00 a.m. towell before your visa’s expiration date, which 2:00 p.m.is usually three months from the date of issue. Metro : Jaume I L4, Liceu L3 Offers services in a wide variety of languagesCity Council registrationCertificat d’empedronament means regis- You can also go to the Citizen’s Assist-tering with your city or town’s official record ance Office (Oficina d’Atenció al Ciutadà)of residents (Padró Municipal d’Habitants). of your district if you speak Catalan orAll residents in Spain are required by law Spanish.to register with their City Council or TownCouncil. The certificat d’empedronament is You need to present a valid passport (oneproof of this registration. for each member of the family) and your original rental contract. The process is quite straightforward, and you will get your certificate on the spot. Getting your City Council registration is important because it is the way to verify or accredit your residence in Spain, and it is needed for such administrative procedures as applying for a residence card, applying for a local health card, getting married, enrolling your children in local schools, etc.

20Social Security Number(número D’afiliació a la MONEY AND BANKINGsegurETAT social) CurrencyIn order to contribute to the SpanishSocial Security system and access to the The Euro is Spain’s official currency andpublic health system, you need to have has been since 1 January 2002. One Euroa Social Security number. Your Social is equivalent to 166.386 of the former cur-Security contributions cover sickness rency, the peseta. 500 pesetas is aroundand maternity benefits, old-age pensions, €3 and 1.000 pesetas around €6.industrial-injury compensation, invalidityand death benefits. Opening a bank accountEmployers take care of Social Securityprocedures on behalf of their salaried Spanish banks offer two types of bankemployees. Self-employed individuals accounts to international clients: residentneed to apply for their Social Security and non-resident accounts. The differ-number in person at their nearest Social ence is that the bank does not withholdSecurity office (Administració de la a percentage of the interest earned in non-Seguretat Social). resident accounts, while fees are usually lower for resident accounts. The bank generally does a check of your non-resident status every six months. If you do become Go to www.seg-social.es for a complete a resident after opening the account, you list of Social Security offices in Catalonia must notify the bank and give them a copy of your residence card. For more information on the Spanish Social Security system, visit www.seg-social.es To open a non-resident bank account, just go to the bank of your choice with your passport. Another link with an English summary: www.seg-social.es/Internet_6/ To open a resident account, simply go to TramitesyGestiones/ObtenciondelNu- the bank with your Spanish NIE and they merod44084/index.htm will open your account right then and there. The bank will provide you with a bankbook (llibreta), a debit card, or both. You can open an account in euros or in a foreign currency. There is usually no minimum deposit for opening a bank account

21in euros, but there may be one for opening Banking hoursan account in another currency. Theremay be a fee for opening the account and Most banks are open from Monday toa small annual charge for maintenance. Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 or 2:30 p.m.There may also be service charges for Savings and loans (caixes) are also opencertain transactions, so make sure to on Thursday afternoons from 5:00 to 7:45inquire about fees and check your bank p.m. from October to May.statements carefully.There are several banking options in Bar- Credit cardscelona, from local banks (some of whichare ranked among the foremost banks in Major credit and charge cards are ac-Europe) to branches of major international cepted in almost all shops, restaurants,institutions and large investment banks. hotels and many other services, includ-It is a good idea to ask your bank in your ing Metro ticket machines and parkinghome country about the possibility of machines. You can also use your credit oropening an account with a corresponding debit card to withdraw money from cashbranch in Barcelona, if there is one. machines, which provide instructions in different languages.Some banks have English-speaking staff atspecific branches to help foreigners. Manybanks also offer excellent online banking Paying billsservices in different languages. Cheques are rarely used in Spain—instead,You can visit several banks or do research a convenient way to pay recurring billsonline to find out which institutions pro- such as rent, electricity and telephone billsvide services that suit your needs best. is through direct debit (domiciliació). To have your bill payments deducted directly from your bank account, you must first authorize them with your bank. Just fill out the forms instructing your bank to pay certain creditors and inform them of your account details. The bank will advise you of the amount they have paid on your behalf and to whom.

22 Budget hotels and guesthouses ACCOMMODATION This type of accommodation is calledShort-term accommodation a pensió or hostal in Spanish. A hostal should not be confused with a hostel,Newcomers who wish to book short-term which is a kind of communal accommo-accommodation in Barcelona to allow them- dation offered mostly to young people,selves time to search for a more permanent referred to as alberg juvenil in Catalan.home will find a wealth of options in the A hostal is very similar to a hotel, but iscity. However, Barcelona’s popularity as a smaller and more informal. Hostales tenddestination for short breaks and the many to be family-run businesses. They areinternational events regularly hosted by the not categorized by the 5-star hotel ratingcity give it a hotel occupancy rate of 75-85%, but instead have their own 3-star ratingone of the highest in Europe. It is therefore system. They provide quality accommoda-advisable that you arrange your short-term tion at a much lower price, although theyaccommodation at least two to three months offer fewer facilities and services andbefore your arrival, so you can have more generally lack Internet reservations orchoices and get cheaper rates. booking sites. Hotels Serviced and self-catered apartmentsThe robust growth in demand expe-rienced by Barcelona’s hotel sector These are fully furnished and equippedhas been met by numerous new hotel apartments available for short-term ordevelopments. The city now offers a long-term stays. They usually providewide range of hotels to suit all tastes and cooking facilities and all the modernbudgets, from five-star luxury properties conveniences of home. Serviced apart-to midrange accommodations. ments come with daily or weekly cleaning services, while in self-catered apart-The local market is mainly dominated by ments such services are optional and aredomestic hotel chains and independent charged separately. They range in sizehotels, although there is some presence from one-room studios to 2-3 bedroomfrom international operators. You can apartments. This type of accommodationchoose from large, full-service, globally is ideal for families and large groups. Thebranded hotels right through to smaller, main advantages of staying in an apart-cosier, individually owned boutique hotels. ment are privacy, more space and theThere is a broad selection of hotels in the cost savings associated with cooking one’slively city-centre and beachside areas, as own meals.well as in quieter residential zones.

23 Due to limited space in Spanish cities, locals are used to living in multi-family Go to the Plan Your Trip page of Barce- residential buildings. Barcelona is no lona’s tourism website, www.bcn.cat/ exception to this. Single-family detached turisme, to search for short-term accom- homes with a garden or even semi- modation in Barcelona. detached homes are very difficult to find in the city. Those who wish to live in this type of house need to go to residential Aparthotels areas outside the city. Bear in mind that in Barcelona, socializing is mostly doneAparthotels combine the flexibility of outdoors and there is little entertaining atapartment living with hotel comforts. Like home. Bedrooms are considered a purelyserviced and self-catered apartments, functional place to sleep and are oftenaparthotel suites feature en-suite bath- comparatively small.rooms, fully fitted kitchens and living areas.But in addition to these internal facilities, You can choose between furnishedthey also offer typical hotel services such as and unfurnished apartments. Furnishedrestaurants and bars, concierge assistance, apartments vary in their furnishings butin-house maintenance and dry cleaning. normally include basic living, dining and bedroom furniture and appliances such as a refrigerator, cooker and washing ma-Medium and long-term chine. Microwave ovens, dishwashers andaccommodation clothes dryers are not always included. Unfurnished apartments may or may notAny stay in a rental property longer than six have kitchen appliances or even lightmonths is considered medium or long-term fixtures, but you can always negotiateaccommodation. Long-term accommoda- with the owner.tion is a stay of at least one year’s duration.A temporary contract is for six to elevenmonths and is renewable. This type ofcontract is normally used for holiday let-tings and is more expensive. A standardlong-term contract is for a minimum of oneyear and can be renewed for up to fiveyears. The first year is obligatory for bothtenant and landlord, while the remainingfour years is optional for the tenant andobligatory to the landlord.

24 SANT JUST DESVERN 12 SANT JOAN DESPÍ ESPLUGUES DE LLOBREGAT SARRIÀ - SANT GERVASI 11 7 CORNELLÀ SANT BOI DE LLOBREGATDE LLOBREGAT LES CORTS 9 10 HOSPITALET DE LLOBREGAT EL PRAT DE LLOBREGAT SANTS - MONTJUÏC 13

25 SANT CUGAT CERDANYOLA DEL VALLÈS DEL VALLÈS MONTCADA 14 I REIXAC HORTA - GUINARDÓ NOU BARRIS SANTA COLOMA DE GRAMANET8 GRÀCIA SANT ANDREU 3 EIXAMPLE 2 BADALONA 15 SANT MARTÍ SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÓSCIUTAT VELLA 4 5 1 6

26 CHOOSING A PLACE TO LIVEThe neighbourhoods ofBarcelonaBarcelona is divided into ten administra-tive districts, each one with its own districtcouncil. These districts are Ciutat Vella,Eixample, Gràcia, Horta-Guinardó, LesCorts, Nou Barris, Sant Andreu, Sant Mar-tí, Sants-Montjuïc and Sarrià-Sant Gervasi.These districts are informally subdivided Plaça Reialinto neighbourhoods or barris. Nearby are La Rambla, at the top of whichThe following is a brief overview of the is Plaça Catalunya. The neighbourhood ismost popular neighbourhoods of Barcelona. a short walk from Barcelona’s other attractions and has excellent transport links to 1 Barri Gòtic / El Born other parts of the city.Ciutat Vella, meaning Old City, is the El Born, once a medieval jousting place, ishistoric centre of Barcelona. This district, now one of the most fashionable areas ofwith its Roman, Medieval and Gothic Barcelona. It is known for its vibrant nightlifearchitecture, narrow, winding streets and and excellent shopping. It is also home to theintriguing mix of old and new is a magnet famous Santa Maria del Mar Cathedral, thefor tourists and locals alike. Of its many in- Picasso Museum and the Textile Museum.teresting neighbourhoods, El Born and the El Born is located between Via LaietanaBarri Gòtic or Gothic Quarter stand out. and Barceloneta and is served by the Metro stops Barceloneta and Jaume I on Line 4.The Gothic Quarter holds the remnants It is a ten-minute walk from La Rambla andof Barcelona’s Roman past. Its main attrac- from the beach. Parc de Ciutadella and thetions are the magnificent Barcelona Ca- Barcelona Zoo are also nearby.thedral, Plaça Sant Jaume and its beautifulgovernment buildings, the buzzing nightlife Ciutat Vella is a trendy district that drawsin and around Carrer de Ferran and Plaça a hip, youthful crowd. Many of the build-Reial, and the interesting shops in the com- ings in this area have been renovatedmercial area of Portal de l’Àngel. Also in and turned into rental apartments, whichthe area are two major food markets, the have become popular among young localBoqueria and Santa Caterina. professionals, expatriates and tourists.

27 2 Eixample In the Eixample, one can find spacious apartments with high ceilings, inside elegantThe Eixample neighbourhood is by far Modernist buildings with long corridors andthe largest in Barcelona. It stretches from elaborate façades. The inner courtyardsPlaça Espanya to Plaça de les Glòries in each block give most buildings a naturalCatalanes, and from Ciutat Vella to Gràcia. source of light both in front and behind.The whole area is set out in a grid, witheach block having an inner courtyard. This This neighbourhood is very central and hasgrid design, the brainchild of 19th-century excellent transport links to the rest of theCatalan urban planner Ildefons Cerdà, city. It appeals to residents of all age groups.makes it very easy to find places in theneighbourhood.The Eixample contains the largest concen-tration of modernist architecture in Europe.It is also the economic and commercial hubof Barcelona and a high-class residentialneighbourhood. Passeig de Gràcia, hometo most of Barcelona’s exclusive designershops and restaurants, is at the heart of theEixample and divides into two: Left Eixam-ple (Eixample Esquerra) and Right Eixample(Eixample Dreta). Also on this street aretwo of Antoni Gaudi’s most iconic buildings: Parc GüellCasa Batlló and Casa Milà. 3 Gràcia Gràcia is just off one end of Passeig de Gràcia, but entering it feels like leaving Barcelona and going into a whole different world. Gràcia was in fact an independent village that was absorbed by Barcelona in 1897. Gràcia has a network of narrow streets and charming bench-lined places. It is home to sidewalk cafès and tapas restaurants, low-key nightspots, alternativeLa Pedrera theatres and quirky shops that draw a

28youthful clientele. Yet behind its trendy,bohemian character lies a traditionalneighbourhood of proud, elderly locals.A Metro line runs through the heart of theneighbourhood. 4 PoblenouPoblenou was a traditional industrial areaof Barcelona that is now rapidly beingtransformed through the 22@ project intothe new Barcelona’s Technological and Vila OlímpicaInnovation District. 5 Diagonal Mar22@ is creating a diverse and balancedenvironment in which the most innova- This newly developed area by the sea istive companies exists alongside research, part of the construction boom of the lasttraining and technology-transfer centres, decade and of a strategic regeneration oftogether with housing, facilities and green the city’s seafront. The wide streets andareas. avenues are lined with numerous high-rise, condominium-style apartment buildings, asIts closeness to the beach makes it attrac- well as lower walk-up complexes with com-tive for new housing projects, and it is now munity areas and swimming pools.starting to attract local and internationalbusiness. It may be hard to find parking in Diagonal Mar has a large shopping centrethis area during the day, when it is buzzing and several 4-star hotels. Many of the apart-with business activity, but at night some ments in this zone are rented out to thestreets are not so busy. employees of the multinational companies that have set up offices in the nearby area.Many of Poblenou’s old warehouse build-ings have been converted into trendy lofts 6 Vila Olímpicaand studios and other developments. This was the site of the Olympic Village ofThe Rambla del Poblenou adds a unique, the 1992 Games held in Barcelona and islocal character to this neighbourhood, very close the Port Olimpic and beaches.retaining a village appeal with a great After the Olympics, the area’s brickselection of shops, markets, bars and buildings were transformed into apart-restaurants. ments, and the whole area was renovated

29to accommodate gardens, terraces andcommunity areas. New buildings wereconstructed in the surrounding areas alongAvinguda d’Icària and Carrer de la Marina.Vila Olímpica is well connected to therest of the city by Metro, tram and busservices. It is also walking distance to Parcde la Ciutadella, the Barcelona Zoo andthe Poblenou neighbourhood. It has amodern shopping centre with a supermar-ket and movie theatres playing movies intheir original version. 7 Pedralbes 8 Sant GervasiPedralbes is a quiet, exclusive residential Sant Gervasi, at the foot of Tibidabo hill, isarea with luxury buildings and wide green another quiet, upmarket residential area. Itspaces. Some developments even have has a distinguished history, being the site ofprivate gardens and swimming pools. This the Bellesguard, built by King Martin I at theneighbourhood also houses many of the beginning of the 15th century and completelycity’s international and private schools and refurbished by Antoni Gaudi in the earlythe ESADE and IESE business schools. 20th century. Spacious second homes and Modernist houses remain, as well as manyThe area has easy access to motorways convents and religious schools. Gaudi’s Lesand the airport and is fairly well served by Teresianes convent is particularly remarkable.buses going to the city centre. The neighbourhood also boasts the beautiful hilltop parks of Monterols and El Putxet, which command good views over Barcelona. The neighbourhood has a great community atmosphere and is very popular with Span- ish families. It also offers a good selection of shops and restaurants. Sant Gervasi is 10-15 minutes by car from the city centre. It is also connected to the centre by Line 7 of the Ferrocarril de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC).

30 9 Les Corts 11 SarriàLes Corts is a neighbourhood with a Sarrià, a charming old neighbourhoodvery heterogeneous infrastructure, as it at the foot of the Collserola hills, has ancombines buildings from the first residential historic quarter that has preserved most ofareas of 1800 and 1900, with buildings of its original personality. Sarrià, like Gràcia,more modern constructions. It corresponds was once an independent town, hence itsto the oldest and most central area of the unique village appeal.old municipality of Les Corts which wasincorporated into Barcelona in 1897. In the The neighbourhood’s two FGC (Catalanhighest part, situated above the Diagonal railway) stations, Reina Elisenda and Sarrià,avenue, Neolithic and Iberian remains were make getting to the city centre quite easy.found, as well as a Roman necropolis.The Castells colony is also one of the most Metropolitan area:representative parts of the neighbour- Surrounding towns and citieshood, and is currently undergoing a proc-ess of rehabilitation. 12 Sant Just Desvern / Esplugues de Llobregat 10 Turó Parc Sant Just Desvern and Esplugues de Llo-This area features properties that overlook bregat are municipalities in the Baix Llobre-Turó Parc, one of Barcelona’s most beauti- gat region of the Barcelona metropolitanful green spaces. area. They are located south of Barcelona, just 15 minutes by car to the city centre.Excellent shops and restaurants are close byin the commercial areas of Pau Casals, Plaça Sant Just and Esplugues are quiet resi-Francesc Macià and Avinguda Diagonal. dential areas characterised by vast green spaces and great views of the sea and the city of Barcelona. Many of the properties here are recently constructed apartments and houses with swimming pools. It is also possible to find detached, single-family homes in this area. It has all the essential commercial and public services. Esplugues is home to the American and German schools and is thus very popular with German and American residents.

