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Barcelona has such a cultural atmosphere that it could well be described as a city of museums, stuffed with historical artefacts, as well as amazing works of modern art. However, that would be to deny the place its exciting, upbeat energy, its sophistication, its elegance and romance, especially since its pre-1992 Summer Olympics refurbishment. It is rapidly becoming one of Europe's most 'happening' cities to the extent that, if you only visit one city in Spain, then make it Barcelona.

There's the unique architecture of Antoni Gaudí and world-class museums like the Museu Picasso and the Fundació Joan Miró. Then there's the Barri Gotic, an intriguing old quarter with an excellent nightlife. You'll find a buzz of activity and a constant stream of people promenading among hundreds of cafes, bars and shopping areas like La Rambla, Playa de Sant Josep Oriol and the Playa Reial. For six days of the week, Barcelona is a shopper's paradise, and if you're in town on a Sunday there's the performance of the sardana, a traditional Catalan dance performed just outside the cathedral.

Barcelona Attractions

Catedral de la Seu
Plaça de la Seu, Barcelona

Museu Picasso
Carrer Montcada 1519, Barcelona
Tel: +34 93 319 6310

Palau de la Música
Sant Francesc de Paula 2, off Via Laietana, Barcelona
Tel: +34 93 268 1000

Palau Güell
Nou de la Rambla 3, Barcelona
Tel: +34 93 301 7775

Santa Maria del Mar
Plaça Santa Maria, Barcelona

Casa Milá
Provença 261, Barcelona
Tel: +34 93 484 5995

Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia
Casa de Sardenya, Barcelona

Fundació Miró
Avenida de Miramar, Barcelona
Tel: +34 93 329 1908

Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya
Montjuïc, Barcelona
Tel: +34 93 423 7199

Parc Güell
Casa d'Olot, Barcelona