World class football, stunning Gothic architecture, sandy beaches, world-class museums, flamenco and tapas bars, awe-inspiring cuisine, and much more- this is what is waiting for you in Barcelona, one of the major resorts and most dynamic cities in Spain, perched on the coast of the Iberian Peninsula, on the western Mediterranean seaboard.
Spain’s second largest city, Barcelona is a truly exciting destination rich in history and culture, amazing attractions and great opportunities for shopping, dining and nightlife that welcomes holidaymakers of all tastes and interests to have a wholly different feel and a vacation of a lifetime, complete with visits to Antoni Gaudi-designed wonders.
Keep in mind that whatever the reason of your visit, you will find a generous selection of quality Barcelona apartments, budget-to-luxury hotels and other types of accommodation all across the city that will surely cater to your pockets and preferences and ensure your comfortable and cozy stay.
That Barcelona is loaded with tons of impressive attractions and historical sites is known to everybody. But there are some that stand aside for their special beauty and are appreciated by almost all visitors to this thriving city. They include: La Sagrada Familia, Parc Güell and Las Ramblas.
Antoni Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece, the majestic Sagrada Familia is a giant Basilica that, believe it or not, has been under construction since 1882. This enormous church is designed with an extraordinary architectural style, called ‘warped Gothic,’ when the rippling contours of the stone façade make it look as though the church is melting in the sun.
Commissioned by Eusebi Güell, who wanted to create a stylish park for the elite of Barcelona, Park Güell offers visitors a range of magnificent buildings, amazing stone sculptures and tile work again designed by Gaudi. This magical park is also where visitors will find Gaudi’s old home, which has been converted into a small museum and is now open to public. To avoid crowds it’s recommended to visit the park on a weekday.
Las Ramblas is another must-see getaway in Barcelona, which is famous all over the world as the best-known tree-lined Boulevard, which is very pleasant to stroll down and enjoy the human heartbeat of Barcelona. Stretching 1.2 miles with Port Vell at the southernmost end and the Placa Catalunya at the northernmost end, Las Ramblas bustles with flower stalls, newspaper kiosks, cafes and accommodation. Apart from live performances and human statue art, the avenue is famous for its Modernist Boqueria Market, Wax Museum, Erotica Museum and Christopher Columbus monument.
Those who are visiting Barcelona with kids should know that the city is child-friendly and has a lot that kids will enjoy. The Barcelona Zoo in Parc Ciutadella, for example, is a good starting point with easy entertainment for all members of the family. Another fine getaway is the Barcelona Aquarium, which is considered the most important marine leisure and education center in the world concerning the Mediterranean. Not to be missed is also the magic Fountain of Montjuïc that never fails to delight visitors with its spectacular display of colors.
