Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona volunteers and interns will experience all of the excitement and culture Barcelona has to offer while gaining hands-on, real world experience in a truly inspiring international city.

Fast facts

Population: 1.6 million (44.7 million in Spain)

Climate: Mild Mediterranean

Languages: The two official languages in Catalonia are Castilian Spanish and Catalan.

Religions: Roman Catholic 99%

Country Capital: Madrid

Time Zone: GMT + 1 hour

Currency: Euro

Fun Fact: FC Barcelona is a world famous soccer club. With seating capacity for 100,000 people, Nou Camp is the largest privately owned stadium in the world and it is one of the most visited tourist attractions of Barcelona. The nickname of the team is “blaugrana”, based on the blue and maroon colors that the football team wears for all its games.

History and Culture

Barcelona has always been the stronghold of Catalan separatism within Spain and Catalans are known for being extremely proud of their regional identity, culture and language. Though Barcelona was founded as a Roman city, the economy, as well as culture and the arts flourished in the late 19th century. This also coincides with the start of Catalan Modernism, an art movement evidenced all over the city. Catalonia briefly gained autonomy before the Spanish Civil War but during Franco’s dictatorship, Catalan language was banned and the regional government was abolished, among other forms of censorship.

The post-Franco period brought democracy to Spain and returned autonomy to Catalonia. The hosting of the 1992 Olympic Games which completely transformed 20th-century Barcelona into a versatile, global city and developed into a major art and cultural centre. Downtown, art and culture lovers have the opportunity to see the works of Picasso and Miró, visit the architectural works of the "modernist masters", the highlight of which is Gaudi’s impressive Sagrada Familia church, as well as wander through the Barrio Gótico, full of history within its old walls, beautiful monuments, and winding pedestrian streets.

Feel Barcelona's Pulse

What's happening in Barcelona

Places to go

Barri de Gràcia

Barri de Gràcia is known for its beautiful architecture and festival, where neighbors compete against each other with colorful and original street decoration!
Things to do

Font Màgica

Enjoy an amazing display of music, color, motion, water acrobatics and pure magic with the Font Màgica!
Things to do

La Champagneria

In this world-famous and notoriously fun hole-in-the-wall bar, the only cocktail you can order is una botella de cava - a bottle of pink champagne.
Things to do

La Boqueria

Discover an amazing variety of goods at this typical public market that opened back in 1840.
Things to do

Port Vell

Enjoy a beautiful view as well as entertainment at this harbor that features a mall, restaurants, a movie theater and even an aquarium!
Things to do

L'Aquàrium de Barcelona

Visit one of the most important marine leisure and education centers of the world that even offers diving with sharks!
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Arc de Triomf

Check out this stunning arch, built in 1888, that serves as the main entrance of the Parc de la Ciutadella.
Places to go

Estadi Olímpic de Montjuïc

Visiting Montjuïc? Check out the Estadi Olímpic de Montjuïc, built in 1927 and renovated in 1989 to be the main stadium for the 1992 Summer Olympics.
Things to do

Parque Güell

Amazing panoramic views, colourful mosaics, bird nests and even a tiled dragon fountain are only some of this garden complex features designed by Gaudí, who else!
Museums

Palau Nacional

Visit the stunning Palau Nacional, house of the National Art Museum of Catalonia, to explore over 1000 Years of Catalan Art!
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Passeig del Born

Feel the wonderful atmosphere while taking a walk and relaxing, discovering the beautiful architecture or trying some local delicacies.
Natural Beauty

Labyrinth Park of Horta

Explore the oldest historical gardens of Barcelona featuring neoclassical and romantic gardens.
Museums

Museu d'Història de Barcelona

Learn more about the Catalan artistic legacy preserved throughout the centuries by the nuns from the Order of Saint Clare.
Nightlife

Ice Barcelona

Completely made of ice, this lounge is the perfect spot for a different really "cool" night!
Traditions

La Diada de Sant Jordi

Head over to La Rambla to buy a book or rose for your sweetheart in honor of St. George's Day each year on April 23rd.
Things to do

Torre de Collserola

This futuristic design, used as a TV and radio transmitter, is the highest viewpoint of the city and offer a view that is simply breathtaking.
Things to do

Passeig de Gràcia

Explore this main avenue of Barcelona full of shops, restaurants and many of Gaudí’s masterpieces.
Things to do

El Palacio del Flamenco

Experience the beauty and passion of Andalusian music with this amazing Flamenco show and dinner.
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Casa Battló

This remarkable Gaudi masterpiece, also known as the "House of Bones" was orginially designed as a middle class family's residence.
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La Sagrada Familia

Check out the greatest creation of the world-famous architect Antoni Gaudí that became the most visited attraction in Barcelona!
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Plaça d'Espanya

Visit one of the city’s most important squares and a major transport hub for the Metropolitan Area.
Museums

Museu Picasso

With over 3800 Picasso works, this museum invites you to explore one of the best painters of all time's talent and legacy.
Places to go

Barrio Gótico

Get ready to step back in time with its narrows alleys, cobbled streets and old buildings, right in the heart of Barcelona's old town.
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La Pededra / The Casa Milà

The Casa Milà, or La Pedrera (Catalan for 'The Quarry'), is another Gaudí masterpiece and one of the most imaginative buildings you'll ever see!
Museums

Fundació Joan Miró

With the most complete collection of Joan Miró‘s work, this is the perfect place to experience surrealism in all its expressions.
Places to go

Montjuïc

Looking for a city break? Climb up this 1,460-foot hill for an absolutely breathtaking view of Barcelona!
Things to do

Palau de la Música Catalana

Visit this modernist concert hall, recently declared a UNESCO World Heritag site, and enjoy diverse musical performances from symphonic to jazz.
Things to do

Parc de la Ciutadella

Spend a day exploring the beautiful Ciutadella Park featuring a lake, museums, the Parliament of Catalonia and even a zoo.
Things to do

Mercat de les Flors

Once the Flower Market of the city, today the Mercat promotes cultural events offering a great variety of dance performances.
Restaurants

Montiel Restaurante

Check out one of the most popular restaurants in Barcelona for traditional Spanish cuisine.
Restaurants

Comerç 24

Get ready to enjoy traditional tapas and other typical dishes! Don’t miss the set menus like the ‘Super Festival’
Natural Beauty

Barceloneta Beach

Spend a sunny day at Barceloneta Beach, known for being the best urban beach in the world.
Museums

Museo del Perfume

Inagurated in 1961, the museum explores the evolution of perfume through history. Find containers from ancient cultures, catalogues, labels and much more.
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Cathedral of Santa Eulalia

Located in the heart of the Gothic District, this stunning gothic cathedral was named after Barcelona's patron, Saint Eulalia.
Museums

Museu de la Xocolata

Love chocolate? This is the place for you! Learn all about its European history and production, and don't forget to stop by the gift shop!
Places to go

Camp Nou

Don’t miss the Camp Nou, the largest stadium in Europe and home to the FC Barcelona, considered by many the best football team in the world!