Tips for your next business trip to Barcelona!
Barcelona, a beautiful pearl on the Mediterranean and Spain's second largest city. In addition to its business districts, this spirited Spanish city has an extraordinary amount to offer in all sorts of areas. Feast on tapas, behold the beautiful architecture of Gaudí and, of course, do good business! In this blog, we take you on a business trip to Barcelona.
Flying to Barcelona
Barcelona is easily accessible. The fastest way to travel to Barcelona is by plane. In about 2 hours you fly from Amsterdam to this beautiful Spanish city. There is a wide range of daily flights from the various airports in the Netherlands. From here you can easily travel by cab or subway to the center. In the city itself the fastest way to get around is by cab or Aerobus. You can easily and quickly buy a ticket for the bus in the bus itself. But whenever possible, just get around on foot. There is a lot to see in this vibrant city full of history!
Sleep well!
The city is very diverse and popular, so there are super many hotels to be found. Some hotels are attractions in themselves. We would like to share some extremely suitable hotels for your business trip to Barcelona:
- W Hotel Barcelona*****. Located near Barceloneta beach, this hotel is distinguished by its remarkable sail-shaped architecture. From the luxurious hotel rooms you look directly over the Mediterranean Sea. In addition, the hotel offers a gourmet restaurant, a rooftop bar with panoramic views, wonderful spa facilities and a fine lounge where you can fully unwind after a day of appointments during your business trip to Barcelona.
- H10 Metropolitan****. Conveniently located on Plaça de Catalunya and 5 minutes from la Rambla, this is an excellent spot in the center of this vibrant city. This fine accommodation has a modern, industrial interior and elegantly decorated rooms. There is a cozy bar and for the sporty there are two outdoor pools a fitness center.
- Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona****. If you wish to stay near the CCIB conference center, we can recommend the beautiful Hilton Diagonal Mar. The hotel is 400 meters from Nova Mar Bella beach and has a beautiful outdoor pool. The Purobeach restaurant is cozy and modern, and from the terrace you can enjoy beautiful views of the city. Should you extend your stay with a few days of private time, this is definitely the place to be.
Comer y beber - eating & drinking!
Barcelona is both a Mediterranean and world food mecca. The number of restaurants in this city is enormous and diverse. Because of the huge selection you sometimes can't see the wood for the trees... That's why we have listed some quality restaurants! To be sure of a table, it is advisable to make a reservation!
- Los Caracoles: Are you looking for a restaurant where dishes are prepared in an authentic way? Then you have come to the right place at this typical Catalan restaurant in the Barri Gòttic district. The classic Catalan dishes here (the only one in the city) are still traditionally prepared over charcoal.
- L'Orwell: eat delicious tapas in this cozy and cozy restaurant. Here you come for the delicious fresh tapas at a friendly price.
- El Nacional: an elegant restaurant in the heart of the Eixample neighborhood with very much history. The restaurant has an innovative concept with different food areas. where traditional Catalan dishes of high quality are served. Also the perfect venue for larger groups.
- Torre d'Alta Mar: a Mediterranean restaurant in the harbor. Spectacular and uniquely located at 75 meters high with a fantastic 360 degree view of the city.
TIP: Tipping is common in Barcelona. Sometimes a tip is already included in the price. As soon as "Servicio" is included in the price, the tip is already included.
Time to spare during your business trip to Barcelona?
If you want to get a good idea of the city and you still have some time before leaving, a visit to the Sagrada Familia cathedral should not be missed. This cathedral was designed by the famous architect Gaudí. To this day, people are still working on this imposing structure, which is even more beautiful inside than out. Next, stroll along La Rambla and visit the famous La Boqueria fresh food market (a market with delicious local delicacies). Stroll through the atmospheric, narrow streets of Barri Gòtic and sip a fresh sangria or cava in the old town square, Plaça Reial. Barcelona is anything but flat and even has "mountains." Enjoy stunning views of the city from Tibidabo Mountain or take the cable car to Montjuïc. Finally, a visit to the colorful city park Park Güell cannot be missed. Here you will find bright mosaic-designed works of art created by Gaudí. This park is even on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Stay in shape!
Barcelona is an athletic city. Along the beach runs a beautiful promenade where you can jog under the palm trees and do strength exercises on the appropriate equipment. After your work out, take a cooling dip in the sea.
Tips and tricks!
- In terms of clothing, keep in mind the season. In spring and summer the weather is wonderfully pleasant, but in autumn and winter a sweater or jacket is recommended.
- Don't call the city Barça, a common mistake among the Dutch. An insider then thinks you mean the soccer club and are going to a match.
- In business meetings, an exuberant greeting is not unusual.
- Business is usually conducted in the office, but to celebrate a successful negotiation or conclusion, a tapas bar is a good alternative.
- Impress your clients or colleagues? Print one side of your business card in Spanish. Success guaranteed!
Are you planning a business trip to Barcelona (later this year)? Then take contact with us and we will be happy to help you realize a worry-free business trip! Prefer to organize a group trip to this great city? Then please contact on with our Groups & Incentives department goMICE!
Travel Well!
Mariska den Hartogh,
Business Travel Consultant Arnhem
Update: This blog first appeared on June 23, 2021 and was updated with new information on March 14, 2022.