Barcelona is one of the great cities of the Mediterranean, full of character but also sophisticated with efficient transportation and inspiring modern architecture. It’s also the fiercely proud capital of Catalonia and Catalan is heard as much as Spanish.
The Ramblas, the north/south spine through the heart of the city, is one of the world’s great thoroughfares. Packed with restaurants, bars, street performers, market traders and, unfortunately, pickpockets, it’s the focal point for most visitors. Nearby is the Barri Gotic, the medieval city, with the huge Gothic Cathedral, Le Seu, historic buildings, shaded narrow streets and museums.
At the southern end of the Ramblas is the harbour, the modern Maremagnum shopping and restaurant area, and beyond that Barceloneta and the beaches which stretch northwards to Port Olympic.
Barceloneta is connected by cable car to the wooded hill of Montjuïc with the Olympic Stadium, the Museu Nacional d’Arte de Catalunya, the Joan Miro gallery and the famous Spanish Village, or Poble Espanyol with streets and squares styled from the many regions of Spain. A funicular also gives access to Montjuïc from the city.
North of Placa de Catalunya at the top of the Ramblas is Eixample, the modern city with many of Gaudi’s most famous buildings, including the extraordinary Sagrada Familia, still under construction, and La Pedrera. Gaudi’s influence is seen further out at the stunning Parc Guell.
On a clear day, a visit to Tibidabo mountain, with its amusement park, is worth it for the views of the city, while football fans will include the Camp Nou stadium on their ‘must see’ list.
Barcelona has an efficient transport network by Metro and bus, including airport links. The airport is served by scheduled and budget airlines although Ryanair flies to airports it describes as Barcelona (Reus) and Barcelona (Girona) - both cities are 100 km from Barcelona
