Spain
ABOUT THE COUNTRY
Barcelona is the capital of the autonomous community of Catalonia and the second-largest city in Spain. Located on the Mediterranean coast between the Besòs and Llobregat rivers, Barcelona combines over 2,000 years of history with a forward-looking, innovative and cosmopolitan spirit.
As one of Southern Europe’s leading economic hubs, Barcelona plays a strategic role in finance, technology, life sciences, logistics, tourism and international trade. The metropolitan area is home to over 5 million people, while the city itself has a population of approximately 1.6 million inhabitants.
Barcelona covers an area of 101.9 km² and offers a unique combination of urban dynamism, Mediterranean lifestyle and strong international connectivity through its port, high-speed rail network and international airport.
Banks
Most banks are open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 02:00pm. They usually do not open in the afternoon and are closed on weekends and public holidays.
ATM machines (“cajeros”) are widely available throughout the city, especially in tourist areas, near hotels, shopping centres, and transport hubs. Major banks include Banco Santander, BBVA, CaixaBank and Banco Sabadell.
Curiosities
- Barcelona is globally recognised for its architecture, particularly the works of Antoni Gaudí, including landmarks such as Sagrada Família, Park Güell and Casa Batlló.
- The city’s historic centre blends Roman heritage, medieval streets and modernist masterpieces, reflecting centuries of cultural evolution.
- Barcelona is one of Europe’s top destinations for international congresses and trade fairs, hosting world-class events such as Mobile World Congress.
- The city is home to one of the most renowned football clubs in the world, FC Barcelona, a global symbol of sporting excellence and identity.
- With over 4.5 km of urban beaches, a vibrant marina culture and proximity to natural parks and mountain ranges, Barcelona offers an exceptional quality of life.
- Gastronomically, Barcelona stands out for its rich culinary tradition, blending Catalan heritage with avant-garde cuisine. The city and its surroundings host numerous Michelin-starred restaurants and local markets such as La Boqueria.
- Barcelona is recognized as a leading smart city and innovation hub, attracting startups, multinational headquarters and international talent.
- The city represents creativity, entrepreneurship, design, culture and Mediterranean warmth. A dynamic environment where business and lifestyle coexist in perfect balance.
Language
The official languages in Barcelona are Spanish (Castilian) and Catalan. Catalan is widely used in public administration, education and media, and forms an essential part of the region’s cultural identity.
Due to its strong international presence, English is commonly spoken in business, hospitality and tourism environments.
Religion
Religious freedom is guaranteed by the Constitution in Spain. Religion in Spain is characterised by the historical predominance of the Catholic Church, although levels of secularisation remain high as of 2026. Additionally, Catholic Spaniards usually refer to themselves as either “practising” or “non-practising” depending on their level of religiosity, with practising Catholics representing less than one fifth of the population today. However, many cultural aspects of Catholicism remain strong among the population, including the younger population.
According to the most recent data published by the Spanish Center for Sociological Research, approximately 55-56% of Spanish citizens self-identify as Catholic, the majority describing themselves as non-practising. Around 3-4% identity as followers of other faiths (including Islam, Protestant Christianity, Buddhism and others), while approximately 39% of the population identify as non-believers or without religion (15,8% identify as atheists, 11,2% as agnostics or 12% as non-believers)
Time & Weather
Spain has two time zones and observes daylight saving time. Spain mainly uses Central European Time (GMT +01:00) and Central European Summer Time (GMT +02:00) in mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands, Ceuta and Melilla. In the Canary Islands, the time zone is Western European Time (GMT±00:00) and Western European Summer Time (GMT +01:00). Daylight saving time is observed from the last Sunday in March (01:00 GMT) to the last Sunday in October (01:00 GMT) throughout Spain.
Barcelona enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterised by warm to hot summers and mild winters. Its coastal location on the Mediterranean Sea moderates temperatures throughout the year, while the nearby Collserola Natural Park mountain range helps shape local weather patterns.
Summers in Barcelona are typically sunny and dry, with average temperatures around 28–30ºC (82–86ºF), although peak temperatures can occasionally exceed 35ºC (95ºF). Sea breezes often provide natural cooling, especially in areas close to the coastline.
Winters are generally mild, with average daytime temperatures ranging between 12–16ºC (54–61ºF) and night-time lows rarely dropping below 5–8ºC (41–46ºF). Snowfall within the city is extremely rare.
