Hola Barcelona: Public Transport Cards

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Barcelona Fun Facts

• La Sagrada Família: The famous Barcelona landmark which was designed by Antoni Gaudí, has been under construction since 1882 and is still not finished. It was estimated to be completed by 2026, but it has since been delayed.
• The Eixample District’s Grid Design: Barcelona's Eixample district is known for its unique grid-like layout, with octagonal blocks and wide streets. It was designed by Ildefons Cerdà in the 19th century for better traffic flow and sunlight.
• Las Ramblas: The famous street is actually a series of shorter streets, all connected, making it one of the most vibrant pedestrian walkways in the city, filled with street performers, shops, and cafes!
• A City with Beaches: Though now famous for its beach culture, Barcelona didn't actually have the beaches we know and love today until the 1992 Olympics! The city transformed its industrial waterfront into a beautiful coastline for visitors and locals to enjoy!
• Gaudí's Mosaic Masterpiece: Parc Güell, another of Gaudí’s masterpieces, is home to the world’s longest park bench. It’s a colourful, winding mosaic structure that offers stunning views of the city.
• Football Passion: Barcelona is home to FC Barcelona, one of the most successful football clubs in the world. Camp Nou, the team’s stadium, is the largest in Europe, with a capacity of nearly 100,000, which is currently undergoing further expansion!
• The Oldest Working Restaurant: Can Culleretes, founded in 1786, is Barcelona’s oldest restaurant and one of the oldest in Spain. It’s famous for its traditional Catalan dishes.
• Modernista Architecture Hub: Aside from Gaudí, Barcelona is a hub for Catalan Modernism, a distinctive architectural style seen in buildings like Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera).
• Language Diversity: Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, and while Spanish is widely spoken, Catalan is the region's official language, with most signs and public information displayed in both languages.
• ‍A City with Roman Origins: Beneath the Gothic Quarter lies the ancient Roman city of Barcino. You can visit underground ruins in the Museum of the History of Barcelona (MUHBA) to see how the city started nearly 2,000 years ago!

Tips for Visiting Barcelona

• Book Attractions in Advance: Popular tourist attractions like ‘La Sagrada Família’ and ‘Park Güell’ can sell out quickly so we suggest booking your tickets online to avoid disappointment.
• Learn Basic Catalan Phrases: While Spanish is widely spoken, locals often appreciate a "Bon dia" (Good morning) or "Gràcies" (Thank you) in Catalan.
• Peak Tourist Seasons: Spring (April-June) and early Autumn (September-October) offer milder weather and fewer crowds compared to summer.
• Beware of Pickpockets: Barcelona has a reputation for petty theft, especially in crowded areas like ‘Las Ramblas’ and public transport. So keep your belongings secure to reduce the chances.
• Try Local Cuisine: Don’t miss ‘pa amb tomàquet’ (tomato bread), ‘escalivada’ (roasted vegetables), or a ‘seafood paella’! Visit markets like ‘La Boqueria’ for fresh tapas and a wonderful atmosphere!
• Use Public Transport: Barcelona’s metro and buses are efficient and affordable. Our HOLA Barcelona Transport Card is one of our bestsellers. Click HERE for ticket details.
• Explore Beyond the Center: Venture to neighbourhoods like ‘Gràcia’ for a bohemian vibe or ‘El Poblenou’ for quieter beaches and modern architecture.
• ‍Dress Appropriately for Churches: If visiting religious sites like La Sagrada Família, wear modest clothing (no shorts or sleeveless tops) to show respect.