City Guide: Welcome to Barcelona 2024

Get ready for a return to Europe as Formula 1 gets set for the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona this weekend.

A constant venue since the first edition in 1991, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has held racing and testing for over the past three decades.

It makes for an exciting weekend as drivers know this track better than any other, including our duo of Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant, who are ready to bounce back from Montreal.

If you're planning on travelling to support Williams, here's your city guide for what might be the most complete Grand Prix of 2024.

We can’t mention sport and Barcelona without bringing up FC Barcelona, who play in Spain’s top flight division, LaLiga.

While the season has come to an end, and the outstanding Camp Nou is undergoing development works, you can still visit the new Barça Museum and the Construction Viewpoint.

In addition to their football side, Barcelona also have basketball, handball, rugby, ice hockey, roller hockey, and futsal teams that compete at various times.

While 1991 was a big year for the city with the arrival of the Spanish GP, 1992 was just as important as the host city of the Summer Olympics.

Many of the venues remain across the city and are open to the public.

Barcelona has several districts that each have their own individual distinctive characteristics, which are undoubtedly worth a visit for those making the trip.

The Gothic Quarter, or Barri Gòtic, has some of the oldest shops and architecture in the city, and its tranquil side streets can offer a welcome rest bite from the busier parts of the city.

For a more modern look at Barcelona, stroll over to Eixample. Built as an expansion to help with a growing population, this area has some brilliant boutique stores. It is also the home of the stunning Sagrada Familia, a must see.

Planted between the mountains and the sea, Barcelona has plenty of nature to enjoy.

Visitors can walk along the coastal front of Playa de La Barceloneta, which is lined with different restaurants and bars or you can hit the beach for a game of volleyball and take a dip in the Med.

Those looking for a tranquil stroll should visit Parc de Montjuïc, which is perched on the hill that borders Sants and looks towards the sea. There are many gardens where you can walk, rest, or simply enjoy your surroundings.

Plus, for the motorsports fans in the city this week, it's even home to a former Formula 1 street circuit which you can still walk to this day.

Barcelona is among the most vibrant and artistic cities in the world. Gaudi’s work is sprinkled throughout the city, with Parc Güell being the highlight.

There are also a number of museums and galleries to explore, some of which display the works of Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró.

Passeig de Gràcia is one of Barcelona's most iconic boulevards. Here, you can find several exclusive high-end fashion and accessory stores while also taking in the impressive architecture along the way.

Plaza de Catalunya also harbours some of Europe’s most luxurious fashion brands and department store chains, where you can get all of your shopping done.

La Rambla is just off this central square. Here, you will find the free-to-enter Williams Racing Barcelona Fan Zone, presented by Kraken, where we have a range of merchandise for sale so that you can standout in the grandstand.

From Michelin Star restaurants to tapas bars and local Catalan cuisine, Barcelona has it all.

Local delicacies include Paella, Croquettes, and Patatas Bravas. All are widely available and a must-try for everyone visiting. The options are endless, though we suggest you try some of the fresh seafood on offer.

There are plenty of drink options to toast the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix, including Cava, Sangria, or one of the many refreshing local beers.

Spain's nightlife is one of the best in the world, and Barcelona has some of the country's most impressive nightclubs. The different neighbourhoods are packed with bars, pubs, terraces, and renowned clubs.

Barcelona has an extensive bus and metro system, making it quick and convenient to reach any part of the city you wish. If you prefer, there are plenty of ride-hailing apps that operate in the area to travel directly to your destination.

Language: Spanish and Catalan Currency: Euro (EUR) Weather: With the race taking place in June, Barcelona experiences an average high of 27°C, so remember to drink plenty of fluids and wear suncream.

Generally warm for the Grand Prix, but pack a jacket for the evening. Rain showers are likely, so be prepared for all weather.