Practical A–Z

EU Citizens

As an EU citizen, you need no visa. Spain is a Schengen member — you only need a valid ID card or passport. No border controls when entering from other Schengen states.

Swiss Citizens

Same rules as EU citizens (Schengen Agreement). Passport or ID is sufficient.

Tourist Tax

Barcelona charges a tourist tax (Taxa Turística): up to 4€ per person per night in hotels (varies by hotel category). In holiday apartments: 2.25€/night. Collected at check-in.

Barcelona is generally a safe city — violent crime against tourists is rare. The main issue: pickpocketing. Barcelona has one of the highest pickpocketing rates in Europe, especially in tourist areas.

Hotspots for Pickpockets

• Las Ramblas — Number 1. Always be cautious.
• Metro — Especially L3 (green, the tourist line) and crowded stations (Passeig de Gràcia, Sagrada Família).
• Beach — Never leave valuables unattended.
• Boqueria — In the hustle and bustle of the market hall.
• Plaça de Catalunya — Organized gangs often operate here.

Prevention

• Carry handbag/backpack in front, keep it closed.
• Do not carry your phone openly in your hand (snatch theft).
• No valuables in the outer pockets of your backpack.
• At the beach: use lockers or bring only the essentials.
• Shell game on the Rambla: Stay away — the game is a scam, and the "spectators" are accomplices.

Mobile Internet

Thanks to EU roaming, you can use your German mobile contract in Spain without additional costs. The network coverage in Barcelona is excellent (4G/5G everywhere).

WLAN

Free WLAN is available in many cafes, hotels, museums, and public buildings. The city offers Barcelona WiFi in public places — quality varies, but it's sufficient for maps and messaging.

Language

Catalan and Spanish are spoken in Barcelona. Tourist information, hotels, restaurants, and museums: English is widely spoken. German: rarely. A few words of Catalan or Spanish are appreciated:

• Bon dia (Good day, Catalan) / Buenos días (Spanish)
• Gràcies (Thank you, Catalan) / Gracias (Spanish)
• Si us plau (Please, Catalan) / Por favor (Spanish)
• La nota / El compte, si us plau (The bill please)

What to Pack?

• Comfortable Shoes: Barcelona has cobblestones, hills, and long walking paths. Heels and flip-flops only for the beach/evening.
• Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat — even in spring and fall.
• Light Layers: Cool in the morning (especially in the old town in the shade), hot at midday, pleasant in the evening.
• Small Backpack: Better than a handbag (theft protection). Zipper facing your body.
• Swimwear: The beach is always nearby.
• Water Bottle: For refilling at public fountains.
• Travel Adapter: Not needed — Type C/F (German plugs) fit in Spain.

Important Notes

• Respect Siesta: Many small shops close between 2 and 5 PM. Large department stores and tourist shops remain open continuously.
• Tipping: Tipping is not obligatory in Spain. In restaurants: 5–10% if satisfied. In bars: leave small change. Do not add a tip to the bill.
• Tap Water: Drinkable, but heavily chlorinated. Bottled water (0.30€ in supermarkets) is more common. Ask for "agua del grifo" (tap water) in restaurants — it's free and saves money.
• Sunday Opening: Supermarkets in the center are open on Sundays (Caprabo, Dia, Carrefour Express). Large shopping centers partially as well.