Welcome to Barcelona
Barcelona is a Mediterranean city known for its architecture, coastline, historic neighbourhoods, universities, and active cultural life. Its urban landscape combines the medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter, the broad avenues of the Eixample district, and the modernist architecture associated with Antoni Gaudí.
- Mediterranean setting Enjoy the waterfront, city beaches, parks, and outdoor terraces.
- Architecture and history Explore Roman remains, medieval streets, Catalan modernism, and contemporary design.
- Academic environment Barcelona is home to major universities, research centres, and technology institutions.
- Convenient transport Metro, bus, tram, and local rail services connect the venue with the airport and the city centre.
Barcelona in April
April is a pleasant spring month in Barcelona. Average temperatures are approximately 18°C during the day and 11°C at night. Conditions are often mild, although cooler evenings and occasional rain are possible.
A light jacket, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, and a small umbrella are usually suitable for Barcelona in April. Check the local forecast shortly before travelling.
Top attractions and what to do
Barcelona offers architecture, museums, historic neighbourhoods, green spaces, and a Mediterranean waterfront. Several popular attractions use timed admission, so advance booking through their official websites is recommended.
- Sagrada Família Gaudí’s best known building and one of the principal landmarks of Barcelona.
- Park Güell Gardens, mosaics, architecture, and views across the city.
- Passeig de Gràcia Home to Casa Batlló, La Pedrera, and other notable modernist buildings.
- Gothic Quarter Medieval streets, historic squares, the cathedral area, and remains of Roman Barcelona.
- Montjuïc Museums, gardens, Olympic sites, and views of the city and port.
- Barceloneta and the waterfront A pleasant area for walking beside the Mediterranean.
- One evening Passeig de Gràcia, the Gothic Quarter, and dinner in the city centre.
- Half a day Sagrada Família, Hospital de Sant Pau, and a walk through Gràcia.
- One free day Park Güell, Passeig de Gràcia, the historic centre, and the waterfront.
About UPC
The Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, BarcelonaTech is a public university specialising in engineering, architecture, science, and technology. Its North Campus brings together teaching buildings, laboratories, research centres, university services, the Rector Gabriel Ferraté Library, and the Vèrtex Building.
- University Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, BarcelonaTech
- Campus Barcelona North Campus, also known as Campus Nord
- District The university area near Pedralbes and Les Corts
- Nearby research institution Barcelona Supercomputing Center, located beside the UPC campus
Workshop venue, UPC North Campus
The workshop will take place in the Vèrtex Building on the North Campus of UPC. The building is located close to the Palau Reial and Zona Universitària metro stations. The exact workshop room and registration desk location will be announced with the programme.
Vèrtex Building, UPC North Campus
Plaça Eusebi Güell, 6
08034 Barcelona, Spain
Workshop signs will direct participants to the registration desk and meeting room. The final room information will also appear in the workshop programme.
Travel to Barcelona
The principal airport is Josep Tarradellas Barcelona El Prat Airport, airport code BCN. It has two main terminals, T1 and T2. Check the terminal shown by your airline before travelling.
- Metro L9 Sud Connects both airport terminals with Zona Universitària, where passengers can walk to the campus or change to metro line L3.
- Aerobús A1 serves Terminal 1 and A2 serves Terminal 2. Both connect the airport with Plaça Catalunya and other central stops.
- Rodalies train The airport train operates from Terminal 2 and connects with Barcelona Sants. A free airport shuttle connects T1 and T2.
- Taxi Official taxi ranks are located outside both terminals.
Not every Barcelona transport ticket is valid at the Aeroport T1 and Aeroport T2 metro stations. The T-casual and ordinary single ticket are not valid for an airport metro journey. Purchase an Airport Ticket or use a pass that explicitly includes the airport metro.
Getting around Barcelona
Barcelona has an integrated network of metro, bus, tram, suburban railway, and local train services. Metro line L3, shown in green on transport maps, is particularly convenient for travelling between the workshop venue and central Barcelona.
- Palau Reial, L3 The closest metro station for the Vèrtex Building.
- Zona Universitària, L3 and L9 Sud Connection between the city metro and the airport metro.
- Barcelona Sants, L3 and L5 The principal railway station.
- Plaça Catalunya, L1 and L3 A central transport point with a direct L3 journey to Palau Reial.
Transport tickets
- Hola Barcelona Travel Card Offers unlimited public transport for a selected number of consecutive days and includes metro travel to and from the airport.
- T-casual Provides ten journeys for one person but is not valid at the two airport metro stations.
- Airport Ticket Covers a metro journey involving Aeroport T1 or Aeroport T2.
