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Barcelona is magical. Perfectly set between mountains and the sea, it's always been a center for innovation, whether in Gaudí's unique architecture, Ferran Adrià's crazy molecular cuisine, or the new Mobile World Capital growing in the center of the city. Palm tree-lined streets connect winding medieval alleyways with modern towers. Around every corner there's a surprising new sight or a great snack. And when Barcelona parties, it parties all night.

You'll be working there for a week. Lucky you.

Mobile World Congress has been held in Barcelona since 2006, when it outgrew its former digs in Cannes, France. This year, it finally outgrew the historic Fira de Barcelona and moved to the Fira Gran Via, a much larger convention center on the border with the city of L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, about 4km southwest of downtown.

While there are plenty of guides to Barcelona online, there's relatively little about L'Hospitalet. L'Hospitalet is actually Catalonia's second-biggest city (after Barcelona), but it's for locals; it's a working-class suburb of apartment blocks, corporate headquarters, and light industry. But L'H and the Fira Gran Via area also hold a major shopping mall, plenty of places to eat and drink, and some striking modern architecture within a 15-minute walk of the convention center.

Barcelona itself is just a quick bus or train ride away. The goal of this guide is to familiarize you with the area around the convention center and give you some quick tips for what to do if you find some free time before, during, or after the world's busiest mobile technology convention.

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I've traveled to Barcelona eight times, including for five Mobile World Congress shows, and worked on guidebook chapters for Frommer's guides about the city. The suggestions in this guide were informed by experts at Turisme Barcelona, Fira Barcelona, Mobile World Capital, the GSMA, and the Renaissance Fira hotel. I'm grateful to all of them.

For more on Barcelona, I'd strongly suggest buying a guidebook. Frommer's, Fodor's, Lonely Planet, and Rough Guides all have comprehensive guides to Barcelona online and in print.

INTRODUCTION
QUICK FACTS
MUST-HAVE APPS
GETTING ACCLIMATED
     • The Fira Gran Via
     • Neighborhoods of Barcelona
GETTING THERE AND AROUND
     • Airports and Access
     • Official Hotel Shuttle Buses
     • Getting to The Fira
     • Getting Around
BUSINESS SERVICES
CONNECTIVITY: SIM CARDS, HOTSPOTS, AND WI-FI
EATING AND DRINKING NEAR THE FIRA
     • Eating and Drinking Tips
     • Restaurants Near The South Entrance
     • Restaurants Near The North Entrance
     • Dietary Restrictions
WHERE TO STAY
WHERE TO SHOP
AFTER HOURS
MOBILE WORLD CAPITAL
SIDE TRIPS
     • Official Side Tours
     • Right Around The Fira
     • If You Have 1-2 Hours
     • If You Have 2-4 Hours
     • The Passeig de Gràcia
     • Montjuïc and Museums
     • If You Have A Half Day Or More
HEALTH AND SAFETY

Note: The opinions in the article are solely those of the author. While we've done our best to deliver accurate information here at the time of publication, GSMA is not responsible for any misstatements or inaccuracies in this guide.