About Barcelona

Barcelona has the dynamic and open personality so typical of Mediterranean cities. It is the perfect city to relax in, stroll around and enjoy. Barcelona has its own way of life which makes it unique. The city itself was founded by the Romans who set up a colony called Barcino at the end of the 1st century BC.

The fruitful medieval period established Barcelona's position as the economic and political centre of the Western Mediterranean. The city’s Gothic Quarter bears witness to the splendour enjoyed by the city from the 13th to the 15th centuries.

The 20th century ushered in widespread urban renewal throughout the city and the city's hosting of the 1992 Olympic Games gave fresh impetus to the city's potential and reaffirmed its status as a major metropolis.

Barcelona Life

The working day usually begins at 8 or 9 in the morning and ends around 6 or 7 in the evening, with a one or two hour break for lunch at 2pm. Lunch and dinner are usually eaten a little later than in the rest of Europe. Most restaurants open from 1pm to 4pm, and from 8pm until 11pm. Tipping isn't obligatory, but people usually leave 5% if they are satisfied with the service.

Shops have long opening hours, from 10am to 2pm and from 4.30 to 8 or 8.30pm. In the city centre, most shops don’t close at lunchtime and large shopping centres and department stores open until 10pm in summer.

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