Practical tips for Barcelona

Barcelona is a welcoming, pleasant city, but with some of the problems typical of big tourist destinations. A few precautions and rules help you enjoy it to the full. It is part of the Barcelona guide.

Pickpockets: the number one problem

Barcelona has one of Europe's highest pickpocketing rates. Thieves are skilled and often work in groups, especially:

• on the Rambla, at the Boqueria and in plaça de Catalunya;
• on the metro, particularly lines 1, 3 and 4 and at Sagrada Família, Passeig de Gràcia and Liceu stations;
• in the Gothic Quarter and the Born;
• on the beach, while you swim;
• on bar terraces, where phones left on tables vanish.

How to protect yourself: backpack in front in crowds, wallet in an inside pocket, phone never on the table, bags closed and worn across the body, original documents at the hotel and a copy with you. Beware of distractions: someone asking directions with a map, "cleaning" a stain on your jacket, offering a flower or asking for a signature. Thefts can be reported online or at the tourist police station on the Rambla, with interpreters.

Hours

Lunch is between 1.30 and 3.30pm and dinner after 8.30-9pm. Many central shops open 10am-9pm, but on Sundays most shops are closed, except in tourist areas and at certain times of year.

Money and tipping

The euro is used and cards are accepted almost everywhere, even for small amounts. Tipping is optional: leave small change at the bar and 5-10% at restaurants for good service.

Language

Barcelona is bilingual. Everyone speaks Castilian, but Catalan is the language of signs, menus, metro announcements and many residents. A few words are always appreciated: bon dia (good morning), bona tarda (good afternoon), si us plau (please), gràcies (thank you), adéu (goodbye).

Rules to know

• Walking around in swimwear or bare-chested away from the beach is banned: you risk a fine.
• Drinking alcohol in the street is banned, as is buying alcohol from street hawkers.
• Beaches have rules on smoking, dogs and camping.
• In tourist apartments respect night-time quiet: noise fines are steep.
• In churches, including the Sagrada Família, shoulders and legs must be covered.

Book ahead

The big attractions have limited entry and sell out: book online days or weeks ahead for the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, La Pedrera, the Palau de la Música and the Picasso Museum. Many museums are free on the first Sunday of the month or Sunday afternoons: see Barcelona museums.

Water, sun and health

• Tap water is safe but tastes strongly of lime: many locals use filters or bottled water. Public fountains are safe.
• In summer the sun is strong: sunscreen, a hat and water, especially at Park Güell and Montjuïc.
• EU citizens are entitled to healthcare with the European Health Insurance Card; others should have travel insurance. Pharmacies are marked by a green cross.

Scams and tourist traps

• Restaurants with touts and photo menus on the Rambla and at the port.
• Fake plain-clothes police asking to check your wallet and documents.
• The shell game.
• Unofficial taxis: use only licensed black-and-yellow ones.
• Attraction tickets sold by unauthorised resellers at inflated prices.

Useful numbers

See also transport and when to go.