31 13 Castelldefels / Gavà / SitgesThe history of Castelldefels can be tracedback to the year 911. Its castle was built inthe Middle Ages, as well as the towers ofthe original city wall, which can be foundtoday in the city centre.Castelldefels is 20 minutes away fromthe city centre and 10 minutes fromthe international airport, taking eitherthe C-246 or the A-16 motorways. Thepublic transportation system is excellent,with both buses and trains to Barcelonaleaving every 20 minutes from several Sitgeslocations throughout the area. Sitges, a city about 35 kilometres south-Bordered by a mile-long sandy beach to west of Barcelona, is a very popular tour-the east and hills to the west, Castelldefels ist destination. It is known worldwidehas a mild climate. A favourite spot for for its beaches, nightspots and historicaltourists, it has many restaurants serving a sites, as well as its annual Film Festivalvariety of cuisines and a number of well- and Carnival. Many expatriate familiesrated hotels. live in Sitges’ residential districts of Vallpineda, La Levantina, Quintmar andCastelldefels is attractive to people who Rocamar.like living near the sea and to familieswhose children go to the British school, 14 Sant Cugat and Vallès which is located in the area. OccidentalThe town of Gavà boasts four kilometres Sant Cugat is a town in the Vallès Oc-of coastline frequented by beach lovers cidental area, just 12 kilometres awayand the mountains of Garraf Natural Park. from Barcelona. Its strategic location andIt is one of the biggest municipalities in excellent transport links to the city allowsthe Baix Llobregat area. It is located 15 many of its residents to live in Sant Cugatkilometres from Barcelona and 10 kilome- and work in Barcelona. Although it hastres from the international airport, and grown in size and population, Sant Cugatcan be reached by bus, train and car. It is has managed to preserve the essence of aconnected to Barcelona by the C-32 and quiet town, and its residents enjoy a highC-246 motorways. quality of life.

32 Other residential areas include Valldoreix and Mirasol, which were originally summer vacation destinations of Barcelona residents. Other municipalities in Vallès Occidental also offer attractive housing options. Bel- laterra, in the municipality of Cerdanyola del Vallès, is home to the campus of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB). 15 El Maresme El Maresme is a county (comarca) locatedSant Cugat del Vallès along the coast, between the Mediterra- nean sea and Catalonia’s coastal hills andSant Cugat offers new buildings featuring bordering Vallès Oriental to the west. Itcommunity areas with swimming pools and has over 400,000 residents, 100,000 ofgardens. Here it is also possible to find de- which live in the capital and largest city,tached, single-family homes. This and the Mataró.town’s quiet, family-oriented atmosphereappeal to many expatriate families. El Maresme is well connected to Barcelona by the old Royal Way (CamíSant Cugat has different residential areas, Ral), now the N-II main road, and by theall well connected to each other and the Barcelona-Mataró railway, which wascity centre by buses and FGC stations. the first ever on the Iberian PeninsulaLarger apartments and houses can be when it was finished in 1848. More recentfound in the Eixample area, an older constructions are the Barcelona-Mataróresidential part of town, and in Golf-Can section of the C-32, the first motorway inTrabal, a residential zone of the town’s Spain, and its subsequent enlargement,Golf Club. the Mataró-Palafolls section.Parc Central and Coll Favà are Sant Cu- El Maresme features long sandy beachesgat’s newest residential areas, both close and beautiful hills. Its main sources ofto the city centre. Parc Central is more income are its vineyards, its textile andresidential while Coll Favà has a more fishing industries, and tourism. Its tour-commercial feel. In these zones you can ist spots and residential areas are wellfind apartments with communal areas and equipped with hotels, restaurants, campingterraced houses. and leisure areas and sports facilities.

33 Once you have chosen the property you’re THE BARCELONA RENTAL buying, your solicitor should carry out all nec- AND PROPERTY MARKET essary checks on it to ensure that the sale is legal and there is no outstanding debt againstBarcelona is a major tourist destination the property. Note that in Spain, a real estateand convention venue. In addition, it has debt can be passed on to the new owner.become one of the most preferred desti-nations for a large number of multinational Once your solicitor has provided writtencompanies, organizations and individuals confirmation that everything is correct andwho decide to settle or start operations verified the absence of charges, you musthere. It is also a popular choice for foreign- sign a pledge which will fix the period forers looking for second or holiday homes. the definitive purchase before a notary, the price and the payment. There is no need to sign anything until the signing of the Deed.Buying property in On signing the pledge, you pay an amount,Barcelona which is usually 10% of the sale. The contract must contain a detailed description of theThe NIE is a legal requirement when buying property-specific data and its characteris-property in Spain, so make sure you have tics. On failing to meet the deadlines of theobtained this before starting the buying contract, the owner, if it is he or she whoprocess. You will also need a Spanish bank decides not to sell or does not fulfil this con-account to pay not only for the property tract, shall refund double the amount paid,itself, but also the applicable professional that is to say, multiplied by two. If the personfees, taxes and charges on the purchase. who breaches the contract is the purchaser, this person will lose the amount paid.Another important step is to hire a repu-table and independent solicitor (advocat). The final property deeds will be signed onIf you do not speak Spanish or Catalan, a the day of the transaction by the seller,bilingual solicitor can also translate essen- the buyer and a notary and usually takestial documents and explain things you may several months to process.not understand.It also helps to consider your means offinance early on. Many overseas buyers inSpain purchase in cash, but you also havethe option to take out a mortgage, eitherwith a Spanish bank or your local bank’ssubsidiary business in Spain. Maximum loansare generally 75% of the purchase price.

34Rental contracts • Bank guarantee. Another possible requirement for renting an apartment isOnce you have chosen an apartment to the bank guarantee (aval bancari). Thisrent and the owner agrees to rent the prop- requires the tenant to deposit three to sixerty to you, the first thing to do is make a months’ rent in a separate bank accountdown payment. The down payment is equal for the duration of the rental contract.to a month’s rent and becomes part of the This amount will remain untouched, whiledeposit once the lease is signed. still earning interest, as a guarantee to the landlord. This is to provide the landlordOwners reserve the right to choose a ten- with cash to cover outstanding rent andant, based on their references and specific any legal expenses incurred in the evictionterms and conditions. You should be able of a non-complying tenant. The full amountto show the owner your work contract and plus earned interest is reimbursed to theother proof of income, as well as a copy of tenant upon termination of the contract.your passport or residence card. The guarantee is separate from the security deposit.A tenant wishing to leave the property andterminate the contract is required to send • Agency fee. Those renting through awritten notification to the landlord at least rental agency must also pay a commissiontwo months in advance, specifying the equivalent to 10% of the annual rent plusdate of cancellation of the contract. 18% value-added tax (Impost del Valor Afegit or IVA).Rent increases annually in accordance withthe Consumer Price Index (Índex de Preus You can make all the necessary paymentsal Consum or IPC). by bank transfer from your Spanish bank account. You can also pay in cash or with a Payments Spanish bank cheque, but not with a credit card.The following are payments associatedwith rental contracts. Rent must be paid during the first five days of the month. The rent and utility bills• Current month’s rent. are usually paid by direct debit from your Spanish bank account (see Money and• Security deposit. The tenant must pay a banking section).security deposit (fiança) equivalent to onemonth’s rent for an unfurnished apartmentand two months’ rent for a furnished one.The deposit will be reimbursed to the ten-ant upon termination of the contract.

35 Tenant and landlord Utilities responsibilities Rental contracts include a clause stating thatAfter an initial inspection of the apartment utilities are installed. This means that all youand a review of the inventory (if furnished), need to do is call the utility companies totenants have 15 to 30 days to report any request a name or account change. Adminis-damage found in the apartment and any trators usually offer to take care of this.repairs needed. Owners are obliged totake the necessary action. After the first If the utilities are not available, it canmonth, tenants are responsible for normal take up to a week for them to be set up.wear and tear and repairs, with the excep- Charges may apply.tion of damage caused by structural faults,water-pipe breakage and flooding from To get your utility service connected,outside sources. A good relationship with you are required to present your NIE oryour landlord or administrator is highly passport number, your bank account de-recommended to ensure good communica- tails, the number and signing date of yourtion and prompt solutions. rental contract, the last bill and a Cèdula d’Habitabilitat, a document that certifies Pets the habitability of your home. Connection fees may apply.Unfortunately, not many owners acceptpets in their apartments. Those who do All utilities (gas, water, electricity andmay ask for an extra deposit. telephone) are usually paid by direct debit (see Money and banking section). You should receive a bill before the money is deducted from your account, so remember to check that the amount deducted matches the bill. Electricity Electricity is priced using the international system of a small standing charge and a further charge per kilowatt-hour con- sumed. This rate decreases as consump- tion increases. Electricity is billed every month based on the power rating and the kilovolt, which in Spain is 220 volts AC with a frequency of 50 hertz.

36The main power suppliers in Barcelona are:Fecsa EndesaTel : +34 902 507 750 (English spoken onrequest) www.endesa.esGas NaturalTel : +34 902 250 365 www.gasnatural.comIberdrolaTel : +34 901 202 020 www.iberdrola.esSpain uses Type C or Europlug power Wateroutlets, with two round pins. Those fromoutside Europe may need an adapter for In Barcelona, water is supplied exclusivelyany appliances from their home country by Aigües de Barcelona. Bills are sent outthey wish to use in Spain. Those from every three months.countries using the 110-volt system alsoneed a voltage converter. Aigües de Barcelona Gas Tel : +34 900 710 710 www.aiguesdebarcelona.esMains or piped gas is available in Barce-lona. Many homes have a combined gashot-water and heating system. You are Tap water in Barcelona is safe to drink, butbilled for gas every two months. Like all is quite hard and has a mineral taste. Mostutility bills, gas bills can be paid by direct residents prefer to drink bottled water.debit. Landline telephonesGas Natural There are several national and a fewTel : +34 902 250 365 regional providers of fixed-line telephone www.gasnatural.com services in Spain. Different providers offer a wide range of plans, including flat-rate

37charges (tarifes planes), and it is up to pending on where you call: calls to mobilesyou to shop around for the best deal. with the same operator are the cheapestRemember, however, that most fixed lines while calls to landlines and mobiles withare still provided by Telefónica- Movistar, other operators are more expensive.the historical national telephone company,even if you decide to use another provider Providers also offer special promotionsfor your calling charges. that are worth looking into.Providers also offer standard services such You can choose between a prepaid phoneas call waiting, call redirect and voice mail. and a contract.Having a landline installed generally takes A prepaid phone offers more flexibility. Tofour to five days, but it can take longer in get more credit for your prepaid phone,some cases. All calls within Spain are billed you can buy recharge cards or buy creditsin the same way. You pay an amount for through your phone, from any cash ma-establishing the call and then are charged chine or online. All prepaid-phone usersper minute connected. All charges are are required by law to present their identi-subject to VAT. fication to their mobile-phone provider.Spain’s country code is 34. All major cities Alternatively, you can sign a contract. Within Spain have their own prefixes. Barce- a contract, you get monthly bills, lowerlona’s prefix is 93, while Madrid’s is 91. calling rates and better deals on new phones. The typical length of a contract Mobile phones is one year. If you cancel before this, you will usually have to pay a penalty. To signSpain operates on a GSM network. If you a contract, you are required to presentcurrently own an unlocked GSM phone, it an identity document and a recent bankwill work in Spain with a new SIM card. statement. Your phone bill is also paid through direct debit.When choosing a mobile-phone serviceprovider and pricing plan, consider when Internetand where you usually call. Prepaid andcontract rate plans can either be hourly or It is fairly easy to get high-speed Internetuniversal. With hourly rates, tariffs are much access in Spain. The two options availablelower in the early morning and late in the are ADSL or cable modem (up to 50 Mega-day and are higher during business hours. bytes per second). Besides the monthlyUniversal rates offer one fixed rate regard- fee, providers often charge a signup feeless of the time of day, but this is typically (quota d’alta), but many operators waivehigher. There are also different rates de- or reduce this to attract more customers.

38 networks. Access to a 3G network is usually included in your mobile phone’s pricing plan. Those who do not have access to a compu- ter can go to Barcelona’s many Internet cafés, which charge per hour or using multi-hour passes called bonus. They also offer other services such as printing, scan- ning and using basic programs. The city has launched different ICT-based services to offer Barcelona’s residents an improved public service, with greater flexibility and accessibility and more rapid action. For instance, mobile phones can be used to access the city agenda of what’s on, the map or the directory ofHigh-speed access usually requires a con- facilities, centres and services. The Citytract of at least one year, with associated Council also has tow information servicespenalties for early termination. Many Inter- specially designed for access using PDAnet packages are bundled with telephone electronic devices.and television services.There are also several wifi (pronouncedwee-fee in Spanish and Catalan) options in For more information, visit www.bcn.cat/Barcelona. The city has 500 hotspots with bcnmobil/en/welcome.htmfree access in every city neighbourghood,mostly municipal premises such as public li-braries, civic centers or markets. In addition,an increasing number of establishments in Domestic servicesthe city are making wireless Internet con-nections available to their customers. Those who require domestic help can choose to hire a live-in service person,Telephone and Internet companies also offer daytime help, part-time help or a cleaningmonthly subscriptions to their wifi services, person. A professional agency can findwhich usually work with a USB wifi modem. the right person for you and help you with administrative issues. BabysittingThose with Internet-enabled smart phones services are also offered by individualscan also take advantage of Barcelona’s 3G and agencies.

39 concertada schools, though there may be EDUCATION voluntary fees and expenses for extracur- ricular activities.Choosing a school Primary education (Educació Primària)Choosing a school in Barcelona for your is compulsory in Spain from the age ofchildren depends on their previous educa- six. After finishing primary school at agetional experience and how long you plan to 12, children then move on to a secondarystay in Spain. school where they go through Compul- sory Secondary Education (EducacióFamilies who are likely to move fre- Secundària Obligatòria or ESO) from agequently from one country to another 12 to 16. This is followed by the Formacióduring the children’s school years tend Post-Obligatòria where students canto choose an international school so that choose to leave school and start working;the children will have some degree of or do two years of Batxillerat and theneducational continuity regardless of the enter university; or gain more practicalfamily’s location. vocational training through the Formació Professional or FP programme.If you plan to live in Spain for a number ofyears, you may want to enrol your childrenin a regular Catalan school. If you plan tobe in Spain for a short while, then return For more information, visit www.bcn.to your home country, you may want to cat/educació (Spanish and Catalan only)give your children the experience of a yearin a Catalan school, or you may want themto continue with the kind of programmethey followed back home. Pre-primary Pre-primary education is for childrenThe Spanish school system between 0 and 6 years old. It is organised in two cycles of three courses:There are three types of schools in theSpanish school system: public, private, and • First cycle (0-3 years old): the only cen-state-funded (concertada). Tuition is free tres that provide pre-primary or nurseryin public schools, which are completely education are called llars d’infants orfunded by the state. Private schools are escoles bressol. In this first level the educa-privately financed. Concertada schools are tion is not free of charge. There are publicprivately run schools that receive some centres (whose cost is partially financed bygovernment funding. Tuition is also free in the Administration) and private centres.

