Ave Diagonal, ariel view
[Note: These tips have been provided by former students and others. As we cannot keep prices updated, inflationary increases should be expected.]
Before you go:
Binding materials and tourist books: Most students want their course materials unbound so they only need carry what is necessary to class. Some students want them bound. It is cheaper to have them bound here than in Barcelona. Also, call the Spanish Tourist Board for FREE info at 1-323-658-7188.
Before you leave for Barcelona it is strongly recommended that you purchase a budget travel guide. This guide will help you in many ways: places to stay, possibly finding your way to where you will be staying, finding you way around once you get there, where to eat, etc.
If you do not speak Spanish, bring an English/Spanish dictionary with you.
Housing:
Securing housing before you leave the U.S. is strongly encouraged because you will be there during the height of tourist season when housing is most expensive. Housing in a foreign country is NOT like living in the U.S. Be prepared for the unfamiliar. Should you have a problem once there, contact the Barcelona Director or the Barcelona Administrative Assistant for help. For more housing information, click here: Barcelona Housing Information For budget information, click here: Barcelona Budget
Budget Travel In Barcelona
Agencies: TUJUCA (TIVE): C. Calabria, 147 Metro: Rocafort (L1), 2 blocks from the metro. Come early; in the summer, there is often a wait. Euro train tickets, cheap buses, flights, and ISIC. Open 9am-1pm and 4-5:30pm.
Centre d'Informacio:Assesorament per a Joves, C. Ferran, 32. More of a local student assistance office than a travel agency. Plenty of free advice and a bulletin board with events for youths. Excellent library of travel guides. Open Mon-Fri., 10am-2pm and 4-8pm.
Getting Around
Touristic overview: It is recommended by several former students that you should purchase the 2 day Hop On - Hop Off Bus Touristic pass. This pass will take you on a fixed, touristic circuit around Barcelona from 9am - 8:00pm. You can get off and on as often as you like each day. Cost is about $13 for the 2 consecutive days. Included is a discount booklet for Barcelona attractions . Show your International Student I.D. Card before you purchase this pass from the Tourist Office at Playa de Catalunya, you might be able to get an even better price. The tour bus picks you up across the street from where the Airport bus picks up and drops off from the Tourist Office at the Playa de Catalunya. There are bus stop signs that say "Bus Touristic". When you descend, you re-board in the same spot.
Students should purchase indexed street maps of Barcelona before they leave. Try at your local large book store. This way you will be able to find out where you are going before you get there, how far it is from the centre of town where all the action is, and how far to the University. Check with your travel agent, go to a store that sells these types of maps, or call the Spanish Tourist Board for FREE info at: 323-658-7188 or fax them at 323-658-1061, sometimes they will send you a map of Barcelona.
Jill Perry P95 among the crowd at the bullfights in Barcelona
Public Transportation:
Guia del Transport Public FREE at tourist offices and at the transport information booth in Playa Catalunya, maps out all the city's metro and train lines and bus routes (day and night). Metro (M) and bus rides cost about $1.10 or a single ticket, a 10-ride Metro pass is about $4.20, a 10-ride Metro and bus pass is about $5.18. Hold onto your ticket or pass throughout the trip; riding without a receipt carries a fine of about $40. The Metro is open Mon-Thurs., 5am-11pm; Fri and Sat, Holidays from 5am-1am; and on Sunday from 6am-midnight. Routes vary, but day buses usually run from 5am-10pm and night buses from 11pm-4am.
TAXIS:
Airport to Barcelona costs about $30-$60
Buses: Enatcar:
Pick up at Estacio del Nord. Metro: Arc de Triomf (L1). Open from 6am-1am.
Trains: RENFE
Open from 7:30am-10:30pm.
Car Rental:
You must have an International Drivers License before you can drive off with a car. It is not required to rent the car but to drive the car. If the police stop you and you do not have one, you can be fined.
