Barcelona - Prepare

Pack your party shoes and beach sandals, cultivate a relaxed Mediterranean mindset and store up plenty of energy for this 24-hour city.

Visit Barcelona in February for the Carnival's head-spinning parties and parades and catch theatre, dance and music at the Grec Festival from June to August. See midnight dragons and devils at the Fiesta of La Mercè in September, and enjoy big bands and bebop at the Jazz Festival in October and November.

New Year's Day (1 Jan), Epiphany (6 Jan), Good Friday (Mar/Apr), Easter Monday (Mar/Apr), Labour Day (1 May), San Juan (24 Jun), Assumption Day (15 Aug), Catalonia Day (11 Sep), La Mercè (24 Sep), Spanish National Day (12 Oct), All Saints' Day (1 Nov), Constitution Day (6 Dec), Immaculate Conception (8 Dec), Christmas Day (25 Dec), San Esteban (26 Dec).

Escape the crowds from November to February, when days are cooler but temperatures rarely drop below 13°C. Barcelona blooms in the mild spring months, averaging 18°C from March to May. Summers are hot, hovering at around 28°C. In August, the city swelters with temperatures of up to 35°C and the beach beckons. Expect warm days and spontaneous showers from September to October.

220V AC, 50 Hz, two-pin plugs are standard.

+34 (national), (0) 93 + 7-figure number (Barcelona).

Euro (€) is the currency.

GMT +1 (+2 in summer).

Barcelona Tourism website

Young Barcelonans cultivate a casual style that belies their energy and stamina for all night revelry. Catch some rest on the beach (swimsuits are optional on Mar Bella). When hitting the shops on Passeig de Gràcia dress like you intend to spend.