40 SPANISH EDUCATION. SIMPLIFIED CHARTS conditional access access test required University: Postgraduate studies HIGHER EDUCATION CiclEs FormatiUs University: de GraU SUPERIOR Graduate studies (higher vocational training) secondary secondary education education Upper BaTXILLERAT CiclEs FormatiUs SECONDARY EDUCATION (academic programme) de GraU MIG (16-18 years) (vocational training) Compulsory Compulsory education Educació SecundÀria ObligatÒria (12-16 years) 6 degrees EDUCATION PRIMARY (6-12 years) 2nd cycle (3-6 years) PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION 1st cycle (0-3 years)source : Self-elaboration based on the Spanish Ministry of Education

41• Second cycle (3-6 years old): the centres English-language international schoolsthat provide this second cycle are called either follow a particular educational cur-parvularis, although there are also children’s riculum throughout, such as the British orand primary education centres (CEIP) that American system, or switch after primarycover the children’s education from 3 to 12 level to the local curriculum. A Spanishyears old. In this second level the educa- secondary system means that students aretion is universal and free of charge in the taught the Obligatory Secondary Educa-public centres and concertats schools, (but tion (Educació Secundària Obligatòria ornot in the private schools). ESO) curriculum from ages 12 to 16 and then Batxillerat from ages 16 to 18 if theyThere are also a number of multilingual wish to enter university.nurseries and day care centres throughoutBarcelona and its surrounding areas. In Barcelona, there are French, American, British schools. There is also a German school, an Italian school, a Japanese school and a Swiss school. These country- To look for nurseries and preschools in specific international schools are funded Barcelona, go to Consulta de centres > Edu- by their respective countries and follow cación Infantil on www.bcn.cat/educació these countries’ curriculums. Although they are open to students of all nationali- You can also visit w110.bcn.cat/Portal- ties, priority is given to nationals of the Bressol for more information (Spanish and country funding the school. Those of a Catalan only) different nationality who have done part of their schooling in that country are also given priority.International and bilingual Schools based outside the city offer schoolschools bus services.There are two types of international Waiting lists for international schools areschools: schools that follow their country’s long and there is limited capacity. It iscurriculum with or without Spanish and / or therefore recommended that you apply asCatalan as second languages, and schools soon as possible.that teach in foreign languages while follow-ing a Spanish curriculum. Although these Following there is a table and a list of in-latter schools are classified as international, ternational schools by alphabetical order:most of its students are Spanish, so yourchildren will be exposed to Spanish andCatalan through their classmates.

42INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN BARCELONA AREASCHOOL CITY AGES LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION IB* JAPANESE ENGLISH GERMAN HEBREW FRENCH ITALIAN 16-18 12-16 6-11 3-5 0-2Àgora Masia Bach International School St. Esteve Sesrovires 2 a x x x x x Àgora Sant Cugat International School St. Cugat del Vallès x x x x x x Benjamin Franklin International School Barcelona x x x x x xBritish School of Barcelona Castelldefels x x x x x Colegio Hatikva Valldoreix (St. Cugat) 2 a x x x x x Colegio Xaloc L’Hospitalet de Llobregat x x x x x x xDeutsche Schule Barcelona (DSB) Esplugues de Llobregat x x x x xÉcole Française Bel Air St. Pere de Ribes x x x x x École Française Ferdinand-de-Lesseps Barcelona x x x English Academy Santa Claus Barcelona x x x English School Barcelona x x x ESCAAN International School Sitges x x x x x x xEuropa International School St. Cugat del Vallès x x x x x x Hamelin International Laie School Alella x x x x x x Highlands School Barcelona x x x x x Japanese School St. Cugat del Vallès x x x x John Talabot Barcelona x x x x Kensington School Barcelona x x x x x Lycée Français de Barcelone Barcelona x x x x x Lycée Français de Gavà Bon Soleil Gavà x x x x x Oak House School Barcelona x x x x x Princess Margaret School Barcelona x x x x Santa Clara International College Barcelona 2 a x x x x x Schiller International School El Prat de Llobregat 10-11 x x x Schweizerschule Barcelona Barcelona x x x x x Scuola Italiana di Barcellona Barcelona x x x x x Sek-Catalunya La Garriga x x x x x xSt Paul’s School Barcelona x x x x x St Peter’s School Barcelona 18m x x x x x The American School of Barcelona Esplugues de Llobregat x x x x x x The International School of Catalunya La Garriga x x x x The Olive Tree School Sitges x xZürich Schule Barcelona 2 a x x x x *International Baccalaureate

43Àgora Masia Bach International School 08902 L’Hospitalet de LLobregatCarrer Puig de Mira, 15-21 Urb. Masia Bach Tel :+34 93 335 16 0008635 Sant Esteve Sesrovires E-mail : xaloc@xaloc.orgTel : + 34 93 779 89 28 www.xaloc.orgE-mail : info@agoramasiabach.edu.esFGC : R6 Deutsche Schule Barcelona (DSB) www.agoramasiabach.edu.es Avinguda Jacint Esteva Fontanet, 105 08950 Esplugues de LlobregatÀgora Sant Cugat International School Tel : +34 93 371 83 00Carrer Ferrer i Guàrdia, s/n E-mail : dsbarcelona@dsbarcelona.com08174 Sant Cugat del Vallès www.dsbarcelona.comTel : + 34 93 590 26 00E-mail : administracio@agorasantcugat.edu.es École Française Bel AirFGC : Sant Joan S2 S55 Carretera 246a, Km 42 Vilanoveta www.agorasantcugat.edu.es 08810 Sant Pere de Ribes Tel : +34 93 896 22 67Benjamin Franklin International School E-mail : info@ecole-belair.comCarrer Martorell i Peña, 9 www.ecole-belair.com08017 BarcelonaTel : +34 93 434 23 80 École Française Ferdinand-de-LessepsE-mail : alexandrao@bfischool.org Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 707 www.bfischool.org 08013 Barcelona Tel : +34 93 232 16 12British School of Barcelona E-mail : lesseps@lesseps.netCarrer Ginesta, 26 Metro : Monumental L208860 Castelldefels www.lesseps.netTel : +34 93 665 15 84E-mail : info@britishschoolbarcelona.com English Academy Santa Claus www.britishschoolbarcelona.com Carrer Lleó XIII, 12 08022 BarcelonaColegio Hatikva Tel : +34 93 417 18 47Avinguda Mas Fuster, 128 E-mail : mail@academysantaclaus.com08197 Valldoreix FGC : Avinguda del Tibidabo L7Tel : +34 93 211 91 16 www.academysantaclaus.comE-mail : info@colegiohatikva.com www.colegiohatikva.com English school Carrer Gustavo A. Bécquer, 50 (Kinder) andCol·legio Xaloc Carrer Montornès, 37 (Primary)Carrer de Can Tries, 4-6 08023 Barcelona

44Tel : + 34 93 213 88 64 E-mail : fpcjap@telefonica.netE-mail : englishschool@colegioingles.net www.colegiojaponesbcn.netmetro : PenitentsL3 www.colegioingles.net John Talabot Carrer de les Escoles Pies, 136ESCAAN International School Carrer Quatre Camins, 83Passeig Isaac Albéniz, s/n 08017 Barcelona08870 Sitges Tel : +34 93 212 34 99Tel : +34 93 894 20 40 E-mail : info@johntalabot.comE-mail : information@escaan.com www.johntalabot.com www.escaan.com Kensington SchoolEuropa International School Carrer Cavallers, 31-33Avinguda Pla del Vinyet, 110 08034 Barcelona08172 Sant Cugat del Vallès Tel : +34 93 203 54 57Tel : +34 93 589 84 20 E-mail : info@kensingtonschoolbcn.comE-mail : info@europais.com www.kensingtonschoolbcn.comFGC : Sant Cugat S1 S2 S5 S55 www.europais.com Lycée Français de Barcelone Carrer Bosch i Gimpera, 6-10Hamelin International Laie School 08034 BarcelonaCarrer Riera de la Coma Fosca, 3-5 Tel : +34 93 203 79 5008328 Alella E-mail : lfb@lfb.esTel : + 34 93 555 2296 FGC : Reina Elisenda L6E-mail : hamelin@escolessas.com www.lfb.es www.escolessas.comHighlands SchoolCarrer Monestir, 308034 BarcelonaTel : +34 418 09 00E-mail : administración@colegiohighlands.net www.colegiohighlands.netJapAnEsE schoolCinturó de Can Graells, 61Polígon Can Graells08190 Sant Cugat del VallèsTel : 935 893 247

45Lycée Français de Gavà Bon Soleil Schweizerschule BarcelonaCamí de la Pava, 15 Carrer Alfons XII, 95-10508850 Gavà 08006 BarcelonaTel : +34 93 633 13 58 Tel : +34 93 209 65 44E-mail : courrier@bonsoleil.es E-mail : info@escuelasuizabcn.es www.bonsoleil.es FGC : Plaça Molina L6 L7 www.escuelasuizabcn.esOak House SchoolCarrer Sant Pere Claver, 12-18 Scuola ITALIANA DI BARCELlONA08017 Barcelona Passatge Méndez Vigo, 8Tel : +34 93 252 40 20 08009 BarcelonaE-mail : sec@oakhouseschool.com Tel : +34 93 487 46 65 ou +34 93 203 00 06 www.oakhouseschool.com E-mail : preside@liceoamaldi.com Metro : Passeig de Gràcia L3, Girona L4Princess Margaret School www.liceoamaldi.comPasseig Font d’en Fargas, 15-1708032 Barcelona Sek CatalunyaTel : +34 93 429 03 13 Avinguda Els Tremolencs, 24-26E-mail : colegio@princessmargaret.org Urbanització Els TremolencsMetro : Vilapicina L5 08530 Barcelona www.princessmargaret.es Tel : + 34 93 871 84 48 E-mail : sek-catalunya@sek.esSanta Clara International College www.sek.esCarrer de Pomaret, 17-1908017 Barcelona St. Paul’s SchoolTel : +34 93 212 35 93 Avinguda Pearson, 39E-mail : santaclara@santaclaraic.com 08034 Barcelona www.santaclaraic.com Tel : +34 93 203 05 00 E-mail : secretaria@stpauls.esSchiller International School www.stpauls.esc/o Academia Sánchez-CasalAutovia Castelldefels (C-31), km 191 St. Peter’s SchoolApartat de Correus 176 Carrer Eduard Toldrà, 1808820 El Prat de Llobregat 08034 BarcelonaTel : +34 93 479 16 16 ext. 242 Tel : +34 93 204 3612E-mail : admin@schillerschool.eu E-mail : stpeters@stpeters.es www.schillerschool.eu www.stpeters.es

46The American School of BarcelonaCarrer Jaume Balmes, 708950 Esplugues de LlobregatTel : +34 93 371 40 16 / +34 93 371 50 12E-mail : info@a-s-b.com www.a-s-b.comThe International School of CatalunyaCarrer del Passeig, 908530 La GarrigaTel : + 34 93 841 40 77E-mail : info@iscat.es www.iscat.esThe Olive Tree SchoolCarrer Sant Francesc Gumà, 2208870 SitgesTel : + 34 677 419 632E-mail : info@olivetreeschool.es Local schools www.olivetreeschool.es The Spanish curriculum is followed in localZürich Schule schools. Catalan is the official medium ofAvinguda Pearson, 73 instruction in schools in Catalonia. Eighty08034 Barcelona percent of teaching in public and con-Tel : +34 93 203 76 06 certada schools is conducted in Catalan.E-mail : info@zurichschule.com All correspondence between parent and www.zurichschule.com school is also in Catalan. Spanish and a foreign language, usually English, are also taught in schools. All children living in Catalonia have the right to free education. School places are distributed, first through a point system, then through a draw. School enrolment for September generally begins around March. Before enrolling your child in any school, you must have the following essential information:

47• School regulations, procedures and School termstimetables. The school year is divided into three• Number of places offered by the school. terms: September to December, January to March or April and April to June. There• Criteria for prioritization and admission are three major vacation periods: summer,of pupils. Christmas and Easter.• Territorial map of proximity (Àreesterritorials de proximitat). This is an Higher educationimportant prioritization criterion forschools with limited places. You can Spain is a member of the Europeanconsult your territorial map of proximity Higher Education Area, which was cre-on the website of the Barcelona Educa- ated by its member states to ensure moretion Consortium (Consorci d’Educació comparable, compatible and coherentde Barcelona). systems of higher education in Europe. Spanish universities have adopted a new• Assignment among the establishments. system of four-year Bachelor’s degrees (Grau) and postgraduate degrees that• The school’s educational goals and include EHEA-adapted Master’s degreesmethods. (Màster Oficial) and doctorate (Doctorat) degrees.• School services and out-of-school activi-ties. Barcelona has several world-class universities and higher-education institutions, both public and private. They are known for excellent academic programmes and To consult your territorial map of proxim- cutting-edge research in a wide range of ity, go to Centres i serveis educatius > fields. Àrees territorials de proximitat at www.edubcn.cat (Catalan only) To look for schools (primary and secondary For more information on higher education schools, Batxillerat and Formació Profes- and research, visit: Barcelona Centre sional), go to the Consulta de centres page Universitari www.bcu.cesca.es on www.bcn.cat/educacio (Spanish and Catalan only). Explore the rest of the site for further information.

48 Metro : Palau Reial L3 www.upc.edu/eng Do It in Barcelona www.doitinbcn.com Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) For study and research grants, visit: Plaça de la Mercè, 10-12 Agència de Gestió d’Ajuts Universitaris i de Tel : +34 93 542 20 00 Recerca www.gencat.net/agaur Metro : Drassanes L3, Jaume I L4 www.upf.edu/enThe following are the five public universi-ties in the Barcelona area. Visit the official There are also three private universities inwebsites of each university for admission Barcelona.requirements and academic programmes. Universitat Abat Oliva - CEU Carrer de Bellesguard, 30Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) Tel : +34 93 254 09 00Campus de Bellaterra www.uao.es08193 Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès)Tel : +34 93 581 11 11 Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC)FGC : Universitat Autònoma S2 S55 Carrer de la Immaculada, 22 www.uab.es/english Tel : +34 93 254 18 00 www.uic.esUniversitat de Barcelona (UB)Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 585 Universitat Ramon Llull (URL)Tel : +34 93 402 11 00 Carrer de Claravall, 1-3FGC : Catalunya L6 L7 Metro : Universitat L1 L2 Tel : +34 902 053 010 www.ub.edu/en Fgc : Avinguda Tibidabo L7 www.url.eduUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)(distance-learning university)Avinguda Tibidabo, 39-43 The University Qualification RecognitionTel : +34 93 326 30 00 Mentoring Service (SARU), run by theFgc : Avinguda Tibidabo L7 Catalan Government, advises people on www.uoc.edu/portal/english the process of getting their qualifications from foreign universities recognised.Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya(UPC) (Barcelona Tech) SARUCarrer de Jordi Girona, 31 Plaça Bonsuccès, 5-6Tel : +34 93 401 62 00 Tel : +34 93 552 69 89

49e-mail : saru@gencat.cat Language schoolsFgc : Catalunya L6 L7 METro : Catalunya L3 L1 The Consorci per a la Normalització Lingüística (CPNL) offers free introductory courses in Cata-International business lan, as well as higher levels at a minimal cost.schoolsBarcelona is an internationally accreditedbrand with a high concentration of prestig- Visit www.cpnl.cat for more informationious business schools. The Financial TimesGlobal MBA Rankings 2010 includes twoof Barcelona’s schools in the list of the top Official Language Schools (Escola Oficial20 business schools in the world: ESADE d’Idiomes) offer courses in Catalan, Span-and IESE. ish and foreign languages.ESADE Catalan universities and cultural institutions ofAvinguda Pedralbes, 60-62 different countries also offer language courses.Tel : +34 93 280 61 62 In addition, there is a thriving business of www.esade.edu/web/eng private language schools throughout the city.IESE Business School Escola Oficial d’Idiomes Barcelona - DrassanesAvinguda Pearson, 21 Avinguda Drassanes, 14Tel : +34 93 253 42 00 Tel : +34 93 324 93 30 www.iese.edu/en Metro : Drassanes L3 www.eoibd.catEADACarrer d’Aragó, 204 Escola Oficial d’Idiomes Barcelona -Tel : +34 93 452 11 91 Vall d’HebronFgc : Provença L6 L7 Avinguda Jordà, 18Metro : Universitat L1 L2 Tel : +34 93 418 68 33 www.eada.edu/en Metro : Vall d’Hebron L3 www.eoibcnvh.orgBARCELONA GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ECONOMICSCarrer Ramon Trias Fargas, 25-27 Goethe InstitutTel : +34 93 542 12 22 Carrer de Manso, 24-28metro : Ciutadella-Vila Olímpica L4 Tel : +34 93 292 60 06 www.barcelonagse.eu Metro : Sant Antoni L2 www.goethe.de/ins/es/bar/