Laundromats:
Lava Super: C Carme, 63 off Las Ramblas by the Palau Virreina. Wash and dry (1-kg = 2.2 lbs) Est. $8. Open Mon-Fri from 8am-8pm and Saturday from 8am-2pm. OR Lavanderia Ramblas, Ramelleres 15 - wash, dry, and fold. Est $8. Open Mon-Fri 9am-2pm and then 5-8pm. Lavomatic - 9am - 9pm; Carrer Consultat del Mar 43, Ciutat Vella, phone # 93-268-4768; Lavanderia - 9am - 1:30pm and 4pm - 8pm, Aribau 29, phone # 93-453-8933; Lavanderia - 9am - 2:30pm and 4:30pm - 8pm, Provenca 356, phone # 93-207-2946; Lavanderia - 9am - 2pm and 4pm and 4pm - 8pm, Carrer Parlament 18, esq Viladomat, phone # 93-442-3149
Mandatory Proof Of Health Insurance:
U.S. STUDENTS ONLY: All U.S. attending students must show proof of international medical insurance coverage, to USD-San Diego, within 10 days of being semi-accepted, that covers your entire stay from May 28 - June 22, before they can be fully accepted into their selected program(s). We strongly suggest that you keep any health insurance you have current. Students should e-mail as an attachment to darlenes@sandiego.edu, or mail to: USD, Attn: Ms Darlene Smith, 5998 Alcala Pk LS 310, San Diego, CA 92110-2492. When e-mailing or sending via regular mail, your name and program must be written on this "proof of medical insurance". If not, you can be delayed in being totally accepted into your chosen program(s).
If you do not have health insurance, the International Students I.D. Card, which provides you with some discount entrance fees and discount air fares to many sights, comes with some health insurance. (USD students can buy these cards at the UC box office). Cost: $25. Bring a passport-sized photo to avoid extra cost. The USD Campus Card Services office in the Bookstore (Loma Hall) now offers passport pictures - $10 for 2 pictures. Otherwise you can purchase commercially. For more general travel info contact: STA Travel or call 1-858-544-9632, or 1-800-226-8624.
Keep your regular health insurance current while in Barcelona and traveling before or after the program. Check to ensure that you are covered in Europe. Ask if they will reimburse your out-of-pocket expense for doctor, prescriptions, etc. when you return to the U.S., if you provide them with receipts. A doctor's visit alone can cost $50 plus whatever medications in case you run into problems. Our USD-Barcelona office will have the names of English speaking doctors.
Medication/Glasses: What about my medications/glasses?
We strongly suggest that you bring at least an extra months supply of whatever medications you take along with an extra pair of glasses or a prescription for your glasses. You also should bring a letter and a regular prescription from your doctor giving facts about your medications in case you run into problems. In Barcelona or Europe, both of these items may help you obtain your prescription where without them, you may not even be able to obtain the medication you need.
Lighting:
A lot of the rooms in houses are NOT very well lit. You generally will not find a 60 watt bulb in the light socket, many bulbs are 20-40 watt. If this causes you problems, go to the supermarket and BUY a higher wattage bulb to help you study.
