Barcelona Travel Guide

With its distinct Catalan character, sublime architecture and fantastic tourist atmosphere, Barcelona has become one of the Mediterraneans most visited cities. Since hosting the 1992 Olympics, the city has firmly established itself as one of Spains most popular destinations and it certainly attracts the crowds in the summer.

Areas of Barcelona

For more than 2000 years, Barcelona has stood as an important trading port.  Remains of Roman, Visigoth and Iberian influences still remain in the city, presevered in the old Barri Gòtic quarter where medieval churches, traditional tapas bars and excellent museums stand side by side. It is here, in the heart of the city, that you will find one of the world’s most famous pedestrian streets – Las Ramblas which is lined with cafés, buskers, artists, people-watchers and pickpockets!

Entertainment and dining

Many of the best restaurants, bars and hotels are found near here and access to the metro and museum district is easy. In fact you can travel from the airport right into this tourist district, alighting from the train at Placa Catalunya. The evening’s entertainment starts late and continues after midnight with a generous offering of tapas, paella and even some flamenco dancing if you’re lucky.

Architecture in Barcelona

Perhaps the most distinctive feature of Barcelona is its architectural masterpieces and for this they proudly roll out the numerous bizarre examples of eccentric visionary Antonio Gaudi. The soaring spires of the breathtaking and unfinished Sagrada Familia cathedral are deeply symbolic but are no means the most unusual in the city, for he left his mark with other strange creations such as Casa Mila and Parc Guëll.

Artists

Barcelona has produced two more of the art world’s most influential artists, Pablo Picasso and Salvadore Dali – two geniuses whose work is celebrated with exemplary museums. In fact the city as a whole boasts a fine collection of museums and galleries, including the Jean Miro Modern Art Collection, to satisfy all interests.

Beaches

But if art and culture bore you, the beachfront area is a popular and very appealing part of the city and sports fans like to make their way to the Olympic park on top of Mont Juic. Then there are the obligatory bullfights if you can stomach the gore, or a peaceful escape to the remote monastery of Montserrat, nestled in the panoramic mountains behind the city.

Travelling to Barcelona

Barcelona is well connected to the rest of Spain and the world, through the main coastal highway that makes France so accessible and continues south to Valencia and beyond. The rail line also follows this scenic route and high-speed AVE trains make light weight of the lengthy distances to the southern cities. Madrid lies west on a good highway. Most visitors arrive by air and Barcelona International Airport receives numerous daily flights from all over Europe as well as trans-Atlantic routes. Getting to the city from the airport is supported by regular bus and rail departures.

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