50British Council and centres for the elderly, children andCarrer d’Amigó, 83 young people (casals per a gent gran, casalsTel : +34 93 241 97 00 infantils, ludoteques and casals juvenils) thatFGC : Muntaner L6 offer a variety of courses and workshops. www.britishcouncil.org/spain The following are just two of the main civicInstitut Français Barcelone centres in Barcelona.Carrer de Moià, 8Tel : +34 93 567 77 77Metro : Diagonal L3 L5 Centre Cívic Golferichs www.ifbcn.cat Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 491 Tel : +34 93 323 77 90Istituto Italiano di Cultura DI BARCELLONA Metro : Urgell L1Passatge Méndez Vigo, 5 www.golferichs.orgTel : +34 93 487 53 06Metro : Passeig de Gràcia L2 L3 L4 la Casa Elizalde www.iicbarcellona.esteri.it/IIC_Barcellona Carrer de València, 302 Tel : +34 93 488 05 90 Metro : Passeig de Gràcia L2 L3 L4For courses in Asian languages: www.casaelizalde.comCasa asiaPalau Baró de Quadras, Avinguda Diagonal, 373Tel : +34 93 368 08 36Metro : Diagonal L2 L3 L4 To search for more civic and community www.casaasia.es centres, go to www.bcn.cat/oci It is also interesting to know the Cibernàrium,Other courses a facility of Barcelona City Council for starting out in new technologies and for getting up-to-The city and its surrounding areas offer date with the latest technological trends. Allcountless other opportunities for learning. the courses and seminars are free of charge.Cooking classes, music lessons, computerclasses, dance lessons and much more: youcan find them all in Barcelona. Visit the website of Cibernàrium:The city has several community centres (cen- www.cibernarium.cattres de barri), civic centres (centres cívics)

51 certificate (empadronament), some form HEALTHCARE of identification, and if you are employed, your employment contract and your SocialPublic healthcare Security registration. Those who are not registered in the Social Security systemSpain has one of the best public health are also entitled to apply for a Catsalutsystems in the world, which provides health card.universal care to all of its citizens.The ambulatori, or, officially, the Centred’Atenció Primària (CAP), is a public health For more information on the Catalancentre where medical care is provided healthcare system, visit the official websitefor free. Each district of Barcelona has its of Catsalut www10.gencat.cat/own CAP, whose patients are determined catsalut/engby area of residence. When you register,you will be assigned a general practitionerand, if you have children, a paediatrician.Doctors work at certain hours and you will Hospitalsbe asked to choose a regular time slot thatsuits you for a visit to your doctor. Usually Public hospitals in Barcelona provideyou can get to see your primary-care doc- excellent emergency services and elec-tor within a day or two after calling for an tive and non-elective medical treatment.appointment. They are staffed by some of the best medical professionals in the country andExcept during emergencies, it is through are equipped with the latest in medicalyour primary-care doctor that you can technology.have access to a specialist. Also note thatpublic dental care only covers preventive, Visit the website of each hospital for morediagnosis and therapeutic care (such as information.dental extractions in case of infection orinflammation and preventive exploration topregnant women), being excluded services Hospital Clínic de Barcelonasuch as dental extractions of healthy teeth, Carrer de Villarroel, 170dental implants or orthodontics. Tel : +34 93 227 54 00 Metro : Hospital Clínic L5To register and receive your health card www.hospitalclinic.orgfrom Catsalut, the Catalan Health Service, (Spanish and Catalan only)you need to go to your nearest CAP andpresent your City Council registration

52Hospital de Sant Pau own network of hospitals, clinics andCarrer de Sant Quintí, 89 laboratories. Note that most companiesCarrer del Mas Casanovas, 90 only cover care provided by medicalTel : +34 93 291 90 00 professionals on their list, called a quadreMetro : Hospital de Sant Pau-Guinardó L4 mèdic, although some refund a certain www.santpau.es percentage of the fees charged by professionals not on the list.Hospital Universitari Vall d’HebronPasseig de la Vall d’Hebron, 119-129Tel : +34 93 489 30 00, 93 274 60 00 Maternity and PaternityMetro : Vall d’Hebron L3 www.vhebron.net/vhang.htm Barcelona offers high-standard maternity facilities that range from large hospitals to smaller clinics. Parents must register their child in person For more information visit: at the Civil Registry within eight days of www.gencat.cat/catsalut/rsb birth. Each birth is registered in a document called the Llibre de Família. MaternityPharmacies The leave period is 16 weeks with full pay,For minor aches and pains, you can go to the first six weeks of which must be takenyour nearest pharmacy and ask a pharmacist by the mother. The remaining 10 weeksfor advice. Spanish pharmacists are highly may be taken by the mother, the father orqualified and can give you advice on which both. The mother must fulfil the followingover-the-counter drugs to take and how to requirements to qualify for a leave:take them. Late-night pharmacies, calledfarmàcies de guàrdia, are open during week- • Those between 21 and 26 years of ageends and holidays. Some pharmacies are on the date of the birth must have con-open seven days a week, 24 hours a day. tributed to Social Security for 90 days within the seven years immediately prior to the start of the leave period or for 180Private health insurance days throughout their working life prior to that date.Another available option is the privatehealthcare sector. Private insurance • Those over 26 years of age on the dateproviders (mútues) usually have their of the birth must have contributed to

53Social Security for 180 days within the Requirements are:seven years immediately prior to thestart of the leave period or for 360 days • Being affiliated or in a situation assimi-throughout their working life prior to lated to affiliation.that date. • Having contributed for 180 days in the Paternity 7 years immediately prior to the date of the start of the suspension of the workThe father is entitled to a 15 days leave as contract, or, alternatively, contributed forfollows: 360 days in all your working life, before the above mentioned date.• 2 days of work leave, with full pay, atthe child’s birth (the day of birth and thefollowing). For more information on maternity leaves,• Plus the right to take a leave of 13 visit www.seg-social.es/Internet_6/uninterrupted days (either in full or part Trabajadores/Prestacionestime modality) and to receive a paternity Pension10935/Maternidad/index.htmbenefit covered by the Social SecuritySystem. This leave must be taken during For more information on paternity leaves,the 16 weeks of the maternity leave or im- visit www.seg-social.es/Internet_6/mediately after. Trabajadores/Prestaciones Pension10935/Paternidad/Regimen General/index.htm Another link with an English summary: www.seg-social.es/Internet_6/ TramitesyGestiones/Prestacionde Paterni51457/index.htm

54People with disabilities vet, contains obligatory information concern- ing each animal and is valid for its lifetime.Barcelona is considered to be a friendly cityfor people with disabilities. It has one of bestaccessible urban environments amongstEuropean cities. As an example, nearly 90% For more information, visit the Europeanof the streets are accessible for wheelchair Commission website ec.europa.eu/food/users and quite a lot of the traffic-lights are animal/liveanimals/pets/qanda_en.htmadapted for people with visual disabilities.Public transport is easily accessible: all bus The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) allowslines are accessible, as well as an increas- qualifying domestic animals to travel toing number of underground stations. and from the United Kingdom withoutOther special services are the support undergoing quarantine.service at the beaches in summer, adaptedmunicipal information services, accessiblesports facilities and accessible game zonesfor children with disabilities. Visit www.defra.gov.uk/ wildlife%2Dpets/pets/travel for more information Visit www.bcn.cat/accessible and find the English version for more informationPetsAll domestic animals should have the neces-sary vaccinations and certificates before theycan be brought into Spain. Requirements varydepending on the country of origin and maytake some time to process, so you are advisedto contact the Spanish consulate in your areawell in advance of your departure.The European Pet Passport lets qualifyingdomestic animals cross borders in Europe.This booklet, which is issued by a licensed

58 DAY-TO-DAYINFORMATION Things you need to know to get settled

59 Holidays PRACTICAL INFORMATION Spain has both public and religiousAddresses holidays. Some are celebrated nationwide while others are celebrated only in Catalo-The standard address format begins with nia or in Barcelona.the street name and number, followed bythe floor number and the apartment or Bank holidays in Barcelonaunit number. For example, the addressCarrer d’Aragó 137, 2n 3r corresponds to 1 January — Any Nou* / New Year’s Dayapartment number 3 on the second floorof building 137 on Aragó street. 6 January — Dia de Reis* / EpiphanyIn Spain, the ground floor is either marked March-April (movable) — Divendres Sant* /0 or PB (planta baixa). Ground-floor Good Fridayapartments are usually called bajos(baixos, often abbreviated bjos/bxs). Some March-April (movable) — Dilluns de Pas-buildings also have an entresuelo (entresòl, qua** / Easter Mondayentl), which is one floor up from theground floor. One floor above this is the 1 May — Dia del Treball* / Labour Dayprincipal (pral). Successive floors are thenmarked 1, 2, etc. Negative numbers are May (movable) — Pasqua Granada*** /used for floors below ground. The topmost Pentecost Mondayfloor is commonly called ático (àtic). 24 June — Sant Joan** / Feast Day of St. John 11 September — Diada Nacional de Cata- lunya** / Catalan National Day 24 September — Festa de la Mercè*** ⁄ La Mercè Festival 12 October — Dia de la Hispanitat* / Span- ish National Day 1 November — Tots Sants* / All Saints’ Day

606 December — Dia de la Constitució* / Sant JoanConstitution Day On 23 June, the eve of the Feast Day of St. John, Catalans celebrate the summer8 December — La Immaculada* ⁄ Immacu- solstice with bonfires, fireworks and a tra-late Conception ditional pastry called coca de Sant Joan.25 December — Nadal* / Christmas Day La Mercè Festival Locals celebrate the feast day of Barce-26 December — Sant Esteve** / Feast Day lona’s patroness on 24 September with aof St. Stephen large street party. Highlights include the Correfoc or Fire Run, featuring costumed* National holiday devils and fire-breathing dragons, and** Regional holiday (Catalonia only) the fireworks display near the Montjuïc*** Local holiday (Barcelona only) fountain.The following are holidays of cultural La Diadasignificance in Barcelona. This holiday commemorates the events of 11 September 1714, when the Catalans’ Dia dels Reis defeat by the armies of Philip V of SpainOn the night of 5 January, Spanish towns led to the loss of their independence.and cities hold a Three Kings Procession. In On 11 September each year, CatalansBarcelona, the Three Kings, Melchior, Gaspar honour those who lost their lives byand Balthazar, arrive by boat and are for- displaying the Catalan flag and holdingmally welcomed by the mayor. They parade parades.in the streets of Barcelona in a magnificent,five-kilometres procession called the Caval- New Year’s Evecada. The Three Kings distribute sweets and Spaniards usually celebrate New Year’spresents to both young and old, accompa- Eve or Fi d’any by going out and party-nied by costumed characters and dancers ing. At midnight, they wait for the twelvewith their elaborate floats and carriages. strokes that mark the beginning of the New Year. They eat one grape at each Sant Jordi stroke to bring luck for every month ofSt. George, locally known as Sant Jordi, the year.is the patron saint of Catalonia. Catalanscelebrate his feast day on 23 April byexchanging books and roses. On this day,Barcelona’s main shopping streets are For more information, visit www.bcn.es/filled with book and flower stalls decorated festes/angles.htmwith the Catalan colours of red and yellow.

61Local time Opening times and working hoursLocal time in the Spanish peninsula is onehour ahead of GMT, six hours ahead of Most establishments are open fromUS Eastern Standard Time and nine hours Monday to Saturday and are closed onahead of Pacific Standard Time. When it Sundays. They open between 9:00 a.m.is 6:00 p.m. in Barcelona, it is 5:00 p.m. in and 10:00 a.m. and close between 1:00 andLondon and noon in New York. 2:00 p.m. They then reopen between 4:30 and 5:00 p.m. and close between 8:00 orSpain, like the rest of Europe, observes Sum- 9:00 p.m. Markets open earlier, betweenmer Time. Clocks go forward at 01:00 GMT 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. Smaller shops close byin late March and go backward at 01:00 2:00 or 3:00 p.m. Some shops do not openGMT in late October. Changeover days are on Saturday afternoons.the same as in the United Kingdom. Major shopping centres and a growing number of shops open all day, from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. from Monday to Satur- day. A few shops and shopping centres are open on Sundays and holidays, mostly around Christmas. In summer, many restaurants and shops close for all or part of August. Many businesses adopt a different work schedule from June to September, usually from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The typical work day starts between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. Workers usually go on break at 1:30 or 2:00 p.m. Work starts again between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. and finishesMealtimes between 6:00 and 7:30 p.m. Many workers enjoy a shortened work schedule fromSpaniards tend to eat later than other June to September.Europeans. They usually have a lightbreakfast of fruit juice, coffee and a pastrybetween 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. Lunch isbetween 2:00 and 3:00 pm. Dinner isbetween 9:00 and 10:00 p.m.

62Postal services Tipping Correos (Sociedad Estatal de Correos y Restaurants are required by law to includeTelégrafos) is the national postal service service charges in their menu prices. Thereof Spain. Through Correos, you can send is no expected rate for tips. Most peopleletters, documents, telegrams, faxes and leave small change if they are satisfied withparcels. You can even send money by service.postal order or through Western Union.Correos also offers national and interna- It is also customary to tip hotel porterstional express delivery services and an and washroom attendants. Five percentonline tracking system. is the usual tip for taxi drivers, more for longer journeys and if the driver helpedThe main post office in Barcelona is on with your luggage.Plaça d’Antoni López, at the end of ViaLaietana near Barceloneta and Port Vell.Here you can buy stamps, send letters Tobacconistsand parcels, avail of poste restante service(Window 36) and get information from Tobacconist shops (estanc) are identi-8:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. from Monday to fied by a brown and yellow sign with theFriday and from 12:00 to 10:00 p.m. on words Tabacos or Tabacs. ConsideredSaturdays and Sundays. The postcode for a Spanish institution, tobacconists notposte restante is 08080. only sell tobacco, cigarettes and smoking paraphernalia but also postage stamps andThere are numerous post offices through- many official government forms for minorout Barcelona, all with a distinctive yellow bureaucratic procedures. They also sellsign. Be aware that not all post offices sweets, postcards, public transport cardshave the same opening times, so be sure and phone cards.to check the Correos website for thisinformation.You can also buy stamps at tobacconists(see Tobacconists) and drop your mail inone of the yellow post boxes found allaround the city. Visit www.correos.es for more information

63 Be aware that you can check in for your GETTING IN flight only at the terminal where it is going to depart, so make sure you know where to go before arriving at the airport. For more information, visit www.aena.es The airport is about 10 kilometres away from the city centre. Public-transport options to and from the airport include railBarcelona International Airport and bus. The RENFE C-2 suburban train leavesBy plane every half hour and calls at Sants (20- 40 minutes), Passeig de Gràcia (25-45 Barcelona International Airport minutes) and El Clot in the city centre. The train stops at T2, from where youBarcelona International Airport (IATA: BCN, can take the free shuttle bus to T1.ICAO: LEBL), also known as El Prat, is a major Ticket vending machines are availabletransport hub where more than 130 airlines at the airport station. The Aerobusoperate. It handles domestic and interna- stops at T1 and between T2A and T2Btional flights from Europe and beyond. Major and travels along Gran Via to Plaçainternational and domestic airlines as well as Catalunya. Buses leave every six to ninelow-cost carriers fly to and from this airport. minutes, with a minimum travel time of 35 minutes.The airport has two terminals, T1 and T2. T2is further subdivided into sectors A, B, andC. Both terminals are linked by a free shut-tle bus that runs every six to eight minutes, For more information, visit www.sgmt.with a travel time of 10 minutes. A new cat/aerobusmetro line connecting the airport to the citycentre is currently under construction.In T1 mainly international flights operate.The T2 is more oriented to domestic flightsand low cost airlines.

