Travel Tips

Getting to the hotel

The closest airport is El Prat Barcelona International Airport (BCN). The airport is located 12.7 km from the hotel, which is approximately 22 minutes by car, with a taxi costing around €25 – €35 one way.

Buses A1 or A2 from El Prat Airport take around 40 minutes and costs €8.90 to Placa Espanya one way and €13.20 return. The walk from the bus stop to the hotel is 10 minutes.

Trains are also available from Terminal 2 (there is a shuttle bus from T1 to T2) and the nearest stop to the hotel is Estacio de Sants, which is 1.6km from the hotel (20 minute walk). The cost is €5.15 one way and the train journey is around 30 minutes.

For directions, please check the IEC Connects app or speak to hotel concierge.

Directions by car from the airport

Take the Castelldefels Motorway (C-31) towards Barcelona up to Plaza de España. Turn right into Avenida Maria Cristina and drive up until you see the National Palace. Turn left into Avenida Rius i Taulet and carry on straight until Lleida Street. The hotel is located at the corner.

Parking

Car parking is available at the hotel. 232 spaces are located under the hotel with direct access to the hotel lobby and accessible 24 hours a day. Parking charge is €24 per day.

Visas, passports and other documents

A passport valid for at least 3 months after the envisaged departure date is required for travel to Spain.

Foreign visitors from most IEC countries can enter Spain without a visa for up to 90 days. However, you should check the Spanish government website before you travel for the most recent information relating to your country.

Please be aware that there have been delays in the Visa application process for certain countries, and we therefore recommend applying as soon as possible in order to ensure it is approved in time for the conference.

Check whether you need a visa to enter Spain

Currency

The currency throughout the Spain, including Barcelona, is the Euro.

Weather

Throughout April, average lows of 13°c and highs of 20°c can be expected.

Although the weather is mostly dry in Barcelona in April, there is still a chance of rainfall; therefore jackets and umbrellas are advised.

Clothing

For IEC conferences, including the drinks receptions, we suggest business-casual dress.

It is recommended that participants on the companion tour wear footwear which is suitable for moderate walking.

Safety and Emergency Contacts

Barcelona is generally a safe city, and most visitors will not have any unpleasant encounters. However, pickpocketing is prevalent in popular tourist areas such as Las Ramblas and on public transport. It is therefore recommended that visitors remain vigilant, leave passports and valuables in a safe location, and do not leave bags unattended.

If you would like any further information regarding safety in Barcelona, we recommend reviewing the official travel advice provided by your national government.

Barcelona emergency services: Dial 112 from any mobile in Europe.

The nearest hospital is Hospital del Mar, located an 18 minute drive (4.9km) from the hotel. The nearest pharmacy is Farmàcia Lda Francisca María Aranzana Martínez, which is located a 3 minute walk (220m) from the hotel. For directions please check the IEC Connects app or speak to hotel concierge.

If you require any first aid support during your stay, please speak to a member of the Intercontinental team, the IEC team, or the local organiser.

If you require a doctor during your stay please contact the hotel concierge.

Electricity

In Spain, the standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.

There are two associated plug types, type C and F.

Tipping

Tipping in Spain is considered more of a gesture, and less of an obligation. If you receive very good service, you are welcome to reward it with a tip of around 10%, but it is not expected.

Service charges in restaurants are rare but if they do add a service charge, there is absolutely no need to tip.

Recommended restaurants and bars

Please see below a list of recommended restaurants and bars a short distance from the InterContinental Barcelona.

Restaurante Luigi Francesc Macià | A restaurant specialising in Neapolitan cuisine in a beautiful, modern space. Open daily. A 13 minute taxi ride from the hotel. Visit the website.

Paco Meralgo | A cosy and lively tapas bar serving seafood, Spanish croquettes, and tartar. Open daily. A 12 minute taxi ride from the hotel. Visit the website.

Benzina | A hip, industrial-style Italian eatery for pasta, seafood and meat plates, plus cocktails and wine. Open Wednesday – Sunday. An 11 minute walk or 5 minute taxi ride from the hotel. Visit the website.

Tapas 2254 | Tapas and signature desserts in a cosmopolitan venue that fuses French, Italian, and Spanish cuisines. Open daily. An 11 minute taxi ride from the hotel. Visit the website.

Gaudim | A restaurant specialising in Mediterranean cuisine with a Japanese touch, with its own elegant style, maintaining traditional cuisine with a modern twist. Open Monday – Saturday. A 12 minute taxi ride from the hotel. Visit the website.

Quirat | A Michelin star restaurant renowned for its gourmet dishes showcases contemporary Catalan-based dishes across two tasting menus. Open Tuesday – Saturday. Located in the InterContinental in Barcelona. Visit the website.

Cerveceria Catalana | Classic tapas in a lively bar with a terrace in the heart of the city. Open daily. A 13 minute taxi ride from the hotel. Visit the website.

Can Xurrades | Chic setting for Catalan dishes with a twist, including beef from the owners’ own Sayaguesa cattle. Open Tuesday – Sunday. An 11 minute taxi ride from the hotel. Visit the website.

Yakumanka | Casual Peruvian eatery by Gastón Acurio, whipping up ceviche, seafood & wok dishes. Open daily. An 11 minute taxi ride from the hotel. Visit the website.

For further recommendations, please contact the InterContinental Barcelona concierge team.

COVID-19 travel regulations

At the time of registration launch, all COVID-19 measures have been removed from Spain. However, Delegates are responsible for checking all applicable COVID rules and requirements before travelling.

Please visit the Spanish Government’s Website for more information, including details on vaccine passport requirements.

The IEC will be adhering to all destination COVID regulations at the time of the event.