Everything you need to know about Barcelona ahead of DrupalCon

Barcelona is a beautiful city, and has so much to see and do. Although I left Barcelona more than a decade ago, I can’t wait to return and show my colleagues around while we are there for Annertech Days and DrupalCon. 

It’s a city that is steeped in history and stunning architecture (thanks Gaudi). Hans Christian Andersen called it the “Paris of Spain”. I don’t know if that is because of its sparkling wine industry or all the Michelin starred restaurants, but I’m not surprised it’s the most-visited city in Spain.

A bird's eye view of Barcelona city beach. Picture: Unsplash

Useful phrases 

Although Barcelona is located in Spain, it is the capital of Catalonia (or dare I say, “Catalunya“), so it may be good to know a few phrases before you go. 

Although it is a really open and cosmopolitan place – and is probably the place in all Catalunya where less Catalan is spoken – here are some sentences that will endear you to the locals: 

Greetings 

• Hello – Hola|Bon dia|Bona tarda 
• What is your name? – Quin es el teu nom? 
• Goodbye – Adéu (or the more formal ‘adeu siau’) 
• Please – Si us plau 
• Thank you – Gràcies 

In a social context, people in Spain (and Catalonia) are warm, and it’s not uncommon to double kiss (once on each cheek) women when meeting them. 

Some men don’t mind double kissing other men, but it’s generally not the norm. A handshake will work just as well if you are uncomfortable with the double kiss. 

Directions 

Here are some phrases that might come in handy for DrupalCon attendees: 
 

• How do I get to the Barcelona International Convention Center? – Com es fa per arribar al Centre de Convencions Internacional de Barcelona? 
• Where is the nearest metro station? – On és l'estació de metro més propera? 
• Where is the train station? – On és l’estació del tren? 
• Where is the airport? – On és l’aeroport?

Food 

The food in Barcelona is amazing. Tapas, paella and the Spanish omelette are probably what people expect on the menu. Wherever you find yourself in this city there will be something delicious to taste. 

Here are some useful phrases that may come in handy if you come across a waiter who doesn't speak English. I've also let you in on two of my favourite Catalan dishes that you might want to try while you're in Barcelona.

Ordering food/drink 

• Please may I have a/two/three beer/s – Una (dues, tres) cervessa (cervesses), si us plau 
• Please may I have a glass of red/white wine – Un got the vi negre/blanc, si us plau 
• Please may I have a bottle of water – Una botella d’aigua, si us plau 
• Do you have an English menu? – Teniu un menu en anglés? 
• Do you have anything vegetarian? – Teniu menú vegetarià? 

Popular dishes 

While in Barcelona you must try pa amb tomaquet i pernil (slices of bread topped with tomato spread, olive oil, salt and ham) and mongetes amb botifarra (beans cooked with sausage). 

Butifarras con mongetes, as cooked by Ericka Sanchez and featured on Quericavida.com.

Some restaurants might be able to do a vegetarian version of the butifarra sausage dish.

Generally the Pa amb tomaquet (above) is more about the bread than the ham. You can (and if fact people do) eat “bread with tomato“ with cheese, fish or whatever else they feel like. 

You don’t actually need anything with it – just the bread with tomato is delicious on its own. Ham is the most well-known combination though.

Things to see/do while in Barcelona

Barcelona is a walking city. One of my favourite things to do when I lived there was stroll through the streets and experience the different neighbourhoods. Here are some of my favourite areas to explore:

Remember the siesta 

The siesta "a midday or afternoon rest or nap" - is a big part of Spanish culture and many businesses and stores will be closed for a couple of hours around lunchtime. 

Stores are usually open from 9am to 1pm or 2pm, and reopen from about 4.30pm. The upside is that they stay open a little later so you can still do your shopping until 8pm or 10pm, depending on the store. Most stores are only open in the morning on Saturdays and are closed on Sundays and holidays. 

A note about safety 

Barcelona is generally a safe city, but as with many others, pickpockets can prowl on unsuspecting tourists. There's no need to panic, but be sensible about things 

• Avoid wearing expensive jewellery and gadgets 
• Opt for bags that cross over your chest rather than one that sits on your shoulder. Secure your backpack zips, or wear backpacks in front rather than on your back. Put your phone in a deep front pocket rather than the back pocket. 
• Stay vigilant - it's easy to get distracted in a place as pretty as Barcelona. In particular the subway (metro) is a place where pickpockets work in groups. If there is a rush of people around you when in the subway, be extra cautious! 
• If you have one, a “fanny pack“ that can be tucked under your clothes is always a good option for money or other important items. 
• Back up photos and other important documents that are stored on your devices before you head out, and take physical copies of passports and other travel documents just in case. It's a good idea to leave passports etc in the safe in your hotel room. 

That said, there may be plenty of pickpockets; but no crime rates worth speaking of. In that regard, and unless you end up in some really bad neighbourhood (I can't come up with any examples, but definitely none in the tourist circuit), nothing bad should happen to anybody. 

Conclusion 

The most important thing to do in Barcelona is enjoy it. The food is fantastic, the people are friendly, the weather is good and there is a lot to see and do. If you’re heading there for DrupalCon, pop round to our booth in the exhibition area. We’d love to meet you all.