Barcelona enjoys approximately 2,500 hours of sunshine per year. Rainfall is moderate and tends to occur mainly in spring and autumn, with occasional short but intense showers typical of Mediterranean climates.
Sea temperatures during the summer months usually range between 23–25ºC (73–77ºF), making the city’s beaches attractive from late spring through early autumn.
Barcelona Weather June Averages
Minimum temperature: 18ºC – 64ºF
Maximum temperature: 26ºC – 79ºF
Hours of sunshine per day: 9–10
Average rainy days: 4–5
June marks the beginning of the summer season in Barcelona. Average temperatures are very pleasant, typically around 22–23ºC (72–73ºF), creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities, corporate events and leisure experiences.
Rainfall is relatively low, sunshine hours increase significantly, and sea temperatures begin to warm (around 21–22ºC / 70–72ºF), making it an excellent month to enjoy both the city and its beaches before the peak summer heat of July and August.
Currency
The official currency in Spain is the Euro.
One Euro is made up of 100 cents, and there are eight different coins (1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and 1 and 2 Euros), and seven notes (5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euros).
Customs Regulations
Within the European Union you are entitled to tax-free prices on fragances, cosmetics and skincare; photographic and electrical goods; fashion and accessories; and gifts, jewelry and souvenirs where they are available and if there are no longer any allowance restrictions on these tax-free items.
If you are not a resident of the European Union, you´ll be pleased to know you can claim a refund of the VAT (Value Added Tax) you paid on purchases in Spain which you are taking back to your country. You simply need to fill in the Tax-Free form in the shops where you buy your purchases. Then, get the form validated at Customs within 3 months of the purchase date.
The electronic VAT refund procedure (DIVA) makes the validating process quicker and easier. You just have to ask the shops offering this service to provide you with the DIVA form and validate it directly at the automatic terminals installed in Spain´s main ports and airports.
Also, remember that if your next destination is another country in the European Union, you will not be able to reclaim VAT in Spain, but in the last airport before leaving the EU.
If you leave the EU from other Country: Don’t scan your Tax Free Form in the kiosk in Spain and proceed to validate your Tax Free Form in your last exit point prior to leave the European Union.
For more information you can visit:
The Spanish government has removed the minimum amount of €90,26 that previously applied to Tax Free Shopping transactions made in the country. This means that, whatever the value of the goods you purchase, you now have the right to claim back the VAT. The new regulations came into effect in July 2018
For information on Tax Free Shopping in Spain, please see here: https://www.globalblue.com/tax-free-shopping/minimum-purchase-amount-removed-in-spain
Duty Free Allowances
US citizens may bring back up to $800 US worth of foreign goods duty-free if they have been outside the country for at least 48-hours (and if they haven’t used the $800 US allowance in the previous 30 days). US residents over the age of 21 years can bring back 1-litre of alcohol duty-free, 200 cigarettes or 100 non-Cuban cigars duty free. Antiques, classified as more than a 100 years old by US customs can be brought back duty-free. The same rule applies for Original works of art made by hand.
Electricity
Electricity supply is 220 volts throughout Spain with a two-round-pin plug. UK travellers will require a plug adapter that will convert the standard 3 pin socket into a two-pin socket. In the US where the electricity supply is 110 volts a voltage transformer/converter would be required to step down the voltage to 110 volts. Damage to the electrical appliance can occur if you attempt to use a 110-volt rated electrical appliance with a 220-volt supply. Always check that the electrical devices that you are going to use work on this voltage.
Most laptop computers are automatically multivoltage but would need an adapter if from countries using a different type of plug.
Visa & Passports
Spain is one of the signatories of the Schengen Agreement, an arrangement under which participating countries have abolished border controls at their common borders.
Citizens of the European Union (EU) do not need a Schengen tourist vista to enter Spain.
Nationals of certain other countries – including Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the United States – do not need a tourist visa for stays of up to 90 days.
To check the visa requirements for your country visit:
http://www.schengenvisainfo.com/tourist-schengen-visa
All non-EU and non-Schengen nationals planning to stay in Spain for more than 90 days or for any reason other than tourism (such as study or work) may need a specific visa.
