2013-07-08
Barcelona, the second largest city in Spain and the capital of Catalunya, is a modern day metropolis with splendid architecture, traditional markets and colorful beaches. Be it walking around the city, admiring the architectural marvels of Antoni Gaudi or enjoying the vibrant night life or even lazing around on the famous beaches, Barcelona has everything to entice and entertain tourists every year.

How to reach
Most of the important cities in Europe, as well as around the world have frequent flights to Barcelona El-Prat International airport. Barcelona is also well connected to all the major European cities through high speed trains.

Getting around
The public transportation system in Barcelona, consisting of buses and the metro, is very efficient for visiting the important tourist attractions. Different passes are also available for tourists to avail discounts on the public transport system. Renting bikes or nowadays even, Segways is another innovative and fun way to see the city. Many, however, still prefer walking around the city and taking in everything the city has to offer, on foot.

Places to see

  • La Sagrada Familia
    It is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Barcelona and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The construction of the church began almost a century ago and some parts of the breathtaking structure can be seen being built even today.
  • Gaudi Architecture
    The work of Antoni Gaudi is scattered throughout the city and his works are famous for their eccentric designs. His works include the La Sagrada Familia, Parc Güell, La Pedrera, La Casa Batlló and each has their own unique designs.
  • La Rambla
    The La Rambla is one of the most famous and colorful boulevards in the world and taking a stroll down this boulevard one can find numerous tourists, artists, human statues, fortune-tellers, dancers and musicians. The street is filled with flower stalls, souvenir shops, newspaper kiosks and cafes.
  • Montjuïc
    Montjuïc is a small hill overlooking the harbor and was one of the venues of the 1992 summer Olympics. It houses the Palau Nacional with a magnificent fountain, Font Màgica, in the front. Many fairs are also held here throughout the year
  • Beaches
    The seven beaches of Barcelona are among the best beaches in the world and it is often filled with people lazing around, playing football or taking a swim. Barceloneta, Sant Sebastià and Somorrostro are the largest and the most visited beaches in Barcelona.
  • Camp Nou
    FC Barcelona is one of the best football clubs in the world right now and a visit to their stadium, Camp Nou, is a must for a football fan. Guided tours inside the stadium take the visitors through the dressing room, the tunnel and the stands where they can see the magnificent stadium in all its glory. For a football fanatic, this is nothing short of a heavenly experience.
Things to do
Barcelona, like the rest of Spain has a vibrant night life and the bars are filled with people dancing, eating and enjoying their nights. Tapas restaurants can be found all over Barcelona and is on many tourists' ‘must eat' list. The beaches also play host to many festivals around the year and the festivities can go on for many days. A visit to flamenco performance, in a real tablao would be a perfect end to the day in Barcelona.

Barcelona, today, is one of the world's leading tourist, economic, trade fair/exhibitions and cultural-sports centres. A visit to this splendid city would leave the visitor longing to return to the city and enjoy everything the city has to offer, all over again.