Barcelona

Barcelona Travel Guide

This bustling city is the capital of Catalonia and is situated off the northeast Mediterranean coast of Spain. Barcelona offers a multitude of golden beaches, rich cultural history, entertainment and tourist attractions.

With a history that dates back to 15 BC, Barcelona was first inhabited by the Romans. Remarkably, there are still wonderful examples of Roman influence, as can be seen in the ruins of Plaça del Rei and the remains of the 4^th century La Seu Cathedral. The ruins, set against the city’s backdrop, are picturesque and give a feeling of living history.

Barcelona has amazing medieval architecture mixed with Catalan Art Nouveau. Barri Gòtic, or the Gothic quarter, and its labyrinthine streets display, many buildings from the medieval period. Most popular is Las Ramblas, perhaps Spain’s most famous pedestrianised street, which dissects the city as it runs from Port Vell to Placa de Catalunya. It’s lined with al freso bistros, artists displays and buskers, making it a lively and charming centre of activity in the city. The amazing modern structures that have slowly joined Barcelona’s skyline are as equally attractive as the older sections of the city.

Barcelona Tourist Attractions

Antonio Gaudi’s most famous masterpiece, the Sagrada Família church, is the city’s most famous attraction and dates back to the late 1800s. It remains unfinished today, and its beauty and charm bring visitors from around the world. There are several other examples by this unconventional and visionary architect dotted about the city and they are instantly recognisable for their bizarre form.

Barcelona offers a wide selection of parks. The largest park is Montjuic on a 173-metre-high hill of the same name. The 17^th century fortress here allows scenic views of the harbour. Perhaps the most famous park however is the UNESCO World Heritage-protected Park Guell containing a sculpture park designed by Gaudi.

The soft golden sand and the crystal-clear Mediterranean waters bordering the city offer a chance to relax and soak in the sun. The most popular and oldest beaches in Barcelona are the beaches at Barceloneta Beach and Sant Sebastià Beach.

Transport Around Barcelona

Barcelona International Airport is less than two miles from Barcelona and receives flights from all over the word. Transportation is readily accessible at the airport and car rentals are available. There are also plenty of high-speed rail links to Madrid, the South and French border.

One of the most popular ways of seeing as many Barcelona tourist attractions as possible is by hire car Hire cars can easily be picked up at the airport and can cut the overall cost of the holiday if the airport transfer is taken into account.