For more information visit:
Spanish government regulations may require a return or on-going ticket or proof of funds. Check the expiration date on your passport carefully before travelling to Europe. Entry into any of the 29 European countries in the Schengen area for short-term tourism, a business trip, or in transit to a non-Schengen destination, requires that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of departure. If your passport does not meet the Schengen requirements, you may be refused boarding by the airline at your point of origin or while transferring planes. You could also be denied entry when you arrive in the Schengen area. For this reason, we recommend that your passport have at least six months’ validity remaining whenever you travel abroad.
For more information visit the US embassy site: https://es.usembassy.gov
What to Pack?
Barcelona in late June is warm and sunny with daytime temperatures often between 25 and 30 °C so bring light breathable clothing such as cotton or linen shirts, dresses, shorts, and skirts and pack sun protection including a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. A light scarf or pashmina is useful for the sea breeze, cooler evenings, or when visiting churches where shoulders and legs should be covered. Evenings can be cooler especially near the hills or mountains, so a light sweatshirt or jacket is recommended. Comfortable walking shoes are essential because Barcelona is a very walkable city with cobblestone streets and if you plan to enjoy the beach, swimwear is a must. Smart casual clothing is useful for dining out, rooftop bars, or business-oriented areas like Eixample and quick-drying fabrics are a plus because summer can be humid. Remember that for visiting churches and religious sites, it is important to cover shoulders and knees and a pashmina or light scarf is perfect for this. Spring and autumn are cooler and more changeable, but for late June, light summer clothing is ideal.
Transportation
The best way to get around Barcelona is by a combination of public transport and walking, as the city is very walkable and traffic can be heavy in the centre. If you prefer maximum flexibility, car rental is an option, with companies such as Avis, Hertz, Europcar, and Sixt available, but parking in the city can be expensive and limited.
Public transport is efficient and convenient. Barcelona has an extensive metro, bus and tram network, operated by TMB. Tickets can be purchased individually or as a Hola Barcelona travel card for unlimited journeys over 2, 3, 4 or 5 days. Buses and metro run frequently throughout the day, with slightly reduced schedules on weekends and holidays.
Taxis are metered and usually black and yellow, with a green light indicating they are free to pick up passengers. You can also find taxis at taxi stands in central areas as Plaça Catalunya, Passeig de Gràcia, and near major tourist attractions. Minimum fare is €3-4, with roughly €1,20 per kilometre thereafter, with additional charges for night trips, weekends, or rides from the airport. Some special routes, like trips to Montjïc or Tibidabo, may include a small supplement.
Biking and e-scooters are popular for short trips and sightseeing, with rental stations throughout the city. Walking is often the fastest way to explore the Gothic Quarter, El Born, and the beachfront areas.
Shopping
Opening hours vary throughout the year. High-season hours are generally from April to September, while in the low season (October-March) hours may be shorter.
Restaurants: 1pm-3pm & 8 pm-11pm (some stay open later until midnight).
Cafes: 8 am – 8 pm
Bars and Clubs: 11 pm – 3 am (some popular clubs stay open until 5 am, especially on weekends).
Shops: 10 am – 2 pm & 4 pm – 8 pm, Monday to Saturday; some shops are also open on Sunday, especially in tourist areas like Las Ramblas and Passeig de Gràcia.
Notes for June:
- Tourist áreas like Las Ramblas, Passeig de Gràcia, and El Born often have extended hours
- Large shopping centers (e.g. Maremagnum, El Corte Inglés) may open earlier or close later
- Restaurants usually have a long lunch break between 3pm and 8pm, except in tourist áreas.
- Restaurants may be busy in the evening, so reservations are recommended.
Phones/Wi-Fi
In Barcelona some places offer wi-fi hotspots. To use them, you will generally need to register online using an email address or your social accounts. An easier option is to head to a café or bar offering free wi-fi
For the best roaming/international rates contact your cell phone provider before traveling.
Tipping & Gratuity
It is not obligatory to give tips in Spain, as all establishments include the service charge. However, it is common to give tips in bars and restaurants, hotels, and taxis. The amount of the tip depends on the amount of the bill and the generosity of the client, although it usually varies between five and ten percent of the total amount.
Healthcare
Emergency treatment is guaranteed for everyone and is provided in hospitals and some health centres. Care at private centres will always be charged. We strongly recommend always travelling with international medical insurance, especially if you are not a citizen of the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or a country with a bilateral healthcare agreement with Spain that covers assistance.
Medical care for illness or accident is free to citizens of the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein as long as they have a European Health Card (EHIC) and the reason for the trip is not to seek specific medical treatment. If you forget your certificate, you will have to pay all the costs and request reimbursement back in your country.
