Languages spoken
The two languages spoken in Barcelona are Spanish and Catalan. Barcelona is the capital of Catalunya and therefore Catalan is widely spoken by the people of Barcelona. In the tourist areas there will be English-speakers.
Working language
English will be the working language of the conference.
Weather
The climate in Barcelona is typically Mediterranean. Summers are hot and humid, winters mild, and most of the rainfall is in spring and autumn. January and February are the coldest months, averaging temperatures of 10 °C. July and August are the hottest months, averaging temperatures of 30 °C.
Time zone
Central European Time.
Currency
Barcelona uses the Euro.
Telephone
To call Barcelona from a country outside Spain you need to dial
0034 for Spain and then 93 for the dialing code for landlines in Barcelona.
Emergency telephone numbers
Medical emergencies 061
General emergencies 112
Guàrdia Urbana (local police) 092
Mossos d'Esquadra (Catalan police force) 088
Policía Nacional 091
Guardia Civil police force 062
Daily customs
Meal times
In Barcelona, as in the rest of Spain, people normally have their meals later than in other European countries. The first meal of the day is usually eaten between 9:00 and 11:00 in the morning, and tends to be lighter than in the rest of Europe, being similar to what hotels call a "continental" breakfast. People sit down for lunch between 2:00 and 3:00 in the afternoon and for dinner between 9:00 and 10:00 in the evening. Nevertheless, restaurant hours are adapted to the pace of working life, and you can find lunch as early as 1:00, while dinner may be served as late as 11:30 at night. It should also be noted that there are restaurants where you can eat at any hour of the day.