As Dart says, if your boyfriend speaks French he will be able to make out the street signs (which are in Catalan, not in Spanish) more easily, but when it comes to spoken language, this is quite another thing, Catalan is really close to Occitan/Proven?al (language different from French still spoken in Southern France) but we Catalans cannot understand spoken French unless we have learnt the language (which is my case). We understand Italian better than French, especially because of the pronunciation.

In general, young people in Barcelona have learnt (bad) English at school whereas people older than 45 did learn French, so you can always try and ask "do you speak English?" and if it does'nt work "parlez-vous fran?ais"

In tourist areas (museums, restaurants, information desks) you will have no problem, as most people will speak to you in English.

Yes, they will understand English in many places

if you go on the city bus tour, the commentary runs in several languages including English

Your boyfriend may be able to figure out the signs in catalan. He won't be able to understand them, because it's NOT like French...esp. since the "french" it is closest to is Languedoc, Proven?al, not Parisian.

English is an international language!! don't worry.

Spanish is not so similar to French, is more like Italian

Most people will know english, its a mandatory language in school. Barcelona is beautiful you will love it :)

Hello,

Me and my boyfriend are going on holiday to Barcelona for 5days.

We can't speak any spanish at all. My boyfriend can speak quite good french, and i heard that Catalan sounds simliar to French ??

Would the people speak any english or understand any english ?

And we're staying at the city centre btw.

Thanks :)