United Kingdom citizens should note that following Brexit, the previous arrangement that allowed EHIC/GHIC coverage for tourist visits no longer applies in the same way and it is strongly recommended to have comprehensive private travel insurance..
Before travelling, we strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical repatriation/evacuation, repatriation of remains and legal costs. You should check any exclusions and in particular that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.
Should you require emergency services, please contact the front desk if you are in the hotel. Or if you are out and about in the city , dial 112, the emergency telephone number. It is free to call, and available throughout Spain. The emergency services can track the location of the call, and there is a tele-translation service in multiple languages. This number is used to coordinate all calls to ambulances, fire brigades and security forces to ensure a rapid and effective response to all types of emergency situations.
The mobile app Alertcops (https://alertcops.ses.mir.es/mialertcops/ ) also enables you to contact the police directly and alert them to any abnormal situation or violence. It is available in English, French, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish.
Spanish regulations still do not permit the international shipment of prescription medication, so please do not ship medication from the U.S. U.S. citizens who plan a lengthy trip to Spain should bring enough medication for their stay or obtain a prescription for that medication from a Spanish physician. For inquiries regarding what type of medications can be brought to Spain, please contact the Spanish Embassy in the United States. In order to avoid problems with the Spanish customs office, it is recommended that the patient travelling with medication to Spain brings a doctor´s prescription or medical report that justifies the treatment. The Spanish Embassy should give you guidance on the necessary paperwork and if your medication is permitted into Spain. See this link.
(http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/WASHINGTON/en/Embajada/Pages/Frecuently-Asked-Questions.aspx)
For emergency treatment go straight to the urgencias (casualty) section of the nearest hospital. The city´s main hospitals are:
HOSPITALS
Hospital del Mar
Passeig Maritim de la Barceloneta 25 -29
08003 – Barcelona
Tel: +34 932 48 30 00
Emergency department: Open 24 Hrs
https://www.parcdesalutmar.cat/en/hospitals/hospital-del-mar/
Hospital Clínic Barcelona
1. de Villarroel, 170
08036 – Barcelona
Tel: +34 932 27 54 00
Emergency department: Open 24 Hrs
Hospital Dos de Maig
Carrer del Dos de Maig, 301
08025 – Barcelona
Tel: +34 93 507 27 00
Emergency department: Open 24 Hrs
Hospital Sant Pau
Sant Quintí 89
From Monday to Sunday, 06:30am to 10:00pm
From 10:00pm to 6:30pm, access is from Sant Quintí 87 ( Open 24 hrs )
Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge
Carrer de la Residencia, 15
08907 – L´Hospitalet de Llobregat
Location: Technosurgical Building of the Bellvitge University Hospital. Entrance through the back of the hospital grounds.
General information Tel: +34 93 260 75 00
Emergencies: +34 93 260 75 75 / 93 260 78 78
Emergency department: Open 24 Hrs
Hospital Universitario Valle de Hebrón
Passeig de la Vall d´Hebron. 119 – 129
08035 – Barcelona
Tel: +34 93 489 30 00 – 93 274 60 00
Emergency department: Open 24 Hrs
PHARMACIES
Farmacias (Pharmacies) offer advice and sell over-the-counter medicines. When a pharmacy is closed, it displays the name of the
nearest duty pharmacy on the door.
Farmàcia Clapés Area: Ciutat Vella
Open: 24 Hours
La Rambla, 98 08002 Barcelona
Tel: +34 933 01 28 43
Farmàcia Ramón Torelló Area: Ciutat Vella
Open: Mon-Fri (09:00am-08:30pm); Sat & Sun (10:00am-08:00pm)
Pg. de Joan de Borbó, 7, 08003 Barcelona Tel: +34 932 21 52 30
Farmàcia Barceloneta – Mercè Vidal
Area: Ciutat Vella.
Open: Mon-Frin (09:00am-09:00pm); Sat & Sun (10:00am-09:00pm)
Pg. de Joan de Borbó, 33, 08003 Barcelona
Tel: +34 932 21 92 98
Farmàcia Galup
Area: Eixample
Open: 08:30am-09:00pm (Hours might differ). Sunday closed.
