Sense of Time, Barcelona

I was impressed with the combined architecture Old & New together. The modern architecture was highlighted by the old Roman Walls which seemed to encase it in a lost in time effect. I like to see architecture preserved - too many lovely buildings have been destroyed in our cities to make way for what some might call progress.

Useful telephone numbers

Medical emergencies 061
General emergencies 112
Fire service 080
Guàrdia Urbana (local police) 092
Mossos d'Esquadra (Catalan police force) Emergencies and traffic accidents 088
Policía Nacional 091
Guardia Civil police force 062
Hospital General de la Vall d'Hebron 93 274 61 00
Hospital Clínic i Provincial 93 227 54 00
Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau 93 291 91 91
Hospital del Mar 93 248 30 00
93 248 33 35/34
Hospital Sant Joan de Deu 93 253 21 00
Duty Magistrates Courts (24-hours) 93 567 31 40
Funeral Services 902 076 902
Social help centre (24-hours) 900 703 030
Office for Non-Discrimination 93 304 31 18
Telegrams by telephone 93 322 20 00
Taxis (Audiotex telephone) Catalan: 93 481 00 85
Spanish: 93 481 10 85
Special taxis for people with reduced mobility 93 420 80 88
Veterinary surgeons (24-hours) 93 205 31 16
608 89 35 55
93 581 18 94
93 426 87 46
609 41 56 56
93 205 72 38
93 459 45 00
Information on duty chemists 93 481 00 60
Medicines. Night home delivery (only for suscribers) 93 218 88 88

In Barcelona nearly all of the smaller neighborhood farmacies close from 2-4pm or from 1-5 pm. However if you are in dire need of something right away and find the closest farmacy is closed you should look on the door and there will be a list of other farmacies that are open. There are also many 24 hour farmacies one near Sagrada Famila and at least two or three near the ramblas and the town center.

Yes! It does exist, and it can be very anoying sometimes. Small stores do close from 1:30 (sometimwa 2 or 2:30) until 4 (or even 5), for lunch. And they are very strick with their time. If you are in a store at closing time, you will be kickced out. Most places don´t open until 9 or 10, and close at 8 or 9. So plan accordingly. Restaurants, and stroes at Ramblas do stay open, but ask at a Tourist Information Center or Hotel if you are in doubt so you can take advantage of all your time and vacation. Oh yes! Sundays are a rest day also. And in August, you won´t be able to find to much either!

Locals in Barcelona have their siesta between 1–4pm, and work later on in the evening, finishing about 8pm. Because of the late finish, they eat later (about 10pm) so expect queues for good restaurants at this time. Try to eat earlier to avoid the rush, especially at the weekends.

I got right into the custom of having a little siesta around 6 pm, having a drink at one of the café/bars which sit at almost every street corner in town before going to eat dinner at 10 pm or 11pm. Around midnight or 1 am the nightlife begins, and that on any givien day of the week. It was something different that I took a lot of enjoyment out of.

It's well known that the Spanish people do not have their dinner till about 9.30-10.00pm (sometimes even at 11.00pm!), but don't worry, most restaurants in Barcelona will serve food to you even if you get there early (like 8.00pm!)! Alternatively, there's always McDonald's or Burger King's!

Barcelonians enjoy eating late and going out late. Don't be surprised if a bar doesn't start filling up until 2 - 3 AM. I now understand the point to taking a siesta.