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isla spanish courses - learning spanish in spain - the isla team writes:
BARCELONA. FAQ
- What advantages does Barcelona have to offer? Barcelona is an international and cosmopolitan city, which evidently retains its Spanish flavour. It has a mild Mediterranean climate, offers considerable cultural attractions, a varied and vibrant nightlife and beautiful golden beaches right in the middle of the city.
- Is it cheap to get to Barcelona? There are great deals to Barcelona, Reus and Girona airports if you book in advance.
- Is Barcelona a university city? With 5 universities, there are lots of students in Barcelona but they are quickly absorbed into the city fabric so the atmosphere is more "urban-youth" and "cosmopolitan" than "university".
- Does Barcelona have a metro system? Yes, Barcelona has 5 metro lines and is an extremely cheap and efficient way to travel around. ISLA is situated 10 minutes beside the Ciutadella metro station that is two stops from Jaume I, the centre of the old town.
- What is the climate like? It is Mediterranean; so even in winter you can get very warm days. In summer temperatures are high but with a sea breeze. The snow is very close in the Pyrenees - and the beach, is on Barcelona’s doorstep.
- How many inhabitants does Barcelona have? In Barcelona itself, excluding dormitory towns, around 1.6 million, and in Catalonia there are a total of 6 million inhabitants.
- How well is Barcelona connected by road? Very well indeed, with several motorways leading to the city from around the country and from France.
- And its train connections? Also, excellent. There are direct train connections to all the main Spanish cities (including Salamanca) and to various French ones (via Port Bou).
- What day trips do you suggest? Tarragona is interesting with its Roman heritage, the Monastery of Montserrat, the natural parks of the Pyrenees, Figueras and Cadaqués (Dalí museums and the latter a pretty seaside town) and to the River Ebro.
- Is Andorra worth a visit? Yes, for skiing and cheap shopping.
- So, skiing? Yes, just 2,5 hours away by car.
- What big events has Barcelona staged? The 1929 Expo, 1992 Olympics (ISLA is located in the Olympic Village) and it is the scene of 2004’s World Culture Forum.
- Do people in Barcelona speak Catalan instead of Spanish? Catalans always speak perfect Castellano and are happy to do so with people who don’t speak Catalan. Naturally, Castellano is the only language used among our teachers and families.
- Is Barcelona expensive? Accommodation is more expensive than in smaller cities, though getting to Barcelona nearly compensates for this as flights can be extremely cheap and there are no transfer costs. There are restaurants and bars for all pockets.
- Is Barcelona safe? As is any big city that attracts a lot of tourists, you should get used to carrying your personal belongings where no one will relieve you of them, especially on the Ramblas, in the old town and on the beaches. ISLA is located in an especially safe and clean part of Barcelona.
- Are there a lot of concerts in Barcelona? Yes, it is a major venue for national and international artists. The ISLA-BCN team will keep you informed.
- Are there many bars and discos? Yes, even by Spanish standards, Barcelona’s night time vibrancy is quite extraordinary. Tapas bars, top-class clubs, 19th century dance halls with a 10 piece salsa band, chill-out DJ sessions on the beach – it’s a fun place for everyone.
- How do I get to the Balearic Islands from Barcelona? There are regular flights and boats.
- What are the culinary highlights of the city? Wonderful rice and pasta (usually with fresh fish and seafood), “Calçots”, a sort of roasted leek and all washed down with “Cava” the local high quality sparkling wine.
- What are the shop and bank opening times? Shops in the centre are open all day from 10.00 - 20.00, though smaller shops in the suburbs close at midday from 14.00 - 16.00. Banks open in the mornings from 09.00 - 14.00 and some also open on Thursday afternoons and Saturday mornings except in the summer.
- Are there many tourists? Yes, Barcelona is a major tourist destination, with national and international visitors and also with many international students. ISLA’s location by the beach, university and Ciutadella Park means students will be surrounded by locals rather than the many tourists who inhabit the Rambla and Old town.
- Should I tip? No, as in the rest of Spain you can round off a bill and leave a little more in classy restaurants but never as much as 10%.
- I’m coming alone. Is this a good idea? Yes, most people travel alone and are thus open to making new friends.
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