Barcelona

Barcelona

What's it really like?

Spain's second city is becoming more popular than the country's capital, Madrid especially for holidaymakers on short breaks and cruise ship stop-overs.

Barcelona's position by the warm Mediterranean attracts travellers from around the world wanting to combine the seaside with the city.

The contrast between the maze of ancient narrow streets and the business-like layout of the modern sector makes it a curious place to explore and some of the eccentric architecture will take your breath away.

Explore the back alleys to find a forest of fairies' faces or the bathroom furniture protruding from the walls.

Las Ramblas is the main artery that stretches approxiamately 1.2 kilometres through the heart of Barcelona and the hub of the city. Note: The southern end turns fairly seedy at night.

The leafy avenue is buzzing every day with pavement artists and live performers entertaining the crowds outside the pricey restaurants and shops. If you're on a budget stick to the cheaper alternatives down the side streets or the market stalls.

Tip: Start your stroll along at Plaza Catalunya and it's downhill most of the way.

The world's largest statue of Christopher Columbus lies at one end of the street with a lift up to the viewing gallery perched 60 metres above the city.

The local beaches are packed in summer.

Perched on top of one the nearby hills is theme park with spectacular views. A train and a cable car takes hundreds of visitors to the summit of another mountain.

Attractions

Sagrada Familia by Antonio Gaudi A giant unfinished temple which sparks a 'love it' or 'hate it' reaction from visitors and locals. Even though it is already Barcelona's most popular landmark, the construction work on this site isn't expected to be completed until at least 2041.

Gaudi only finished the nativity facade, one of the towers and the crypt before he died in 1926 but his vision has carried on.

A lift takes visitors to the top for some amazing vistas over Barcelona. The climb is not recommended for those with fear of heights or for people with claustrophobia

Picasso Museum: Picasso's works of art are displayed in chronological order to help visitors chart his early days to his final masterpieces in the years in which the he lived in Barcelona.

Salvador Dalí House-Museum: A mansion designed as a tribute to Salvador’s wife Gala filled with Dalí’s artworks, and grand visions.

In the main courtyard is the stunning sculpture called "Rainy Cadillac" - a huge bronze figure on the bonnet of a car in front of a boat on top of a column.

Other treasures include paintings, drawings, engravings and photographs totalling around 1500 pieces in all.

L' Aquarium de Barcelona: Situated in the harbour the aquarium offers visitors a chance to dive with sharks or even spend the night surrounded by them (children aged 8 to 12).

Poble Espanyol: "Spanish Village" An artificial attraction replicating styles of architecture from many parts of Spain. The buildings are set around a central square consisting shops and restaurants. Several theatrical shows of varying quality.

Magic Fountain of Montjuic: A stunning light and water show to the sounds of classical and contemporary music. The audience usually arrive early to secure the best views near to the Museum of Catalan Art.

Barcelona FC Museum: A Mecca for soccer fans. The tour includes a visit to the trophy cabinet, statues of club's famous players and a behind the scenes look at the changing rooms, etc

Barcelona Zoo: The zoo has many endangered and curious-looking animals on show and facilities also include a restaurant, shop and a mini-train.

Further Afield:

The pretty seaside town of Sitges and the hilltop monastery at Montserrat, 35 miles northwest of Barcelona, is another popular daytri

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