No rush, siesta
Spain in general is a southern country observing a siesta and various other rituals and Barcelona is no exception to this. Life here it starts later and flows somehow more slowly than the one we are used to. The opening hours of shops are therefore only around ten in the morning, they close again between 20:00 and 22:00. Between two and four in the afternoon is the so-called siesta, which represents rest after lunch and also at the time when the temperature reaches its highest limit. Siesta means complete calm, so you will find few shops open at this time. Siesta does not often apply to large shopping centers.
👇 Don't miss this!
- Discount tourist cards—save on city transportation and get free admission to museums and landmarks, plus great discounts at shops and restaurants.
- Buy tickets online—save money, time, and stress by purchasing admission to attractions from the comfort of your home through the Barcelona Tourist Office’s online store; if you’ve never bought tickets online before, read my detailed guide along with my personal experience on how to do it.
- Find Accommodations—plenty of hotels, hostels, and guesthouses at reasonable prices. You can book immediately and pay after your stay.
- Rent a car—if you don’t want to walk or want to venture further out of Barcelona, try Rental Cars. They’ll deliver the car to the airport, and you won’t have to worry about a thing.
🎟️ Tickets
Sagrada Família tickets, Barcelona Aquarium tickets, Park Güell tickets, FC Barcelona tickets, Picasso Museum tickets – view all tickets >>>
💥 Latest Articles
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- Three Kings’ Day in Barcelona – What It’s All About and Where to Watch the Parades
- The Church of Santa Maria del Mar, or the Cathedral of the Sea, as a perfect example of Catalan Gothic architecture
- Souvenirs from Barcelona – what to buy for yourself or your loved ones as a memento of your vacation?
- Bike Rentals in Barcelona – Information on Bike Rental Options and Rental Shops
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- Barcelona Metro Map – Digital, Downloadable, and Printable
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- The Cascada Monumental Fountain – a fountain in a city park designed in part by Gaudí
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- The Banksy Museum in Barcelona – this unconventional museum featuring works by the famous graffiti artist is definitely worth a visit!
- The Salvador Dalí Museum – take a trip to Figueres, where the famous artist has his museum
- Antoni Gaudí and His Buildings in Barcelona – My List of the Top 9 Must-See Structures
- Vacation in Tarragona – what to see and do in this city?
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- La Roca Village – an outlet village offering international fashion near Barcelona
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- Spanish food—what must you try in Barcelona? It’s not just paella or tapas...
- Flixbus launches a new bus route from Prague to Barcelona
- Christopher Columbus Monument – a monument to the famous explorer with an unusual view.
- Casa Vicens – Gaudí’s first house in Barcelona, which you’ve definitely never seen before.
- Parking at the Vienna Airport—a detailed article on where to park if you’re flying to Barcelona from Vienna.
- Airport Lounges in 2026—my super-long guide to airport lounges: what they are, what services they offer, and how to get in for free
- Why Not to Buy Flights on Kiwi.com – a summary of my experiences explaining why you should avoid buying flights to Barcelona from resellers
- Austrian Highway Toll Sticker (2026) – my experience with the Austrian highway toll sticker and where to buy it
- Ferries from Barcelona: Barcelona–Mallorca Ferry, Barcelona–Ibiza Ferry, Barcelona–Menorca Ferry
- Internet and Unlimited Data in Switzerland
Who writes this website about Barcelona for you?
Michal Acler writes the Barcelona guide for you (more about the website and its content). He fell in love with this beautiful Catalan city on his very first visit in 2006 and has been returning here regularly every year ever since. Thanks to this, all the information on this website and on Instagram is up-to-date, verified, and based on his own experiences. If you have a question, a tip, need advice, or have found an error on the website, please send him an email.