C/ de Casp, 23, 08010 Barcelona
Tel: +34 933 17 72 83
Farmàcia Feriche
Area: Eixample
Open: 08:00am-10:00pm
Carrer d’Aribau, 20, 08011 Barcelona
Tel: +34 934 54 16 24
Farmacia Torres
Area: Eixample
Open: 24 Hours
Carrer d´Aribau, 62 08011 Barcelona
Tel: +34 934 53 92 20
Farmàcia Aragó 1
Area: Eixample
Open: 24 Hours
Carrer d´Aragó, 1 ( près de la rue Tarragona), 08015 Barcelona
Tel: +34 932 29 60 70
Farmàcia Laguna
Area: Eixample
Open: 24 Hours
Carrer de Provença,
459 08025 Barcelona
Tel: +34 934 55 12 07
Farmàcia Hormigos Perez
Area: Les Corts
Open: 24 Hours
Carrer de la Riera Blanca, 191 08014 Barcelona
Tel. +34 933 32 15 95
Farmàcia Irene Diego
Area: Sant Martí
Open: Mon-Fri (9am-9pm), Sat (9:30am-6:30pm), Sun closed
Carrer de la Marina, 20
08005 Barcelona
Tel: +34 932 21 01 26
Farmàcia Bouyat
Area: Sant Martí
Open: Mon-Sun (9am-10pm)
Av. d’Icària, 160,
08005 Barcelona
Tel: +34 932 24 23 91
Tap water is safe to drink across Barcelona, but it may taste slightly chlorinated, so many people prefer bottled water, which is inexpensive and widely throughout the city.
The major threat involved in travelling to Barcelona:
Spain is one of the safest countries in the world. As in any other country, there are minimum safety measures based on theft prevention. In this regard, it is advisable to only carry with you the money that you will need, to pay attention at times when there are large crowds of people in transport or shopping centres, and to avoid passing through empty places.
You do not need to carry your passport with you, no one will ask for for it. The only time you might need it is at banks, for example, to exchange money or traveller’s cheques.
If you are a victim of a crime while in Spain, report it to the local police immediately by calling the emergency services on 112, responding operators all speak English.
Make sure you get a copy of the “denuncia” (Police report) when you report the crime.
You will need the report for insurance purposes and to obtain a replacement travel document from the Consulate
American Embassy in Barcelona
Passeig de la Reina Elisenda de Montcada, 23, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, 08034 Barcelona
Tel: +34 932 80 22 27
British Consulate in Barcelona
Av. Diagonal, 477, 13ª, Eixample, 08036 Barcelona
Tel: +34 933 66 62 00
Police Station
Pl. d’Espanya, 1, L’Eixample, 08015 Barcelona
Phone: +34 935 542 700
Beaches and swimming
Deaths by drowning occur every year on Spanish beaches and in swimming pools. Local Policy have the authority to fine bathers who disobey the lifeguard´s warning flags. Take warning flags on beaches seriously.
The beaches in Barcelona have a flag system to inform swimmers and visitors of the regulations and facilities available, it´s a way to state sea weather conditions.
These beach flags can be changed during the day and may vary along different sections of the beach. This is normally managed by lifeguard services appointed by the City Council, often supported by Red Cross team or Civil Protection volunteers.
They indicate the safety conditions for swimming, as well as areas where swimming is not allowed because they are reserved for water sports.
The green flag: swimming is allowed and conditions are considered safe. Always keep children under adult supervision.
The yellow flag: swimming is allowed with caution. Avoid swimming beyond your depth and follow lifeguards’ instructions . The use of inflatables may be restricted. If the sea is calm keep an eye for jellyfish.
The red flag: swimming is strictly forbidden due to dangerous sea conditions, change of currents or other dangers (i.e. jellyfish or pollution)
The orange flag or no flag: Lifeguard is not on duty. Swim at your own risk, be aware of currents and other risks.
Blue and red flag: Between these flags, swimming is not allowed. This area is for water sports use, such as surfing, kayaking, Ski-Doos or other authorised activities. Note sometimes this area is demarcated by buoys in the water instead of flags at the coast.
Black: The beach is closed due to the state of sea and sand. There could be serious risk to health or safety
Do not swim at beaches that link to/from rivers, harbour, or those without lifeguards. Don’t dive into unknown water as hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death. Look out for signs warning of cliff erosion. Falling rocks are a hazard, and the authorities can fine those who ignore warning signs.
The sun may be too strong for guests who are not used to it – we recommend using sunblock, sunglasses and cap.