About Barcelona
Barcelona is the 2nd largest city in Spain and is home to 1.5 million people as the capital of the autonomous region of Catalonia in Spain. Barcelona was also the proud host of the 1992 Olympics. Barcelona is the jewel in the Mediterranean crown, offering the widest range of choice in arts, culture and entertainment. The medieval city centre of Barcelona is one of the most stunning and complete in Europe befitting a seafaring city that ruled much of the Mediterranean 1,000 years ago. The modernist architecture of the late 19th century and the works of Miró and Gaudí make Barcelona one of the most fascinating cities in Europe.
Catalonia has two official languages: Spanish and Catalan. You will have no problems learning and improving your Spanish here since Spanish is the dominant language in Barcelona and all Catalans are bilingual and will speak Spanish with you.
Barcelona enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters: ideal for learning Spanish! Most shops close between 2:00pm and 4:30pm for lunch and are open until 8pm or later. Dinner is usually not served before 10:00pm and most restaurants take orders until midnight. Nightlife is almost 24/7 and hugely varied ranging from small bars in the Barrio Gótico to huge open air night clubs in the hills of the Tibidabo.
Barcelona has some beautiful and popular beaches on its doorstep and it won't take long to explore the beautiful Costa Brava which runs north of Barcelona, or the popular beach resort Sitges to its South. Just as popular are the Pyrenean mountains, less than 2 hours away. The mountains offer a fantastic getaway during summer as well as over the winter for skiing.