Transport conditions and prices may change before April 2027. Check the official TMB website before purchasing a ticket.
Getting to the Vèrtex Building
The Vèrtex Building is on the UPC North Campus. The most convenient metro station is Palau Reial on line L3. The walk from the station normally takes approximately ten minutes.
- Take metro line L3 in the direction of Zona Universitària.
- Leave at Palau Reial.
- Walk toward the UPC North Campus and follow signs for the Vèrtex Building.
- Take line L9 Sud from Aeroport T1 or Aeroport T2 to Zona Universitària.
- Walk from Zona Universitària to the campus, or change to L3 for one stop to Palau Reial.
- Follow signs for Campus Nord and the Vèrtex Building.
- Take metro line L3 in the direction of Zona Universitària.
- Leave at Palau Reial and walk to the Vèrtex Building.
Show the driver “Edifici Vèrtex, Campus Nord UPC, Plaça Eusebi Güell, 6, Barcelona.”
Visa and entry information
Spain is part of the Schengen Area. Entry and visa requirements depend on nationality, country of residence, passport type, and length of stay. Participants should consult the appropriate Spanish embassy or consulate well before travelling.
- Schengen visa Some visitors require a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a period of 180 days.
- Passport For many non European Union visitors, the passport must remain valid for at least three months after the planned departure from the Schengen Area and must have been issued within the previous ten years.
- Supporting documents Border or visa authorities may request proof of accommodation, return travel, sufficient funds, and the purpose of the visit.
- Travel insurance Suitable medical travel insurance may be required as part of a visa application.
Visitors who do not require a visa may need an ETIAS travel authorisation by April 2027. The introduction schedule can change. Check the official European Union ETIAS website shortly before travelling and avoid unofficial application websites.
Participants who require a workshop invitation letter should contact the organisers after completing any required registration steps. An invitation letter supports an application but does not guarantee that a visa will be issued.
Accommodation
Barcelona offers accommodation across a wide range of prices. April is a popular period for conferences and tourism, so early booking is recommended. When comparing options, check the distance to an L3 metro station as well as cancellation conditions and the local city tax.
A. Near UPC, Pedralbes, and the North Campus
Best for Walking access or a short journey to the venue.
- Upper Diagonal Located near the university area.
- AC Hotel Victoria Suites An option in the Pedralbes and Les Corts area.
- Torre Girona Residence Hall Located beside the UPC campus, subject to availability and guest conditions.
B. Les Corts and Avinguda Diagonal
Best for Convenient campus access with a wider choice of restaurants and services.
- Hilton Barcelona Located on Avinguda Diagonal.
- Catalonia Rigoletto Close to the Les Corts university and hospital area.
- Arenas Atiram Hotel Located in Les Corts.
C. Sants, Eixample, and central Barcelona
Best for A larger hotel selection, central dining, and evening activities. Choose accommodation close to an L3 station for a direct journey to Palau Reial.
The workshop does not guarantee availability or rates at the listed properties. Contact the accommodation directly and review its current terms before booking.
Dining recommendations
Barcelona offers Catalan, Mediterranean, Spanish, and international cuisine. Local food includes pa amb tomàquet, seasonal seafood, rice dishes, escalivada, crema catalana, and a broad selection of small plates.
- Near the campus Pedralbes and Les Corts offer cafés, bakeries, university dining facilities, and restaurants.
- Les Corts and Sants Good options for local dining outside the busiest visitor areas.
- Eixample A wide choice of restaurants with convenient metro access.
- Gothic Quarter and El Born Historic surroundings with many dining options.
Lunch and dinner are often served later than in some other European countries. Participants with dietary requirements should mention them when reserving or ordering.
Practical tips
- Currency Euro, EUR. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, although some cash can be useful for small purchases.
- Languages Catalan and Spanish are the principal local languages. English is widely used at the university and in many visitor services.
- Electricity Spain uses 230 V, 50 Hz, with plug types C and F.
- Emergency services Dial 112 for police, ambulance, or fire services.
- Public transport Use the official TMB website or app for route planning and current service notices.
- Personal belongings Keep phones, wallets, and bags secure on crowded public transport and in busy visitor areas.
- Walking Comfortable footwear is recommended because many historic streets and visitor areas are best explored on foot.
Useful links
- UPC Official university website
- Vèrtex Building UPC location page • Google Maps
- Barcelona public transport TMB
- Airport metro information TMB airport guidance
- Barcelona airport Aena
- Aerobús Airport bus information
- Spanish visa information Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- ETIAS Official European Union information
- Barcelona tourism Official visitor website
- UPC accommodation suggestions UPC visitor guidance