Barcelona’s city centre is operating under unusual conditions on Wednesday 11 November 2026, as a general strike affects commerce and mobility, according to Elnacional (https://www.elnacional.cat/ca/barcelona/persianes-mitja-altura-blindatge-preventiu-comerc-centre-barcelona-en-alerta-vaga_1723835_102.html).
Streets around key areas such as Carrer Fontanella, Pelai, Plaça de Catalunya (Catalonia Square), and the lower section of Passeig de Gràcia are sparsely populated, with many shops open but operating at reduced capacity. Some have shutters partially lowered, and security personnel are visible at entrances as a precaution against possible evening vandalism.
Leroy Merlin on Carrer Fontanella remains open but has boarded-up windows, while El Corte Inglés on Plaça de Catalunya has not opened at all. Media Markt, nearby, also maintains protective boarding. Pimec representatives told Elnacional that some businesses adjusted operations in anticipation of the strike.
Public transport has largely halted after the morning’s minimum service window ended at 09:30. TMB confirmed that metro services were limited to legally mandated minimums, while fewer buses operated than planned, with vehicles from the Triangle depot failing to deploy.
Commercial activity is subdued, even in restaurants, which are open but emptier than usual. Workers in offices may be less affected due to telecommuting, but disrupted mobility remains a major challenge. Residents and visitors should expect limited transport and altered business hours throughout the day.
Sources: El Nacional.