64 The Barcelona Bus service, run by Sa- galés, offers a shuttle-bus transfer service between Estació del Nord in Barcelona and Girona Airport. Bus departure times are arranged in accordance with the arrival and departure times of Ryanair flights. The trip takes around one hour and ten minutes. Girona Airport is also directly connected to Barcelona by the AP7 motorway. Driving time is approximately one hour.Between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., youcan catch a night bus service (Nit Bus N17)from Plaça Catalunya to the airport. Theminimum travel time is 40 minutes. For more information and bus timetables, visit www.sagales.comBus 46 also runs from both terminals toPlaça Espanya. Travel time is about one hour. Reus AirportTaxis are widely available outside theterminals. There is an additional airport The airport of Reus, around 100 kilometresfee and a charge for each piece of luggage to the south of Barcelona, is also used byplaced in the boot. low-cost carriers.Private airport transfers can also be ar- Hispano Igualadina operates a shuttle-ranged for groups bus service between Estació Sants in Barcelona and Reus Airport. You can buy Girona Airport tickets in the ticket office in the arrivals terminal or from the bus driver. TheThe airport of Girona, nearly 100 kilome- journey time is approximately one hourtres to the north, handles domestic and and a half.international flights by low-cost airlines,notably Ryanair. For more information and bus timetables, visit www.igualadina.com/index. For more information, visit www.aena.es php?idioma=eng

65Alternatively, you can take the train fromBarcelona Sants station to Reus and then GETTING ORIENTEDtake a local bus to the airport. The tripalso takes about an hour and a half. The following geographical references will help you easily find your way aroundReus Airport is also directly connected to Barcelona.Barcelona by the AP7 motorway. Drivingtime is approximately one hour. The centre of the city is Plaça Catalunya, to the south of which you can find the old town and most of the museums and otherBy sea places of historical interest in Barce- lona. The famous Rambla stretches fromBarcelona has one of the busiest ports on Plaça Catalunya down to the statue ofthe Mediterranean. Numerous cruise ships Columbus near the port. To the east of theset sail from the port of Barcelona to other Rambla is the beautiful Barri Gòtic, and todestinations. Ferries also dock and depart the west, the Barri del Raval.from the port. You can arrive to Barcelonaby boat from the Costa Brava, the Balearic From the Columbus monument you canand Canary Islands, Genoa and Rome. follow Passeig Marítim on the seafront to the east, past Moll de la Fusta and Port Vell to colourful Barceloneta beach and Port Olímpic. To the west, following Avin- guda Paral·lel, you get to Plaça Espanya at the foot of Montjuïc hill. Tibidabo hill marks the Barcelona’s northern limit. Avinguda Diagonal runs diagonally across the whole city. Between Diagonal and Plaça Catalunya is most of the grid-patterned Eixample, which joins the old town with the neighbourhoods of Gràcia, Les Corts and Sarrià-Sant Gervasi. The main boulevard of the Eixample is the modern and stylish Passeig de Gràcia.Port de Barcelona

68 By rail PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Metro and FGCBarcelona’s excellent transport systemmakes it easy for everybody, even tourists The Barcelona metro system is the easiestand newcomers, to get around the city. and fastest way to get around. The city’sThe city’s transportation network extends underground trains are clean, efficient andfrom the city centre to other parts of the comfortable.metropolitan area and to surroundingtowns and cities. The metro network currently has 11 lines. It is jointly run by TMB and the Ferrocar-The city has an integrated tariff system that rils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC).allows users to switch from one form of TMB operates Metro lines 1 to 5 and 9 totransportation to another using a single fare. 11 while the FGC operates FGC lines 6 to 8. The FGC system has lines within Barce-Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona lona and others that go to nearby towns(TMB) offers a wide range of travel cards and cities, such as Manresa, Terrassa andto suit different needs. There are single Sabadell.tickets, transferable travel cards valid for10 rides and personal travel cards validfor one, 30 and 90 days. There are alsotourist and leisure tickets and special For route maps, timetables and other infor-travel cards for students, families and mation, visit www.tmb.cat andseniors. www.fgc.cat/engTransport fares also vary by zone. Thefarther out from the city centre you go, themore expensive the fare. Local and long-distance railTickets and travel cards can be purchased RENFE, Spain’s national train operator,at subway ticket booths and vending operates both local and long-distancemachines. train links. Local trains, known as Rodalies RENFE, run all across Catalonia. Some destinations For more information about fares and are integrated into Barcelona’s single-fare travel cards, visit the Travelcards page on system and thus accept normal travel www.tmb.cat/en/bitllets-i-tarifes cards. Tickets can be bought at the stations’ ticket windows or ticket machines.

69RENFE also operates train links to otherparts of Spain, notably the AVE high-speedtrains to Madrid and other Spanish cities.Estació de Sants is the main rail hubof Barcelona, with service to the restof Spain, including the AVE. Suburban,regional and French-border trains alsouse this station.Estació de SantsPlaça dels Països Catalans, s/nMetro : Sants Estació L5International trains, as well as most re-gional rail lines with service to the rest ofCatalonia, depart from Estació de França. Tram Barcelona has two tram systems: Trambaix,Estació de França which connects the Baix Llobregat areaAvinguda Marquès de l’Argentera, s/n to Barcelona, and Trambesòs, which linksMetro : Barceloneta L4 Sant Adrià de Besòs and Badalona to Barcelona. The system is integrated into Barcelona’s single-fare system. For more information on RENFE services and to buy tickets online, visit For more information, visit www.renfe.es www.trambcn.com/?idioma=ing You can also get information and reserve tickets by calling Tel: +34 902 24 02 02

70 Funicular By busTMB operates the Montjuïc funicular Day busesrailway, which takes passengers fromthe Paral·lel Metro station to the top of Barcelona has over a hundred bus linesMontjuïc hill, where popular attractions that provide transport links throughoutsuch as the Olympic Stadium, Palau Sant the Barcelona metropolitan area. Each lineJordi and the Miró Foundation are located. has its own hours, but buses generally runThis railway is integrated into Barcelona’s between 6:30 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. You cansingle-fare system. look at the information panels on bus stops to check the route and timetable. Double check for special holiday schedules. For more information, visit www.tmb. The bus network is integrated into Barce- cat/en/detall-linia-metro/linia/ lona’s single-fare system. funicular/001There is also the funicular railway to the For route maps, timetables and other infor-top of Tibidabo hill, which offers spectacu- mation, visit www.tmb.catlar views of the city and an amusementpark. Night buses Barcelona is served by a network of night buses called Nitbus at night and in the early morning. These buses have their own routes, all of which stop at Plaça Catalunya. Night buses are integrated into Barcelona’s single-fare system. For route maps, timetables and other information, visit www.emt-amb.com/ Principales/BusquedaNitBus.aspx

71By leisure transport The FGC operates the Montserrat Rack Railway (Cremallera de Montser-TMB operates the Bus Turístic, a hop-on, rat), Vall de Núria Rack Railway (Cre-hop-off tourist bus service with stops mallera de Núria) and the two funicularall over the city. Tickets can be bought railways in Montserrat, Sant Joan andonboard. Santa Cova. For route maps, timetables and other infor- For more information, visit mation, visit www.barcelonabusturistic. www.fgc.cat/eng cat/web/guest/homePrivate companies also offer a similar service. By taxiThe TMB’s Montjuïc Cable Car (Telefèric Taxis in Barcelona are yellow and blackde Montjuïc) runs between Port Vell and and show a green light when free. FaresMontjuïc hill and lets passengers enjoy are charged per kilometre.fantastic views over Barcelona. Extra fees are charged for every piece of luggage stored in the boot and for trips to and from the airport, cruise-ship For more information, visit terminal and Fira Barcelona (The Bar- www.barcelonabusturistic.cat/web/ celona Trade Fair). Taxi fares also vary guest/teleferic depending on time of day and are higher on holidays.TMB also runs the Tramvia Blau, an Fares are displayed on the taximeter, theold-fashioned tram that connects Plaça use of which is obligatory. At the end ofKennedy on Avinguda Tibidabo to the the trip the driver will press a button thatTibidabo funicular railway station. will automatically add all charges and show the total fare. Taxis do not accept reservations except to For more information, visit go to the airport, but you can call for one a www.barcelonabusturistic.cat/web/ few minutes ahead. guest/tramviablau

72By bike PRIVATE TRANSPORTATIONBarcelona is a bicycle-friendly city withnumerous bicycle paths. Car importationBicing is Barcelona’s community bicycle pro- You can drive your car without registeringgramme, which is part of its public transport it in Spain for six months, after which timesystem. Residents with a yearly membership it is necessary to import your vehicle. Thesimply swipe their user cards at a service sta- process normally takes two months.tion to unlock and use a bicycle. The publicbicycle network is spread throughout the To import a vehicle, it needs to havecity and currently includes 3000 bicycles been in your possession for more than 12and 400 stations. Bicing stations are located months from the time you get consular de-near Metro stations and bus stops, since the registration. You are required to presentBicing system is designed to complement the original title of the vehicle, the originalother means of public transportation. For registration card, valid license plates, athis reason, use of Bicing bicycles has a time valid international insurance certificate,limit. Users cannot be on the same bicycle the car-purchase invoice, your NIE andfor more than two consecutive hours. your City Council registration certificate.The Bicing programme started in March EU nationals do not need to pay import2007 and has since been growing in fees, only registration taxes. Non-EU na-number of stations and users. The City tionals have to meet certain requirementsCouncil’s transport policy has also priori- to be exempt from import taxes.tized the construction of bicycle pathsin recent years to promote this means ofurban transportation.Note that Bicing is part of the city’s publictransport system and is not for tourists ortemporary visitors. There are, however, pri-vate bike-hire companies that offer similarservices to visitors. For more information, visit www.bicing. cat (Spanish and Catalan only)

73Driving license Apart from municipal facilities, Barcelona also has private parking garages thatEU citizens do not need to change their charge between €12 to €25 a day accord-driving license. ing to the zone. The parking rates depend on the location of the car park and if it is inNon-EU nationals can use an interna- the open air or underground.tional driving license during the first yearafter arrival in Spain. After a year, theyare required to get a Spanish license.To get one, you need to attend classes This useful online tool can help you planas well as take theoretical and practical where to park www.onaparcar.bcn.es/driving tests. You can study for and take english/ion_aparcar.htmthese tests in English with certain drivingschools. As an additional option to underground parking, the city of Barcelona also regulatesParking street parking to improve traffic flow, de- crease noise and air emissions and make bet-Barcelona is a densely populated city ter use of public spaces. This system, knownwith a high number of private vehicles as Àrea Verda, establishes different parkingon its roads. To control this high demand zones depending on each area of the city.and meet the needs of both citizens andvisitors, for many years the City Council There are different kinds of parking spaceshas been promoting a sustainable, efficient within the Green Area. In the Blue Areatransport policy that helps make Barcelona (Àrea Blava) within the Green Area, all ve-a liveable, modern and competitive city. hicles can park for a maximum of two, threeThe municipal company BSM is responsi- or four hours as indicated on the signs.ble for regulating underground parking inthe city, as well as building and managing Also within the Green Area, there aremunicipal parking facilities. . It offers both Exclusive Areas reserved for residents.pay-by-minute parking for short stays and There are also Preferred Zones wheredifferent types of permits for regular, long- non-residents are allowed to park for oneterm use. or two hours. For more information, visit For more information, visit www.areaverda. www.bsmsa.cat/mobilitat bsmsa.cat (Spanish and Catalan only)

74To apply for parking within the GreenArea, your vehicle must be registered withthe City Council. You then need to go tothe following address with your passportnumber or NIE, the technical data ofyour vehicle, your car insurance and yourcirculation permit.“AREA VERDA” AND “ÀREA BLAVA”Plaça Carles Pi i Sunyer, 8-10Opening hours : Monday to Friday, 9:00a.m. to 5:30 p.m.Car rentalsSeveral local and international car-rental Car sharingcompanies offer their services in Barcelona,with competitive rates and a number of pick- Car sharing allows its members to enjoyup and drop-off points throughout the city. the benefits of using a car without theCars can also be reserved online through the hassles of owning one. It is a convenient,companies’ respective websites. economical option for people who do not need a car every day. Members pay a yearly membership fee and use their user cards to access car-sharing vehicles parked in different underground parking lots throughout the city. Vehicles need to be reserved online at least an hour in advance. Users are charged hourly and per kilometre travelled. For more information, visit www.avancar.es

75 China — Avinguda Tibidabo, 34 INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY Tel : +34 93 254 11 99 Fgc : Avinguda Tibidabo L7Foreign consulates inBarcelona Czech Republic — Travessera de Gràcia, 40-42, 5è 2aBarcelona, along with Hong Kong and Tel : +34 93 241 32 36Hamburg, is the city with the most consu- Fgc : Gràcia L6 L7lates in the world. Denmark — Rambla de Catalunya, 62, 5è 2aHere are the addresses and telephone Tel : +34 93 488 02 22numbers of some consulates-general and Metro : Passeig de Gràcia L3honorary consulates in Barcelona. Estonia — Avinguda Diagonal, 401, 1r Tel :+34 93 416 00 11Australia — Avinguda Diagonal, 458, 3r Fgc : Provença L6 L7Tel : +34 93 490 90 13 Metro : Diagonal L5Fgc : Provença L6 L7Metro : Diagonal L3 L5 Finland — Carrer Puig i Xoriguer, 17 Tel :+34 93 443 15 98Austria — Carrer de Marià Cubí, 7, 1r 2a Metro : Drassanes L3Tel : +34 93 453 72 94Fgc : Gràcia L6 L7 France — Ronda Universitat, 22 bis, 4t Tel : +34 93 270 30 00Belgium — Carrer de Diputació, 303, 1r Fgc : Catalunya L6 L7Tel : +34 93 467 70 80 Metro : Catalunya L1 L3Metro : Girona L4 Germany — Passeig de Gràcia, 111, 11èBulgaria — Passeig de Sant Joan, 73 Tel : +34 93 292 10 00Tel : +34 93 457 40 69 Metro : Diagonal L3Metro : Girona L4 Greece — Carrer Freixa, 6Canada — Plaça de Catalunya, 9, 1r 2a Tel :+34 93 200 20 36Tel : +34 93 412 72 36 Fgc : La Bonanova L6Fgc : Catalunya L6 L7Metro : Catalunya L1 L3 Ireland — Gran Via de Carles III, 94 Tel : +34 93 491 50 21 Metro : Maria Cristina L3

76Italy — Carrer de Mallorca, 270 Romania — Carrer de Sant Joan de la Salle, 35 bisTel : +34 93 467 73 05 Tel : +34 93 434 11 08, 93 434 11 39Metro : Passeig de Gràcia L3 Fgc : Avinguda Tibidabo L7Japan — Avinguda Diagonal, 640 Russia — Avinguda Pearson, 34(Edifici Caja Madrid), 2n D Tel : +34 93 280 02 20, 93 280 54 32Tel : +34 93 280 34 33 Slovakia — Plaça Urquinaona, 6, 19èLatvia — Avinguda Diagonal, 490, 2n 2a (Torre Urquinaona)Tel : +34 93 252 30 97 Tel : +34 93 412 08 92, 93 317 94 65Fgc : Sarrià L6 Metro : Urquinaona L1 L4Luxembourg — Carrer de Tuset, 8-10, 8è 4a Slovenia — Via Augusta, 120Tel : +34 93 292 22 66, 93 292 22 68 Tel :+34 93 218 22 55Fgc : Gràcia L6 L7 Metro : Diagonal L3 L5 Fgc : Plaça Molina L6 L7Malta — Carrer de Tuset, 32, 7è 2a Sweden — Carrer de Mallorca, 279, 4t 3aTel :+34 93 415 66 00 Tel : +34 93 488 35 05, 93 488 25 01Fgc : Gràcia L6 L7 Metro : Diagonal L3Netherlands — Avinguda Diagonal, 601, 4t D Switzerland — Gran Via de Carles III, 94, 7èTel : +34 93 363 54 20 Tel : +34 93 409 06 50Metro : Maria Cristina L3 Metro : Maria Cristina L3Norway — Carrer de Balmes, 184, 5è 2a United Kingdom — Avinguda Diagonal, 477, 13èTel :+34 93 218 49 83 Tel : +34 93 366 62 00Fgc : Gràcia L6 L7 Metro : Hospital Clínic L5metro : Diagonal L3 L5 United States — Passeig de la Reina Elisen-Poland — Avinguda Diagonal, 593-595 da de Montcada, 23Tel : +34 93 322 05 42, 93 322 72 34 Tel : +34 93 280 22 27 Fgc : Reina Elisenda L6Metro : Maria Cristina L3Portugal — Ronda Sant Pere, 7, 1r 1aTel : +34 93 318 81 54Metro : Urquinaona L1 L4 Go to Meet BCN > Barcelona Practical Info > Consulates at www.bcn.cat/turisme to search for other foreign consulates in Barcelona