Entertainment And Night Life
Cafes:
Are you looking for an interesting and fun cafe to hang around in when you get there? To socialize, read, write letters, study? Former Barcelona students recommended the following as good bets:
Cafe Zurich, Pl Catalunya; Cafe de l'Opera, Rambla 74, across from the Liceu; Happy Books Cafe, Paseo de Gracia, 77. (off Paseo de Gracia); El Cafe de Internet, Gran Via C.C. 656; The Bagel Shop Canuda 25 (off La Rambla); Cafe Cafe, Olympic Port, bottom level. Il Caffe Di Francesco, Pelai (beside Placa Universitat); El Cafe De L'Opera, Ramblas 74;
Bars
Here is a list of some past student favorites:
Salambo, Calle Torrijos 51, Barrio de Gracia; Cafe de los Artes, Valencia 234, Ensanche; Los Tilos, Paseig Dels Tilers 1, Barrio Pedralbes; Moirablau, Plaza de San Andreu, Tibidobo; Partycular, Av. Tibidabo; Mas I Mas Cafe, Maria Cubi 199, Sangervasio; The End, Santalo 34, San Gervasio; Fibra Optica Discoteca, Beethoven 9, San Gevasio; Salsa Latina, Bori I Fontesta 25 Bikini, Deu I Mata 105; La Boite, Ave. Diagonal 477; Antilla Cosmopolita, Muntaner 244; La Tierra, Aribau 230; Pastrano, Paseo de Gracia 63; Cafe del Sol, Plaza del Sol, Barrio de Gracia; KGB, Alegre de Dalt 55; Samba Brasil, Lepanto 297; La Bodegueta del Poble, Plaza Aragonesa, Pueblo Espanol; Glaciar, Plaza Real; London Bar, Nou de La Rambla 34; Bar Museu Picasso, Montcada 12; Tripode, Paseo del Borne 17; Boveda, Pallars 97; Zeleste, Almogavers 122; La Fira, Provenza 171; Velvet, Balmes 161; La Bolsa, Calle Tuset; and Luz de Gas, Muntaner 246. The Black Ship (L'Ovella Negra), Sitges 5 (beside Ramblas) Rustic tavern. Was the meeting point every night for the 1996 students. La Fira, Provenza 171. Here you will find ancient rides and merry-go-rounds. Schilling's Cafe Bar, C/Ferran 23; Cafe de L'Hivernacle, Paseo Picasso (inside Parc de Ciutadella); Cafe Torino, Paseo de Gracia 59; Il Cafe di Francesco II, Paseo de Gracia 66; Il Cafe di Francesco III, Paseo de Gracia 75. Txakolin, Calle Marques de Argentera 19, across from Estacio Francia, young, tapas bar hangout.
Disco Bars:
Velvet, Balmes 161. Free entrance. Music from the 60's - 90's; Mirablau, Plaza Sant Andreu (Tibidado). Free entrance; Partycular, Av Tibidabo.
Karen Chang B97 - "The Olympic Village was a fun place to hang out at night, almost always something going on, on any given night of the week. Visit Mar Cel (halfway down) the owner was a really sweet woman and she hooked us up with shots--often. The bonus is that you don't have to pay a cover. Maremagnum (across the bridge) was hit or miss, but usually crowded on the weekends. Good Salsa-type dance places and also close to the aquarium. Shopping in Barcelona was way cheaper than shopping in England."
Sardana:
Many students enjoy the Sardana dance. Anyone can dance. The dances are performed in rings with an intricate set of steps to the ancient music of a 10-person band playing traditional oboe-like and other instruments. Plaza in front of the Cathedral on Saturdays about 6:30pm and Sundays at noon.
5 Happening Clubs - Suggested By Former Students:
Baja Beach Club, Olympic Port, THEIR BODY SHOTS are recommended; Mirablau, Tibidabo - (view of the city - no cover charge); Luz de Gas, Muntaner 246; Otto Zutz, Lincoln 15 - St Gervasi area; Up and Down, Numancia 179.
Restaurants:
Food can be very expensive or not. Barcelonaions are used to sitting down to a 4+ course meal. Often everything is al a carte, meaning that you pay a separate price for your meat, rice, pasta, veggies, etc.. Portions are sometimes small. Buying a number of courses can run up a large bill quickly. Although there are some restaurants around Las Ramblas that serve all 4 courses for one single price, you will have to do some hunting for these. Eating at home is an alternative. Supermarkets: La Boqueria off Las Ramblas has tons of inexpensive, fresh fruits and vegetables per Karen Chang B97.
