Economic powerhouse of a prosperous region

One of the biggest metropolitan areas in Europe has grown up around the capital, consolidating Barcelona as an outstanding business, technological and industrial centre, as well as a major economic powerhouse. In fact, the city has always stood out for its intensive business and commercial activities and proved its ability to modernise and adapt itself to the new times. It has become such a magnet for global talent that it is now a European centre for business creation, especially in leading sectors such as information and communication technologies, biotechnology, sustainability, design and aeronautics. The city also plays host to several of world's most important international trade fairs, such as the Mobile World Congress and the Barcelona Meeting Point. Innovation is another Barcelona's hallmarks: it is the number-one smart city in the Spanish State and the fourth in Europe. It is also one of the cities with the highest quality of life in the world and the life expectancy of its residents is among the highest in Europe.

Mediterranean city

If you want to discover the real Barcelona, you need to enjoy it during one of its big festival days, such as the festa major of the city's joint patron saint, La Mercè, which is held throughout the city around 24 September; Catalan National Day on 11 September, a festive and nationalist day when thousands of Catalans take to the streets, and St George's day on 23 April - Sant Jordi / St George is Catalonia's patron saint - when Book and Rose Day is celebrated. You will find it hard to resist our folk culture: the castellers, who put up human towers while grallas [a Catalan reed instrument] are playedand a young child, the "enxaneta", climbs to the top, raises its arm and crowns the castell; the gegants and capgrossos, giant and big-headed figures whose origins go back to medieval times that dance to the sound of traditional music; the fiery beasts and correfocs, which shower the streets with sparks as they pass by; dances such as the popular sardana, which brings everyone together in a ring on the streets and squares, and lots more. A traditional heritage that turns the city into a show.

It is well known that excitement makes you hungry but there's no need to look at your watch in Barcelona. While it's true that Catalans eat later than most Europeans, there are always eating establishments open in the city, whether they are simple bars for eating a sandwich (spread with tomato, oil and salt, as is the custom) or restaurants recommended by the best food guides.

In general, Barcelona's opening hours are very extensive: its shops never close before 8 pm, with many staying open even later. And when retailers lower their shutters, the city's night life begins, offering you a lively cultural programme that includes all kinds of theatre, dance and live music shows. Evenings are a favourite time for Barcelonians during the spring and autumn for meeting up with friends on one of the many street terraces to be found in the city. Catalans have a reputation for being hard-working —which they are— but that doesn't meant they don't enjoy partying. The night is long in Barcelona...