Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
6. MONEY EXCHANGE
SteerclearofthebureauxdechangeonLaRambla,PlaçadeCatalunyaandnearma-
jor tourist sights. They usually charge much higher commission than banks. If they
advertise no commission, exchange rates are generally poor.
7. LOOKING LIKE A TOURIST
Avoid attracting attention to yourself as a tourist. Keep cameras hidden, try not to
displaylargebanknotesanddon'twearvaluablejewellery.Whenconsultingaguide-
book or map, keep a vigilant eye on your belongings.
8. TRAFFIC
Avoidcitytrafficcongestionbydrivingaroundlatemorning(10am-1pm)orlateaf-
ternoon (5-7pm). Most office workers have a lunch break between 2pm and 4pm,
which means that the roads are packed during this period. Similarly, avoid leaving
townonFridayevenings,particularlyduringthesummer.Thebesttimetoheadout
of the city is mid- to late-morning after 10am.
9. AUGUST
During themonth ofAugust, many Barcelona establishments shutdownaltogether,
thelocalsdisappearonholidayandthecityfillswithvisitors.Withsomanyrestaur-
ants,bars,shopsandevensomesightsclosed,nottomentionthedistinctlackofloc-
al life, August in Barcelona has its drawbacks. Always call first to check on opening
times during this period.
10. MONDAY SIGHTSEEING
ManyofthetopmuseumsareclosedonMondays,includingthe
MuseuPicasso
and
the
MNAC
. So always double-check opening times on this day.
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