5 Ethnic Restaurants:
CUBAN - Habana Vieja, Banys Vells 2, tel: 268-2504; CHINESE - Rio Azul, Balmes 92, tel: 215-9333; LEBANESE - Al Bustan, Mar Cubi 190, tel: 202-3434; MEXICAN - Mex y Cal, Anbau 50, tel: 454-8764; ITALIAN - La Pizza Nostra, C/Montcada 29, tel: 319-9058
Good and Cheap Resturants:
Central Catalan del Pollastre, Llul 32, tel: 221-3206, Metro: Bogatell; Fresc Co., (soup/salad bar) - Av Diagonal 449 or Ronda Universitat 29, tel: 301-6837, Metro: for Ronda address is Playa Catalunya (L1 red line) or (L3 green line). Textil Cafe, Montcada 12-14 (across from Picasso Museum) Metro: Jaume 1 (L4 yellow line); El Japones (sushi), Passatge de la Concepcion 2, Metro: Paseo de Gracia. Viena, (tasty creative sandwiches) - La Rambla 115, tel: 317-1492. Ciudad Condal, Rambla de Cataluyna 18, off Gran Via, by the University - really friendly servers and bartenders, along w/great tapas in a cool atmosphere. L'Hostal de Rita,Carrer Arago 279, off Passeig de Gracia, good, clean food. L'Antic Bocoi del Gotic, Baixada de Viladecols 3, with in walking distance of the Jaume Metro stop, comes highly recommended, ask around if you can't find it. La Tramoia, Rambla de Catalunya 15, also off Gran Via, fun tapas place. Moncho's Marina, Villa Olympica, great paella and good service. Sandwich and Friends, Oasei dek Birb 27, Metro: Jaume I (L4 yellow);
Other Resturants:
Appetitus, Paris 162, Cost Est.: $12-20; BioCenter, Pintor Fortuny 25, Cost Est.: $8-10; Cafe de Colombia, Iradier 12, Cost Est.: $12-15; Cafe de L'Academia, Lledo 1, Cost Est.: $10-20; Campechano Merendero, Valencia 286, Cost Est.: $18-20; Can Punyetes, Maria Cubi 189, Cost Est.: $10. La Fonda, Pg Escudillers 1 (beside Ramblas); Les 15 Nits, Pg Madoz 5. These 2 last restaurants you can eat CHEAP and nice typical Catalan and Spanish food - Paella, fideua, meat, fish, etc.; Fres Co, Valencia 263, you can eat as much as you want - all kinds of salads, vegetables, pasta, pizza, ice cream, coffee, tea, etc. for about $10.La Fonda, off Las Ramblas, good food, but a long wait to get it.
Ice Cream Parlors:
Baskin-Robbins, in Maremagnum; Haagen-Dazs, Rambla Catalunya 85; Dino's, Paseo de Gracia; Farggi, Olympic Port.
Cinema:
Every Wednesday on non-holidays is "Dia del espectador" (Spectator's Day). Price reductions for most movie theatres.
For further information, check out the "Guia del Ocio" (weekly magazine that contains information about all the events, restaurants, bars, theatre, etc. in Barcelona)
Movies In Eenglish:
English language films (v.o) can be found at the following theatres (CINES): Alexis, Rambla de Catalunya, 90; Arkadin, Trav De Gracia, 103; Capsa, Calle Pau Claris, 143; Casa Blanca, Paseo Gracia, 115; Verdi, Calle Verdi, 32.
Tickets To Shows:
Purchase tickets in the U.S. for shows in Barcelona 1-800-223-6108 - EST
Museums:
El Temple de La Sagrada Familia, ariel view #2 
for more information go to Sagrada Familia which is the official site of the Sagrada Familia Temple - Take a Virtual Tour while there!
Also recommended by past students: Picasso Museum, Calle Montcada 1519 (then have lunch at the Museu Textil, 1 de la Indumentaria, across the alley, because lunch at the Picasso is expensive); Museu d'Art de Catalunya, Montjuic, Palau Nacional; Fundacio Joan Miro, also on Montjuic, they have a good lunch at a reasonable price; and the Museu d'Historia de la Ciutat, in the Barri Gothic and below the City, to see how different civilizations developed in Barcelona.
Shopping:
"Shopping in Barcelona was way cheaper than shopping in England." Karen Chang B97
Barcelona Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
A special thank you to Attorney Ms Ada Torres B96, from the Universitat Pompeu Fabra, who provided us with lots of info on the Restaurants, Bars, Cafes, and Disco Bars.