Overview in Barcelona

Overview

Modern Barcelona, above the Plaça de Catalunya, is built on a grid system. The old town, however, from the Plaça de Catalunya to the port, is a labyrinth of narrow streets, so you'll need a good street map. Most sightseeing can be done on foot -- you won't have any choice in the Barri Gòtic -- but you'll have to use the Metro, buses, or taxis to link sightseeing areas. The Dia T1 pass is valid for one day of unlimited travel on all subway, bus, and FFCC lines. Maps showing bus and Metro routes are available free from booths in the Plaça de Catalunya; for general information on public transport, call 93/412-0000. Turisme de Barcelona sells 24-, 48-, and 72-hour versions of the very worthwhile Barcelona Card. For EUR 14, EUR 20, EUR 23, you get unlimited travel on all public transport as well as discounts at 27 museums, 10 restaurants, 14 leisure sites, and 20 stores. Other services include walking tours of the Gothic Quarter, an airport shuttle, a bus to Tibidabo, and the Tombbus, which connects key shopping areas.

Barcelona's new tramway system is divided into two subsectors: Trambaix serves the western end of the Diagonal between Plaça Francesc Macià and destinations in the Baix Llobregat, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Cornellà, Sant Joan Despí, Esplugues de Llobregat, Sand Just Desvern, and Sand Feliu de Llobregat; Trambesòs serves the eastern end of the Diagonal between Plaça de les Glories, Diagonal Mar, and the Fòrum 2004 area in the delta of the river Besòs.

Contact

Turisme de Barcelona (Pl. de Catalunya 17 bis, Eixample. 906/301-282).