77Social interaction and other languages, as well as opportunitiesbusiness networking to meet new people.Barcelona is a diverse and multicultural Biznetbarcelonacity with a large and active expatriate com-munity of 150 different nationalities. Biznetbarcelona is a new network for entrepreneurship and innovation, and aAs much as 18% of the city’s popula- meeting point for doing business, sharingtion is composed of its thriving foreign knowledge and experiences and helpingcommunity. Barcelona’s openness and your business project to grow. Here youhospitality attract people from all over will find entrepreneurs, investors, institu-the world, many of whom decide to stay. tions, a calendar of events in Barcelona,This is thanks to the city’s cosmopolitan information, work groups, and, above all, aatmosphere and the exceptional quality lot of entrepreneurial spirit.of life and outstanding career opportuni-ties it offers.One way to get involved in the interna- www.biznetbarcelona.comtional community is to join one of the manyexpatriate clubs and organizations thathave been formed in Barcelona. Theseassociations regularly organize a widevariety of events for both social interactionand business networking. These eventsand activities can connect you with fellowexpatriates who can give you informationand tips about life in your new home.The international community also providesa growing number of activities and supportgroups for relocating families.Chambers of commerce organise seminarsand conferences and provide businesspeople with networking opportunities.Social groups, networking sites and forumsare widely available on the Internet. Theyoffer help and information in English and

78Other entrepreneurial networks in the city: RELIGIOUS SERVICESXarxActiva d’Empreses There are religious organizations and www.barcelonanetactiva.com/xarxactiva places of worship in Barcelona with services and activities in foreign languages.ENB (Entrepreneurs Network Barcelona) www.networkbarcelona.comEO (Entrepreneurs Organization) To search for organizations and houses of www.eonetwork.org worship of a particular religion or denomi- nation, go to OAR > Religious OrganizationsBARCELONA ENTREPRENEURSHIP CITY / Places of Worship at www.bcn.cat/ www.barcelonaentrepreneurshipcity.com dretscivilsFirst Tuesday www.firsttuesday.es You can also contact Barcelona City Coun- cil’s Office of Religious Affairs.Mobile Monday www.mobilemondaybarcelona.com Oficina d’Assumptes ReligiososiWeekend Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 958 www.iweekend.org Tel : +34 93 308 48 78 Opening hours : Monday to Friday 9.00Aijec a.m. to 2.00 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays www.aijec.es 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.JCI (Jove Cambra Internacional Barcelona) www.jci.cat

79 period hundreds of thousands of Span- SPORTS AND LEISURE iards flock to stadiums to watch Spanish football league games, with millions morePublic sports and fitness watching them on television and listeningcentres to commentaries on the radio.Several Barcelona districts have their own Spain became football world championspublic sports and fitness centres (centre for the first time in the 2010 World Cup inesportiu). They are well maintained and South Africa.equipped with indoor and/or outdoor swim-ming pools, fitness and exercise equipment The country also boasts some of the bestand facilities for a variety of sports. They also football clubs in Europe, one of them beingoffer a wide range of activities for adults and Barcelona’s own Futbol Club Barcelona,children at very competitive prices. known familiarly to Catalans as “el Barça”. FC Barcelona holds a long-standing rivalry with Real Madrid, and matches between the For more information on sports in Bar- two teams are much-anticipated events. celona and searching the public sports facilities nearest to your location go to Any triumph of FC Barcelona is cause Barcelona City Hall’s sports website for citywide celebration, complete with www.bcn.cat/esports fireworks, honking cars and rowdy street parties. Barcelona’s other first-division club isPrivate sports and fitness clubs RCD Espanyol, the sixth most successful football team in Spain. The team currentlyA number of private sports and fitness clubs plays in the Cornellà-El Prat Stadium,are also available in Barcelona. They range which was inaugurated in 2009.from small private clubs to large internationalfranchises and offer various sport, exerciseand spa facilities and fitness programmes. Other sports GolfFootball Barcelona has several good golf coursesFootball is by far the most important sport located near the city, near Sant Cugat andin Spain. The football season starts in Sep- Castelldefels and in the countryside of thetember and ends in May, and during this Costa Brava.

80 Skiing CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENTThe Pyrenees offer ski enthusiasts plentyof snow and blue skies many days of the Museums and art galleriesyear. Barcelona skiers head to ski resorts inthe Spanish Pyrenees, many of which are Art enthusiasts will have plenty to admire inconnected to Barcelona by RENFE and FGC Barcelona’s museums and art galleries. Thetrain links. Andorra is also a popular ski des- city’s extensive art and heritage collectionstination among locals. A two-hour drive will cover a broad range of styles and periods.take you to the nearest French ski resort. Most museums are open during the Sailing and water sports weekend but close some other day in the week, usually Mondays. They stay open inThe beaches of Barcelona and its surround- the summer.ing areas are home to several nautical andyacht clubs offering boat rentals, sailinglessons and a variety of water sports. Caixaforum Av. Francesc Ferrer i Guardia, 6-8The city also has a municipal sailing school. Tel : +34 93 476 86 00 FGC : Espanya L8Base Nàutica Municipal de la Mar Bella Metro : Espanya L1 L3Passeig Marítim del Bogatell, 102 www.obrasocial.lacaixa.esTel : +34 93 221 04 32 The gallery features changing exhibitions www.basenautica.org of art and photography Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Bullfighting Barcelona (CCCB) Carrer de Montalegre, 5In a landmark vote, the Catalan Parlia- Tel : +34 93 306 41 00ment passed a law banning bullfighting Metro : Catalunya L1 L3, Universitat L1in Catalonia, which will come into force www.cccb.org/enon 1 January 2012. This makes Catalonia Originally a centre of urban developmentthe first region of mainland Spain to vote and urban culture studies, the CCCB soonin favour of a bullfighting ban. The vote became a museum of eclectic subjectswas brought to the agenda by a petition ranging from photography to sculpture andsigned by 180,000 people. The decision audiovisual art.sparked controversy throughout thecountry and a debate between animal-rights activists and bullfight supporters.

81Cosmocaixa La Virreina Centre de la ImatgeCarrer Isaac Newton, 26 La Rambla, 99Tel : +34 93 212 60 50 Tel : +34 93 316 10 00FGC : Avinguda Tibidabo L7 Metro : Liceu L3 www.obrasocial.lacaixa.es/nuestros www.virreinacentredelaimatge.bcn.cat/escentros/cosmocaixabarcelona/cosmo This gallery hosts changing art exhibits.caixabarcelona_es.htmlBarcelona’s science museum with many Museu d’Arqueologia de Catalunyainteresting exhibits and hands-on activities Passeig de Santa Madrona, 39-41for children and adults. Parc de Montjuïc Tel : +34 93 423 21 49Fundació Caixa Catalunya (Sala Metro : Espanya L1 L3, Poble Sec L3d’Exposicions de La Pedrera) www.mac.cat/engPasseig de Gràcia, 92 This museum takes visitors on an archaeo-Tel : +34 93 484 59 79 logical journey from prehistory to the 6th www.fundaciocaixacatalunya.org century AD.This foundation sponsors various artexhibits throughout the year. Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barce- lona (MACBA)Fundació Antoni Tàpies Plaça dels Àngels, 1Carrer d’Aragó, 255 Tel : +34 93 412 08 10 Tel : +34 93 487 03 15 Metro : Catalunya L1 L3, Universitat L1Metro : Passeig de Gràcia L2 L3 L4 www.macba.cat www.fundaciotapies.org This museum is dedicated to the variousThis museum displays artist Antoni Tàpies’ art movements of the second half of thecollection of modern and contemporary art. 20th century.Fundació Joan MiróParc de Montjuïc, s/nTel : +34 93 443 94 70Metro : Espanya L1 L3, Paral·lel L2 L3 www.fundaciomiro-bcn.orgThis museum on Montjuïc hill houses themost important collection of this SurrealistCatalan artist’s work. Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA)

82Museu de Ceràmica Museu d’Història de CatalunyaPalau Reial de Pedralbes - Av. Diagonal, 686 Plaça de Pau Vila, 3 (Palau de Mar)Tel : +34 93 256 34 65 Tel : +34 93 225 47 00, 93 225 47 26Metro : Palau Reial L3 Metro : Barceloneta L4 www.museuceramica.bcn.es/english/ www.en.mhcat.nethome.htm This traces the history of Catalonia fromThis museum showcases exceptional works prehistory to the present time.of Spanish ceramic art. Museu MarÍtim DE BARCELONAMuseu Frederic Marès Avinguda de les Drassanes, s/nPlaça de Sant Iu, 5-6 Tel : +34 93 342 99 20Tel : +34 93 256 35 00 Metro : Drassanes L3Metro : Jaume I L4, Liceu L3 www.mmb.cat (Spanish and Catalan only) www.museumares.bcn.es Barcelona’s Maritime Museum is housedThis museum displays the collection of in the old royal shipyards of Catalonia andsculptor Frederic Marès. Aragon.Casa-Museu GaudÍ Museu Nacional d’Art de CatalunyaParc Güell, carretera del Carmel (MNAC)Tel : +34 93 219 38 11 Palau Nacional - Parc de MontjuïcMetro : Lesseps L3 Tel : +34 93 622 03 60, 93 622 03 76 www.casamuseugaudi.org Metro : Espanya L1 L3This building, located in the famous Parc www.mnac.catGüell, was where Catalan architect Antoni One of the best museums in Barcelona, theGaudí lived for 20 years. It now is a mu- MNAC is internationally known for its richseum devoted to his life and work. collection of Romanesque and Gothic art.Museu d’Història de Barcelona Museu PicassoPlaça del Rei, s/n Carrer de Montcada, 15-23Tel : +34 93 256 21 00 Tel : +34 93 256 30 00Metro : Catalunya L1 L3, Urquinaona L1 L4, Metro : Jaume I L4, Liceu L3, Arc deLiceu L3, Jaume I L4 Triomf L1 www.museuhistoria.bcn.es www.museupicasso.bcn.cat/enThis museum dedicated to the history of The museum’s five Gothic palaces show-the city of Barcelona includes part of the case works from Pablo Picasso’s youth,excavated remains of the original Roman as well as his artistic output from othercity of Barcino. periods, such as the Blue Period and the Las Meninas series.

83SAGRADA FAMÍLIACarrer de Mallorca, 401Tel : +34 93 513 20 34Metro : Sagrada Família L5 L2 www.sagradafamilia.catThe Sagrada Família is a large RomanCatholic Church designed by Catalan archi-tect Antoni Gaudí in Modernism style. Thetemple is unfinished and under construc-tion thanks to private donations. Gran Teatre del Liceu For more information on Barcelona’s museums and heritage centres, visit the City Gran Teatre del Liceu Hall’s Museums and Heritage page at La Rambla, 51-59 www.bcn.cat/cultura Tel : +34 93 485 99 00 Metro : Liceu L3 www.liceubarcelona.cat/en Barcelona’s grand opera house begins itsMusic and dance season in October and ends in June.Barcelona is home to world-class venues Mercat de les Florsthat host a variety of music and dance Carrer de Lleida, 59performances throughout the year. Tel : +34 93 426 18 75 FGC : Espanya L8L’Auditori Metro : Poble Sec L3Carrer de Lepant, 150 www.mercatflors.org (Spanish and Catalan only)Tel : +34 93 247 93 00 This theatre offers an intensive programmeMetro : Glòries L1, Marina L1 of avant-garde dance and drama. www.auditori.catThis impressive concert hall is the residentvenue of the Orfeó Català choral societyand the Barcelona Symphony and CataloniaNational Orchestra. It also hosts visitingclassical and contemporary artists.

84Palau de la Música Catalana TheatreCarrer de Sant Pere Més Alt, s/nTel : +34 902 442 882 Theatre productions in Barcelona are inMetro : Urquinaona L1 L4 either Catalan or Spanish, except for some www.palaumusica.org amateur performances.This beautiful concert hall, designed in theCatalan modernista style by Lluís Domènechi Montaner, is a UNESCO World Heritage Teatre LliureSite. Musical performances in the Palau Passeig de Santa Madrona, 40-46range from symphonic and chamber music to Plaça Margarida Xirgu 1jazz and traditional Catalan music. Tel : +34 93 289 27 70 Metro : Espanya L1 L3, Poble Sec L3 www.teatrelliure.com Teatre Lliure is Catalonia’s prestigious independent theatre. For more information on Barcelona’s music and dance offerings, visit the City Hall’s Teatre Nacional de Catalunya Music and Performances pages at Plaça de les Arts, 1 www.bcn.cat/cultura Tel : +34 93 306 57 00 Metro : Glòries L1 For information on where to enjoy flamen- www.tnc.cat/ca/tnc-english co in Barcelona, visit www.flamenco.cat This building, one of Catalonia’s para- mount cultural centres, shows many different types of productions in the Catalan language. For more information on Barcelona’s music and dance offerings, visit the City Hall’s Per- formances pages at www.bcn.cat/culturaTeatre Nacional de Catalunya

85Sport and other live events Palau Sant Jordi Passeig Olímpic, s/nBarcelona has world-class stadiums for Tel : +34 93 426 20 89large-scale athletic and musical events, as Fgc : Espanya L8well as more intimate venues for smaller Metro : Espanya L1 L3gigs. Major names in sports and entertain- This indoor sporting arena and multi-purposement make frequent stops here. The city is installation is used for major live events.also home to amazing local talent.Camp Nou TicketsAvinguda Arístides Maillol, s/nTel : +34 902 18 99 00 Tickets for various events can be pur-Metro : Palau Reial L3, Collblanc L5 chased from the following sources. www.fcbarcelona.catThis football stadium is home to thefamous FC Barcelona team. ServiCaixa Tel : +34 902 33 22 11Circuit de Catalunya www.servicaixa.comMas La Moreneta08160 Montmeló (Barcelona) Telentrada de Caixa CatalunyaTel : +34 93 571 9700 Tel : +34 902 10 12 12 www.circuitcat.com www.telentrada.comThis racetrack in Montmeló, to the northof Barcelona, is home to the Formula One Tourist Information BureauSpanish Grand Prix and the motorcycle Plaça Catalunya, 17Catalonia Grand Prix. Tel : +34 906 30 12 82 Fgc : Catalunya L6 L7Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys Metro : Catalunya L1 L3Passeig Olímpic, 17-19 Service in English upon requestTel : +34 93 292 77 00Metro : Espanya L1 L3This was the main stadium for the 1992Olympics.

