Emergencies

The national emergency number is 112, through which you can contact the policia (police), bombers (firemen) and ambulància (ambulance).

Police

Dial 091 to call the national police (Policia Nacional), and 092 for the local police (Guàrdia Urbana). If you need to report a crime, go to the nearest comissaria.

Comissaria

• Old Centre: C/Nou de la Rambla 76–78

• 93 306 23 00

Eixample

• Gran Via 256

• 93 424 26 88

• Also located in Plaça de Catalunya train station (underground)

• Open 24 hours

Personal Security

Although petty crime is rife, more serious incidences of violence are rare. Thieves occasionally carry knives – if threatened, hand over your belongings immediately.

Valuables

Leave all your valuables, including your passport, behind in a hotel safety deposit box. Take as little cash as possible and carry what you do have in a money belt hidden under clothes. Carry wallets in front pockets and ensure bags are strapped across your front. On the beach and in cafés and restaurants, always keep your belongings on your lap or tied to your person. Also be cautious of any odd or unnecessary human contact, verbal or physical, whether it’s a tap on the shoulder or someone spilling their drink at your table. Thieves often work in twos, so while one is catching your attention, the other is swiping your wallet.

Hospitals

Hospital de la Creu Roja de Barcelona, Hospital de la Santa Creu i de Sant Pau and Hospital Clinic all have 24-hour emergency rooms (called urgències). For an ambulance, dial 061.

Hospital de la Creu Roja de Barcelona

• C/Dos de Maig 301

• 93 433 15 51

Hospital de la Santa Creu i de Sant Pau

• Mas Casanovas, 90

• 93 291 90 00

Hospital Clinic

• C/Villaroel 170

• 93 227 54 00

Doctors & Clinics

The tourist office can provide information on English-speaking doctors. There are many walk-in clinics in the city, including the Creu Blanca near Plaça de Catalunya, where there is no need to make an appointment. There is also a 24-hour clinic at Paseo Reina Elisenda de Montcada, 17.

Creu Blanca

• C/Pelai 40

• 93 412 12 12

• Open 8:30am–2pm, 4–8pm Mon–Sat

Health Insurance

EU citizens can receive free medical care with a European health insurance card, which must be obtained before travelling. Non-EU citizens are strongly advised to take out medical cover.

Dental Treatment

Dental care is not covered by the EU health service. There are numerous dental clinics in Barcelona where you can walk in and get a consultation, including the Clínica Dental Barcelona, where dentists are generally on duty 9am–midnight daily.

Clínica Dental Barcelona

• Pg de Gràcia 97

• 93 487 83 29

Pharmacies

Pharmacies (farmàcies) are marked by a large green or red cross, usually in neon. All chemists have trained pharmacists who can offer advice (places on and around La Rambla usually have a pharmacist who speaks English). Regular hours are generally 10am–10pm. One pharmacy per neighbourhood is open all night from 9pm until 9am on a rotating basis, (information is listed on the front door of each). Some pharmacies are open 24 hours, particularly those on La Rambla.

Drinking Water

Spain’s tap water is perfectly safe to drink. Most visitors, however, generally prefer to drink bottled water.