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Barcelona cultural information and guide

Barcelona is the city of the brave and the beautiful; seen in its remarkable architecture, a dazzling Mediterranean cityscape and its constant, colourful evolution. Barcelona has its own peculiar alegría, steeped in history, where freedom of expression is just as important as tradition.

The result is raw and vibrant at the same time. This personality gives Barcelona its international appeal.

Barcelona has been influenced by two important factors in its timeline; the regeneration of its city spaces by the architect Antoni Gaudí and the hosting of the Olympic Games in 1992, both of which shaped its popularity. Read on for Barcelona's more original aspects within European culture.

TOP 5 THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT BARCELONA

Pa Amb Tomàquet- The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread!

Pan amb Tomàquet Barcelona's bread-and-butter, quite literally; this Catalan coupling proves that two wrongs can make a right.

The hot Spanish sunshine makes fresh bread harden and tomatoes ripen too fast. The solution? Half an overripe tomato dragged across the bread's surface to soften it, a splatter of olive oil, rub of garlic and a pinch of salt.

A simple technique with humble roots, Pa amb Tomàquet is now a staple food of Catalunya; in the most gourmet of establishments and in the modest Spanish bar.

Sunday Stroll or Picasso? Barcelona Museums Free All Afternoon

Pablo Picasso Swap your Sunday stroll in Barcelona for an afternoon of free culture, as Barcelona opens many of its museum doors to the public. Since April 2009, this initiative has been in place to encourage Barcelona's leisure and culture sectors.

You could be looking at famous artworks in the Picasso Museum, checking out Barcelona's conceptual expos at the Disseny Hub or visiting Barcelona's seafaring past at the Museu Marítim. Free entry from 3pm until 8pm on Sundays means you've simply no excuse.
Here's the full list of Barcelona museums free on Sundays.

Much "Adeu" About Something; Barcelona in Catalan if You Please

A typical mistake made by well-meaning visitors to Barcelona is dusting up on the Spanish vocabulary. Although Spanish is widely spoken in Barcelona, the city and state of Catalunya actually prefer Catalan as the official language.

You won't need Catalan for a short stay in Barcelona, as you are likely to be spoken to in Spanish or even English, but expect to see and hear Catalan everywhere. Catalan is mainly similar to Spanish but also to French, Italian and even Latin.

Putting the Fizz into Southern Europe- Barcelona is Cava Country

Using the same champenoise method as the French counterpart, Catalunya's fizzy cava offers a less expensive version of bubbly to connoisseurs of fine wines.

Barcelona's surrounding countryside is home to Cava, with the Penedès vineyards and world-renowned wine estates.

If you like wines, it's worth taking a daytrip out of Barcelona, to sample cava at its source. Try the founders of the cava, at Cordoníu or visit the Freixenet vineyards for some authentic Catalan bubbly.

Some Strange Barcelonian Laws Uncovered...Quite Literally

You may be startled by one of Barcelona's most diverse laws in the street; the right of public nudity is protected. At least two of Barcelona's mature male citizens can be seen wandering around, sporting tattoos or a backpack, and nothing else!

Barcelona's law history is also profound in that the first ever Maritime Laws were created here in 1258, to regulate trading ships and to deal with issues like neutrality during war.

Finally and as a word of warning, it should be noted that pickpocketing in Barcelona is legal. Pickpocketing without aggression is not considered a crime by Barcelonian law. When caught, offenders are usually taken in and then released. So please get naked or be extra careful with your belongings in Barcelona!

BARCELONA CULTURE TAP

Barcelona Food & Drink

Barcelonians usually grab a café solo (espresso) or a cortado (espresso with milk) in the morning. This is sometimes accompanied by a mini bocadillo (sandwich) or a croissant.

For lunch, get some groceries and find a spot for a picnic in the city, as Barcelona has an abundance of beaches, parks and viewpoints. Alternatively you can pick a café with an outdoor terrace and spend the afternoon leisurely. Lunch menus are widely available and affordable. A meal including starter, mains, dessert with a drink costs around 9 Euro.

Another great foodstuff in Barcelona is the tapas. Best split among friends, try the meat embotits, creamy salads and seafood. Tapas are a snack to enjoy with wine, a canya (glass of beer) or a clara (beer and fizzy lemon).

Dinner in Spain is eaten at around 10pm. There is international cuisine and plenty of local tavern bars where you can enjoy cava as standard. With one of the oldest ports in the world, Barcelona is good for seafood and the arroz negro (paella with squid ink) is not to be missed.

Contemporary Barcelona

There are many centres for the contemporary culture, music and film in Barcelona and some original monuments.

CCCB showcases cultural projects of an international calibre, as does the Caixa Forum, while for music and performances, the Mercat des Flors is recommended.

Barcelona's image involves skating, fashion, short film and a beach lifestyle, but its artistic roots go much deeper.

In history Barcelona has helped shape modern intellect. Modernists and Surrealists such as Joan Brossa, Miró and Gaudí demonstrate the unique energy within the city. This creative valve has left with it many landmarks.

Antoni Gaudí is undoubtedly Barcelona's biggest influencer. You'll see the undulating dragon's back of the Casa Batlló, the piercing spires of the Sagrada Familia and the avant-garde mishmash of ideas in the fabulous Parc Güell.

Barcelona Art Scene

Among the various art museums and galleries, here are the favourites:

Centre d'Art Santa Monica and MACBA galleries are top choice for modern art and are renowned for open evenings.

The Foundació Miró has the biggest collection of Joan Miró's paintings and a spellbinding view over the city from Montjuïc.

Museo Picasso offers a look at Spain's most famous painter.

To check out Barcelona's underground and inside scene, look up MauMau, Lecool and BCN Week.

Barcelona Nightlife

There's something for everyone in Barcelona's nightlife. The majority of the population are young so every night of the week offers bars, clubs, gigs, and parties.

Considering the open attitude of its international community, there's always a good energy. You'll find several festivals bringing together Catalonian and global influences. For example, the street parties of the Festa Major in Gracia, or Sonar music festival with its music artists and digital art.

Although the outdoors are always lively, clubbing doesn't kick off until 2am, going on until 6am or later. It's normal to have a drink at home before hitting a couple of bars as late as midnight.