86For the kids Parc d’Atraccions DEL Tibidabo Plaça Tibidabo, 3-4Barcelona offers a wealth of kid-friendly Tel : +34 93 211 79 42attractions and activities. FGC : Avinguda Tibidabo L7 www.tibidabo.cat/en/homepage You and the kids can take the Tramvia BlauL’AQUÀRIUM de Barcelona and the Funicular to the top of TibidaboMoll d’Espanya del Port Vell, s/n hill, where fun awaits at the TibidaboTel : +34 93 221 74 74, 628 26 59 08 Amusement Park with its quaint, old-Metro : Drassanes L3, Barceloneta L4 fashioned rides. www.aquariumbcn.comThis aquarium features 35 tanks, 11,000animals of 450 different species, an 80-metre underwater tunnel and six million Mass medialitres of water. RadioFont Màgica de MontjuïcPlaça Carles Buïgas, s/n Barcelona’s locals are avid radio listeners.Fgc : Espanya L8 Metro : Espanya L1 L3 There are a number of high-quality radio www.bcn.es/fonts stations in Spain, most of them broadcast-This illuminated fountain was originally ing on FM. Many stations broadcast inbuilt for the 1929 Barcelona World Fair or Catalan; in fact, the language has greaterUniversal Exposition. Kids love the music presence in radio than in any otherand light show in the summer. medium.Zoo de Barcelona TelevisionParc de la CiutadellaTel : +34 93 225 67 80 If you are planning to take your televisionMetro : Ciutadella, Vila Olímpica L4 set with you to Spain, make sure that is www.zoobarcelona.cat (Spanish and equipped to view PAL television signals.Catalan only)The zoo has a wide variety of animals on Local programmes are in Spanish or Catalan.show. It also has a restaurant, picnic area, Foreign shows, especially American series,electric cars, ponies and a mini-train. are also very popular, but they are usually dubbed into Spanish or Catalan. However, some modern televisions have the capability of handling two audio channels. To see foreign shows in their original version, look for programmes marked VO (versió original) on

87TV listings or a dual symbol at the top of the channels and 14 radio stations, along withscreen and switch audio channels. 23 regional and local language channels in their respective areas. Currently aboutThe following is a list of the main public 95% of the population can receive TDT.television stations. Subscription services for satellite television with several foreign-language channels areTVE 1 (La Primera) also available. Packages are often bundledState broadcaster with emphasis on news with telephone and Internet services. Digitaland light entertainment. television offers superior picture and sound quality and widescreen cinema format.TVE 2 (La Dos)Another state-run channel focused on Another easy way to get programming insports, live cultural broadcasts, documen- English and in other languages is to subscribetaries and films. to a satellite-television service. Complete packages are available for various prices.TV 3Regional network broadcast entirely in You can also get British Terrestrial Televi-Catalan. Features mainstream program- sion channels such as BBC and ITV forming. free, with the right satellite dish and digital receiver.Canal 33Another Catalan network mainly showingdocumentaries and sports programmes.BTVThe Barcelona city television channel.Analogue television service was discontin-ued throughout Spain in April 2010. Sincethen, all national and regional terrestrialchannels are digital.Since 2005, Digital Terrestrial Television(Televisió Digital Terrestre or TDT) hasbeen offered as a free service with many

88 Cinema Renoir-FloridaBlanca Carrer de Floridablanca, 135Like television shows, foreign films are Tel : +34 934 263 337dubbed into Spanish or Catalan, except Metro : Sant Antoni L2in original-version cinemas where filmsare screened in their original languages Verdiwith subtitles in Spanish or Catalan. These Carrer de Verdi, 32cinemas show an eclectic mix of films, from Tel : +34 93 238 79 90mainstream Hollywood blockbusters to Metro : Fontana L3European art films. Newspapers, magazines and booksCasablancaPasseig de Gràcia, 115 Local and international newspapers andTel : +34 93 218 43 45 periodicals are sold at newsstands and book-Metro : Diagonal L3 stores. You can also get subscription services and have your favourite newspapers andIcària Yelmo Cineplex magazines delivered to your doorstep.Carrer de Salvador Espriu, 61Tel : +34 93 221 75 85 Bookstores are dominated by books andMetro : Ciutadella-Vila Olímpica L4 other publications in Spanish and Catalan, but many of them have well-stocked foreign-Maldà language sections. There are also someCarrer del Pi, 5 stores dedicated entirely to books in English.Tel : +34 93 481 37 04Metro : Liceu L3 Barcelona also has a large network of public li- braries that offer lending services, as well as freeMéliès Cinemes use of its facilities and a range of courses andCarrer de Villarroel, 102 workshops. To enjoy these services, all you needTel : +34 93 451 00 51 to do is to ask for a free library card online.Metro : Urgell L1Renoir-Les CortsCarrer d’Eugeni d’Ors, 12 For more information, visit www.bcn.Tel : +34 93 490 55 10 cat/biblioteques (Catalan only)Metro : Les Corts L3 A good way to get acquainted with Barcelona and its history is to read a novel set in the city.

89La catedral del mar (Cathedral of the Sea)Ildefonso Falcones BEACHESThis is an historical novel set in 14th-century Barcelona, at the height of the In 2007, Barcelona was named the topInquisition and during the construction beach city in the world by National Geo-of the church of Santa María del Mar. It graphic. The multitudes that flock to thefollows the son of a fugitive peasant as he city’s beaches can attest to this. Beachgoersdefies feudal order and rises to the highest hit the sands during the daytime to relaxranks of medieval society. and play and in the night time to enjoy the beachfront’s buzzing nightlife. Barcelona’sLa ciudad de los prodigios (The City of beaches are easily accessible from the cityMarvels) centre by Metro and by bicycle.Eduardo MendozaThis novel is about a man caught betweenambition and love, in the years between Sant SebastiàBarcelona’s World Fairs of 1888 and 1929. This 1,085-metre stretch of beach is the closest to the city centre. It is the oldestLa sombra del viento (The Shadow of and most traditional beach in the citythe Wind) together with Barceloneta. This beach isCarlos Ruiz Zafón frequented by Barcelona locals. Many im-This novel, set in post-Spanish Civil War portant water sports clubs are based here.Barcelona, tells the story of a boy and hisfascination with a mysterious author. Barceloneta This beach, which is approximately 901 metres long, is a favourite among foreign visitors. It is one of the biggest and most traditional beaches of the city. It features plenty of leisure and sports equipment. Nova Icària This beach, one of the quietest in Barcelo- na, is where beachgoers prefer to linger. It is right in the centre of the city’s coastline. It has equipment for different sports such as table tennis and volleyball.

91Bogatell Apart from the beaches in Barcelona, lo-This beach, a result of Barcelona’s seafront cals and tourists alike are drawn to nearbyrevitalization in the early 1990s, is a safe and seaside towns such as Castelldefels andquiet beach bordered by a bicycle track. Sitges and to beaches on the Maresme coast. Further afield are the beautifulMar Bella coastal regions of the Costa Brava, in theThis beach was developed in conjunction Catalan province of Girona, and the Costawith the preparations for the 1992 Olympic Daurada in the province of Tarragona.Games. It has loyal following, especiallyamong young people and residents of theSant Martí district. It has a bicycle track, achildren’s play area and other recreationalfacilities. It also has a designated nudistbeach area.Nova Mar BellaThis beach also came into existence duringBarcelona’s seafront restoration for the1992 Olympics. It is a peaceful beach popu-lar with women and young beachgoers.LlevantThis is Barcelona’s newest beach. It wasprovisionally opened to the public in thesummer of 2006 and was fully equippedby 2007. It is the last of the beaches onBarcelona’s coastline. For more information, visit the Beaches page of www.bcn.cat/parcsijardins

92 This serene, restful garden has as its PARKS AND GARDENS centrepiece a small pathway guarded by statues representing America, Africa, AsiaBarcelona has an extensive network of and Europe.lush parks and gardens, many of them ofimportant cultural and historical value. Jardins de la Universitat Carrer de Diputació, 230 Metro : Universitat L1Jardins de Can Castelló These classical gardens form a large, greenCarrer de Castelló, 1-7 semi-circle around the University of Barce-FGC : Muntaner L6 lona’s historical campus. It features two en-These elegant, romantic gardens used to closed patios similar to a monastery cloister,be the grand entrance to an old country around which rise the beautiful buildings ofhouse. the Mathematics and Philology faculties.Jardins de Can Sentmenat Jardins del Palau de les HeuresCarrer de Can Caralleu, 16-18 Passeig de la Vall d’Hebron, 171FGC : Reina Elisenda L6 Metro : Montbau L3This is a romantic, classical garden with These gardens stretch in front of thebeautiful views of Barcelona and the emblematic Les Heures Palace, built at theCollserola hills. end of the 19th century at the foot of the Collserola hills.Jardins de Joan MaragallAvinguda de l’Estadi Jardins del Palau de PedralbesMetro : Espanya L1 L3 Avinguda Diagonal, 686These gardens feature wooded avenues, Metro : Palau Reial L3vast lawns, ornamental fountains, outdoor The stately, English- and French-inspiredsculptures and a small palace. gardens of the Pedralbes Royal Palace feature romantic bridges and verdant areas.Jardins de LaribalPasseig de Santa Madrona, 2 Jardins del Teatre GrecMetro : Espanya L1 L3 Passeig de Santa Madrona, 36These gardens are made beautiful by ter- Metro : Espanya L1 L3races, pathways, small squares, ponds and These gardens were created on Montjuïclush plant life. hill for the Universal Exposition of 1929. It is home to the amphitheatre that hostsJardins de la Tamarita many of the performances during the GrecPasseig de Sant Gervasi, 47-49 Festival of Barcelona.FGC : Avinguda Tibidabo L7

93 Parc Güell Carrer d’Olot, 7 Metro : Lesseps L3 This is the city’s most famous park, one that has come to symbolize all of Barce- lona. It is a testament to Antoni Gaudi’s genius and his skill in blending architectur- al elements with the natural environment. This park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Turó Parc Avinguda de Pau Casals FGC : Muntaner L6 Metro : Hospital Clínic L5 This is one of Barcelona’s most emblematicParc de la Ciutadella parks. Visitors are welcomed by a statue of the Catalan cellist Pau Casals. The parkParc de la Ciutadella also has an oval pond surrounded by pop-Passeig de Picasso, 1 lars and plane trees, a large, grassy lawn,Metro : Ciutadella L4 an open-air theatre and a bowling green.This eclectically designed park is famousfor its magnificent waterfall, elegant 19th-century buildings, beautiful landscaping Apart from these culturally significantand rich vegetation. parks, Barcelona is dotted by dozens of urban and botanical parks.Parc del GuinardóCarrer de Garriga i Roca, 1-13This park combines lush woodland withan elegant garden. It is one of the mostextensive green areas of Barcelona.Parc del Laberint d’HortaPasseig dels Castanyers, 1-17Metro : Mundet L3This park is known for its maze of cypressbushes. It is also home to the city’s oldestgarden, a neoclassical treasure from the18th century. Parc Güell

94 RESTAURANTS AND NIGHTLIFE To search for restaurants by origin, special-In Barcelona, you will be spoilt for choice ity and type, go to the City Hall’s Restau-when it comes to dining out. rants page at www.bcn.cat/ociThere are restaurants for every tasteand budget in the city. Barcelona’s dining There are also plenty of clubs, discos, barsestablishments offer traditional Catalan and pubs to choose from in Barcelona. Theand Spanish fare, seafood specialties and city’s vibrant nightlife is mostly concen-a variety of international franchises and trated in the areas of Barri Gòtic and Laethnic cuisines. Rambla, the Eixample and Port Olímpic.Barcelona is also the place to go for exqui-site fine dining. Catalonia boasts no less than22 restaurants with Michelin stars in the 2010guide, and 17 of them are in Barcelona. Thecity is also home to some of the world’s mostinnovative chefs and restaurateurs.Just be aware that Spanish mealtimes aredifferent. Lunch is served from around 1:30p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Dinner service usuallystarts at 9:00 p.m. onwards, although somerestaurants open a little earlier in theevening.Also remember that many restaurants closein the summer, as well as in Easter and thefirst week of January, so you are advised tocall in advance to avoid disappointment.For lunch, many restaurants offer a menúdel dia, a set menu consisting of two cours-es, a drink, plus a dessert or coffee.And don’t forget to try Barcelona’s excel-lent tapas, which you can have at any timeof the day.

95 Municipal markets SHOPPING Barcelona has a network of over 40Barcelona has become a magnet for shop- municipal markets scattered throughoutpers from all over the world, thanks to its its neighbourhoods. Barcelona’s charmingmany fabulous shopping opportunities: markets offer more than just fresh producearound 35,000 shops that you can found and excellent local products. Their beauti-throughout the city. ful architecture and unique atmosphere make them tourist destinations in them-The city has many department stores and selves. The following is a list of some of theshopping centres and shopping streets city’s most visited markets.with exclusive designer boutiques andinteresting international and local brands.But here you can also find lesser known Mercat de la Boqueriashopping areas and neighbourhood shops, La Rambla, 89 bisas well as markets and street fairs offering Tel : +34 93 318 25 84quality products at bargain prices. Opening hours : Monday to Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Metro : Liceu L3 Food To look for shopping options in Barcelona, go to the following websites from the City Mercat de la Concepció Hall: www.bcn.cat/oci www.bcn.cat/ Carrer d’Aragó, 311 bis comerc Tel : +34 93 457 53 29 Opening hours : Mondays, 8:00 p.m. to Also worth visiting is the following page: 3:00 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to www.barcelonaturisme.com/ 8:00 p.m. Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Barcelona-Shopping-Line Metro : Girona L4 Food Mercat d’Encants de Sant AntoniFood and groceries Carrer del Comte d’Urgell, 1 bis Tel : +34 93 423 42 87You can buy your food and groceries from Opening hours : Mondays, Wednesdays, Fri-large chain supermarkets, neighbourhood days and Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.grocery stores, convenience stores and Metro : Sant Antoni L2markets. There are also a large number of Home textiles, children’s, men’s andshops selling European, Asian, South Ameri- women’s clothing, bags, shoes, accessoriescan and Middle Eastern food products.

96Mercat del NinotCarrer de Casanova, 160Tel : +34 93 453 65 12Opening hours : Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m.to 9:00 p.m.; Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.Metro : Hospital Clínic L5Food, cleaning supplies, kitchen utensils,clothing, underwear, perfume, old booksMercat de Sant AntoniCarrer del Comte d’Urgell, 1 bisTel : +34 93 423 42 87Opening hours : Monday to Thursday,7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; 5:00 to 8:30 p.m.Fridays, Saturdays and days before holi-days: 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.Metro : Sant Antoni L2Food, old books and comics, collectiblesMercat de Santa CaterinaAvinguda de Francesc Cambó, 16Tel : +34 93 319 57 40Opening hours : Mondays, 7:30 a.m. to2:00 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays,7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays,7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturdays 7:30 a.m.to 3:30 p.m.Metro : Jaume I L4Mostly food For more information about Barcelona’s markets, visit www.mercatsbcn.com

97Mercat de Santa Caterina

100 DOINGBUSINESS INBARCELONA

101 WHY BARCELONA?Here are ten good reasons to invest or dobusiness in Barcelona: 4. Successful foreign investment The area of Barcelona concentrates almost 90% of the total of 3,300 foreign1. A priveleged location companies installed in Catalonia. Our area traditionally attracts around 25% of the annual Spanish foreign investment.Gateway to the south of Europe, centre ofan emerging economic Euro-region, capitalof the Mediterranean area, a bridge withthe Maghreb and platform which links withLatinAmerica. 5. Major future projects Currently Barcelona is undergoing the biggest urban transformation in its history2. Accessible and connected to with important public investments and major opportunities for private initiatives.other countriesNew intercontinental airport with numer-ous daily flights, multi-modal port inexpansion, the first in the Mediterranean, 6. National and international human capitaland connection on land by railway and a With good universities and the bestnetwork of international motorways. European business schools of international prestige, Barcelona generates and attracts3. Motor of a major economic, well-trained professionals with a propen- sity for innovation and creativity.dynamic and diverse areaWith an extensive industrial traditionand a dense business fabric, Barcelona iscommitted to the economy and knowledge 7. Extensive real estate offer Offices, commercial premises and indus-intensive activities, especially in advanced trial warehouses available with the bestservices and new economic activities. price quality relation.

1028. Public-private partnershipsBarcelona has a business culture with MUNICIPAL SERVICES AND SUPPORT Barcelona is a dynamic, entrepreneurial and business-friendly city.2,000 years of history and an entrepre-neurial vocation that is manifested through In the city there exist different municipalstrategies of public-private partnerships services provided by the City Council ofwithin strategic sectors which are both Barcelona and other administrations andtraditional and and from the knowledge institutions that offer services and supporteconomy. to people interested in starting up a business activity or doing business in the city.9. Excellent quality of lifeIt is a place to work but also to live, with Barcelona Activa is the local development agency of the City Council of Barcelona. Created in 1986, this municipal company promotes quality and future oriented em-a very pleasant climate; with sun and ployment and businesses through sevenbeaches all year round, it has a splendid activity lines included in its Action Plan. Itcultural and commercial offer, a modern was born as a business incubator with 16universally accessible health system, projects installed. Today, Barcelona Activaefficient and safe public transport, and a has become a local and international refer-Mediterranea lifestyle in an urban setting ence in the support for entrepreneurs,with its own personality. innovation, professional improvement and creation of employment.10. Recognized world prestigeDifferent international independent stud- BARCELONA ACTIVA - Barcelona City Council - Economic Promotion Sector Carrer Llacuna, 162-164ies and comparisons are committed toBarcelona.For example: European Cities Monitor For more information about Barcelona(Cushman & Wakefield), fDi’s European Activa, visit www.barcelonactiva.catCities of the Future (Financial TimesGroup) E&Y Baromed (Ernst and Young)or Mercers Executive Survey (MercerGlobal).

103SUPPORT FOR FOREIGN Business creation -INVESTMENT entrepreneursFor foreigjn companies that want to set up Barcelona Activa offers quality informationin the city: and tools to entrepreneurs with business ideas, so they can start up and consolidateInternational Economic Promotion of the their business in Barcelona.City Council of Barcelona: personalisedsupport and technical advice and totally Barcelona Activa supports entrepreneursconfidential for foreign companies inter- to start a new business in Barcelona with aested in setting up in Barcelona, from the wide porftolio of services.decision to invest in the installation to thestarting up of the business. Welcome sessions are the entry point to Barcelona Activa. In just two hours entrepreneurs are introduced to the portfolio of programmes, activities and services For more information about Barcelona Busi- designed to help them in the start-up of a ness- International Economic Promotion, new business in Barcelona. visit www.bcn.cat/barcelonabusiness To register to a welcome session, visit www.barcelonanetactiva.com/ welcomesession Other services offered to entrepreneurs to create a company and make it grow are: • Daily seminars, specific itineraries and a wide range of training courses • Multimedia tools to work on the business idea and the business plan • Information and advice about legal forms, procedures and tax system

104• Business cooperation programmes to Finding offices and premisesenhance relations with other companiesand institutions to make the company Temporary office spacesgrow Barcelona Activa offers temporary spaces• Access to finance programmes to find the (landing spaces) to undertake somemost suitable source of funding market prospecting, having meetings with possible partners or searching for• Strategic growth plan programme to funding. These temporary landing spacesestablish an individual growing path for are fully furnished and are available foreach company companies interested in establishing in Barcelona. Offices can be rented by days,• Internationalization programmes to visit weeks or months.and do market research in foreign markets For further information about temporary For further information: offices spaces: www.barcelonanet www.bcn.cat/empresa activa.com/landingspaces Innovative environments As for permanent office spaces, Barcelona Activa manages two innovative environments: the Glòries Business Incubator and the Barcelona Nord Technology Park. www.barcelonanetactiva.com/incubator www.barcelonanetactiva.com/park

105 Spaces for investors The Centre for Career Development is a free access 2.000 sq. metres space,For international investors, the Barcelona pioneer in Spain and in Europe, whereVenture Hub programme offers workspac- you’ll find answers to your questions andes and business contacts for investors concerns related to the labour market:interested in companies from Barcelona. • Evaluating and increasing your professional potentiality • Training and improving your skills and competences For more information, look at: • Getting ready for a professional change www.barcelonanetactiva.com/venturehub • Being updated about new market opportunities A team of experts is at your disposal to Search for other business spaces help you define your professional strategy in the city and succeed in your professional chal- lenges. These are the services offered atThe Barcelona Business Spaces is the new Porta 22:search engine for business spaces available 1. Personalised counselling without priorin the city of Barcelona, which allows users appointment and totally anonymousto search for retail properties, offices, 2. Intranet for professional guidancebusiness centres, industrial warehouses or 3. Programme of activities for careervacant industrial land, either for rent or sale. development For foreign professionals, Porta22 has designed a series of seminars in English to help Visit the website of Barcelona Business you identify the strategic economic sectors Spaces: www.barcelonactiva.cat/ in Barcelona and the emerging professional espaisdenegoci/en opportunities arising from them; to know the available resources for job seeking in the Barcelona area; and to learn how to adapt the CV for the Spanish labour market andCAREER DEVELOPMENT how to prepare the job interview.Porta22 is the Centre for Career Develop-ment of Barcelona Activa. Visit: www.bcn.cat/treball/en

106 Fira Barcelona (Barcelona Trade Fair) is OTHER KEY ECONOMIC AGENTS an international reference in terms of the organisation of trade fairs and congressesACC1Ó is the agency for supporting the and holds the third position in the worldcompetitiveness of Catalan companies. It ranking of the organisation of trade fairis specialised in fostering business innova- events and congresses, with a coveredtion and internationalisation and has a net- area of 280,000m2 for exhibitions andwork of 35 offices throughout the world. close to 700,000 delegates in the con-Passeig de Gràcia, 129 gresses. Trade fairs such as Alimentària,Tel : +34 93 476 72 87 the Mobile World Congress and Constru-FGC : Gràcia L6 L7 mat are held in the Fira de Barcelona.METRO : Diagonal L3 L5 Avinguda Reina Mª Cristina s/n www.acc10.com Tel : +34 902 233 200 FGC : Pl. Espanya L8 S4Invest in Catalonia – ACC1Ó is the area METRO : Espanya L1of ACC1Ó specialised in the promotion www.fira.esand raising of investments which areeconomically and technologically solid for Barcelona Aeronautics and Space (BAIE)Catalonia. is the Association that promotes the activi-Passeig de Gràcia, 129 ties of the aeronautics and space sector inTel : +34 93 476 72 87 the area of Barcelona and Catalunya.FGC : Gràcia L6 L7 Carrer Jordi Girona, 29METRO : Diagonal L3 L5 Tel : +34 93 206 39 59 www.catalonia.com METRO : Palau Reial L3 www.investincatalonia.com www.bcnaerospace.orgOfficial Chamber of Commerce, Industry Barcelona Design Centre (BCD) is theand Navegation of Barcelona is an Foundation that promotes design as aautonomous organisation that defends the strategic element and key factor of in-interests of the business people and com- novation in the field of business and as apanies of the area of Barcelona in their discipline that improves the quality of lifecommercial and professional relations. of the people.Avinguda Diagonal, 452-454 Avinguda Diagonal, 452, 5a PlantaTel : +34 93 416 94 57 Tel : +34 93 218 28 22FGC : Provença L6 L7 FGC : Provença L6 L7METRO : Diagonal L3 L5 METRO : Diagonal L3 L5 www.cambrabcn.org www.bcd.es

107Fira de Barcelona

108Barcelona Medical Centre (BCM) is an Foundation for the Development ofAssociation that provides information about the Mediterranean Diet is an Entity thatthe sanitary services of the city and facili- works on promoting of healthy habits oftates access to hospitals, clinics assistential Mediterranean food around the world.units of traditional international prestige of Carrer Johann Sebastian Bach 8, Entl 2aBarcelona, coordinating the offer. Tel : +34 93 414 31 58Avinguda Diagonal, 612 FGC : Bonanova/Muntaner L6Tel : +34 93 414 06 43 www.fdmed.org/dieta-mediterraneaTRAM : Francesc MaciàMETRO : Hospital Clínic L5 Barcelona Technological Innovation (b_TEC) www.bcm.es works on creating a nucleus of excellence in the knowledge of the future: energy, waterBarcelona Digital Centre (Bdigital) is a and mobility.Foundation that promotes and contributes Jardins de les Dones de Negre, 1, 2a Plantato the growth of the ICT sector and to the Tel : +34 93 356 09 80development of the Information Society in METRO : El Maresme/Fòrum L4Barcelona and Catalonia. www.btec.orgCarrer Roc Boronat, 117, 5a PlantaTel : +34 93 553 45 40 Barcelona Media - Centre of Innovation isMetro : Glòries L1, Llacuna, Poblenou L4 a technology centre dedicated to applied www.bcndigital.org research in the field of communication or media, and to knowledge and technologyEnvironmental Forum Foundation groups transfer in the industry of this sector.together the companies from the environ- Avinguda Diagonal, 177, 9a Plantamental sector of Catalonia. Tel : +34 93 238 14 00Avinguda Reina Maria Cristina s/n Fira de METRO : Glòries L1Barcelona - Palau de la Metal·lúrgia www.barcelonamedia.orgTel : +34 93 233 23 09FGC : Pl. Espanya L8 S4 Biocat is the organisation promoted by theMETRO : Espanya L1 Generalitat de Catalunya and the City Coun- www.forumambiental.org cil of Barcelona that coordinates, boosts and promotes biotechnology, biomedicine and medical technologies in Catalonia so that they become an economic motor. Passeig de Gràcia, 103, 3a Planta Tel : +34 93 310 33 30 FGC : Provença L6 L7 METRO : Diagonal L3 L5 www.biocat.cat

109Barcelona Tourist Board is a Consortium for 22@Barcelona is a society created by thethe touristic promotion of the city abroad. City Council of Barcelona for revitalisingRambla de Catalunya, 123, principal the old industrial neighbourhood of PobleTel : +34 93 368 97 00 Nou and to turn it into an urban scienceFGC : Provença L6 L7 park in which companies from the newMETRO : Diagonal L3 L5 economy live side by side with Universities www.barcelonaturisme.cat and technology centres. Carrer d’Àvila 138, 3rBarcelona Convention Bureau is a Tour- Tel : +34 93 507 35 00ism Programme of Barcelona whose aim is METRO : Glòries L1to promote the organisation of meetings www.22barcelona.comand congresses in the city.Rambla de Catalunya, 123, principal Barcelona Regional is an agencyTel : +34 93 368 97 00 that analyses and provides technicalFGC : Provença L6 L7 proposals for reflection in the field ofMETRO : Diagonal L3 L5 infrastructures and the urban planning www.barcelonaconventionbureau.com development of the metropolitan region of Barcelona.Foundation the Catalan Institution of Carrer 60, 25-27. Edifici Z. 2a planta.Support for Research improves the social Sector A. Zona Francarecognition of science and the search for Tel : +34 93 223 74 00new ways of cooperation between the FGC : Magòria-La Campana L8 S4public and private sectors in the scientific www.bcnregional.comresearch activities in Catalonia.Passeig Lluís Companys, 23Tel : +34 93 268 77 00METRO : Arc de Triomf L1 www.fundaciorecerca.catNetwork of Science and TechnologyParks of Catalonia (XPCAT).Carrer de Baldiri Reixac, 10-12Tel : +34 93 582 45 45METRO : Palau Reial/ Zona Universitària L3TRAM : Avinguda Xile www.xpcat.net

110 INTERNATIONAL CHAMBERS ITALIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Avinguda Diagonal, 419, 1r 2a AND TRADE OFFICES TEL : +34 93 318 49 99 METRO : Diagonal L3 L5 FGC : L6 L7 www.camaraitaliana.comAMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCECarrer Tuset, 10, 1r 2a CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND TOURISM OFTEL : +34 93 415 99 63 INDIA IN SPAINFGC : Gràcia L6 L7 Rambla dels Caputxins, 42 www.amchamspain.com TEL : +34 93 318 84 41 METRO : Liceu L3BRITISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.indospan.comCarrer Bruc, 21, 1r 4aTEL : +34 93 317 32 20 SPANISH RUSSIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCEMETRO : Urquinaona L1 L4 Carrer de Balmes, 182 www.britishchamberspain.com TEL : +34 93 218 72 95 METRO : Diagonal L3 L5BELGIUM AND LUXEMBURG CHAMBER OF FGC : Gràcia L6 L7COMMERCE www.hispanorusa.comCarrer d’Aribau, 191-193, 3r 1aTEL : +34 652 500 273 SPANISH SWEDISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCEFGC : Gràcia L6 L7 Carrer de Mallorca, 279, 4t 3a www.ccblc.com TEL : +34 93 488 05 03 METRO : Diagonal L3, Passeig de Gràcia L3FRENCH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.cchsbcn.comPasseig de Gràcia, 2TEL : +34 93 270 24 50 SPANISH FINISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCEMETRO : Catalunya L1 L3, Passeig de Gràcia Carrer de Puig i Xorriguer, 15, 1rL2, Urquinaona L4 TEL : +34 93 474 11 60FGC : Catalunya L6 L7 METRO : Drassanes L3 www.camarafrancesa.es www.camarafinlandesa.comGERMAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA – TRADE COMMISSIONCarrer de Còrsega, 301-303, 3r 2a OF AUSTRIATEL : +34 93 415 54 44 Carrer de Balmes, 200, 7è 1aMETRO : Diagonal L3 L5 TEL : +34 93 292 23 78FGC : Provença L6 L7 FGC : Gràcia L6 L7 www.ahk.es www.advantageaustria.org

112TRADE COMMISSION OF DENMARK DUTCH BUSINESS ASSOCIATION IN BARCELONARambla de Catalunya, 81, 5è 4a Parc de Negocis Mas Blau – Edifici MuntadasTEL : +34 93 487 88 28 Carrer Solsonès, 2, esc. B, 1r 4aMETRO : Passeig de Gràcia L3 08820 El Prat de LlobregatFGC : Provença L6 L7 TEL : +34 93 843 23 96 www.dtcbarcelona.um.dk www.dekring.orgUK TRADE & DEVELOPMENT OFFICE CÍRCULO DE DIRECTIVOS DE HABLA ALEMANAAvinguda Diagonal, 477, 13a planta – KDFTEL : +34 93 366 62 06 Carrer de Còrsega, 301-303, 3r 2a www.ukinspain.fco.gov.uk TEL : +34 93 415 54 44 METRO : Diagonal L3 L5QUÉBEC GOVERNMENT OFFICE IN BARCELONA FGC : Provença L6 L7Avinguda Diagonal, 420, 3r 1a www.kdf-online.orgTEL : +34 93 476 42 58METRO : Verdaguer L5, Diagonal L3 SOCIEDAD SUIZA DE BARCELONA www.mri.gouv.qc.ca Carrer d’Alfons XII, 95 FGC : Plaça Molina L6 L7HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL www.clubsuizobarcelona.comCarrer de Muntaner, 240, 5è 2aTEL : +34 93 236 09 30 ESPAÑA – ISRAEL CÁMARA DE COMERCIO EFGC : Gràcia L6 L7 INDUSTRIA www.hktdc.com Travessera de Gràcia, 17-21, 5è 1a TEL : + 34 93 511 31 67AICEP PORTUGAL GLOBAL FGC : Muntaner L6Carrer del Bruc, 50, 4t 3a www.hispanoisraeli.comTEL : +34 93 301 44 16METRO : Plaça Tetuan L2 www.portugalglobal.ptAMERICAN SOCIETY OF BARCELONACarrer de Sant Eusebi, 3, 2n 1aTEL : +34 93 368 46 89METRO : Fontana L3FGC : Plaça Molina L6 L7 www.amersoc.com

116 USEFULINFORMATION

117Single Emergency Number Citizen’s Assistance Office (Oficina d’Atenció Ciutadana)Health emergencies, firefighting and res-cue, police and civil protection:Tel : 112 Offers assistance in different languages Plaça Sant Miquel, 3Available 24 hours a day every day of the year. Tel : 010Free call.Barcelona citizen Catalonia citizenInformation Information(Barcelona City Council) (Generalitat de Catalunya)Within Barcelona and Metropolitan area: Within Catalonia: Tel : 010 Tel : 012Outside the Metropolitan area: Outside Catalonia: Tel : 807 177 700 Tel : 902 400 012From abroad: From abroad: Tel : +34 807 177 700 Tel : +34 902 400 012(*) Conditions for use: 24hours a day service, (*) Conditions for use: 24hours a day service,every day of the year. every day of the year. Cost of the call: Cost of the call:010: Connection charge: €0.46 Connection charge: €0,33Cost/min: €0.06 Per-minute billing: €0.087. VAT included.Per second rate. VAT included.807 117 700: Connection charge: €0.11Cost/min: €0.40Per second rate. VAT included. Also visit the website: www.gencat.cat Also visit the website: www.bcn.cat

www.doitinbcn.comwww.bcn.cat/barcelonabusiness© of the editionEconomic Promotion Barcelona City Councilc/ Llacuna, 162-16408018 Barcelonawww.bcn.cat/barcelonabusinessTextsBRS Relocation Serviceswww.brs-relocation.comEconomic Promotion Barcelona City CouncilGraphic designDoctor MagentaD.L. B-8.216-2011Printed and bound in European Union

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Welcome to Barcelona

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