Barcelona
by Nikki Cheneler
Forget all classic and traditional images of Spain when visiting one of the most dynamic and stylish cities in the world.
 With its bustling central boulevards, chic contemporary streets and exquisite architecture, Barcelona is the cosmopolitan party city that sizzles all year round.
Basking by the Mediterranean, the colourful, vibrant city attracts more and more visitors as it continues to blossom into one of the top cities in Europe. On the cutting edge of architecture, art, food and fashion, Barcelona has something to lure every type of traveller.
At the city’s heart lies the Old Town with most interest found in the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic) with its narrow streets and old palaces. It’s easy and enjoyable to lose track of time whilst strolling the slender cobbled maze of streets. One minute, admire the unique buildings and small old-fashioned boutiques, then stumble across a plethora of modern shops and trendy bars the next. This eclectic mix of old and modern continues throughout the city.
Within the Old Town is the most famous promenade in Spain - Las Ramblas. Once a sewer, the wide boulevard now hosts oodles of amusing street entertainers, flower and bird vendors and portrait painters. Absorb the bustling atmosphere while strolling the mile-long Las Ramblas or watch the world pass by while dining alfresco in one of the chic cafes.
Visit Teatre del Liceu, one of the most magnificent opera houses in the world and watch out for the giant sidewalk mosaic by Miro that can be found halfway down the Placa de la Boqueria. Nearby is El Raval, the largest neighbourhood in Barcelona.
Barcelona is rightfully proud of the glorious Art Nouveau that coats its streets and avenues. Don’t miss a visit to the amazing Sagrada Famillia, a fascinating creation from the modernist architect Antoni Gaudi, whose unique and awe-inspiring style can also be found in a number of other key buildings around the city. A climb to the church’s top tower is essential. Gaudi definitely left his mark on Barcelona with this and many more dazzling masterpieces, but just as captivating are the houses and apartments that he designed, and his work can even be seen in the lampposts and fountains of Placa Reial.
 The city boasts an impressive art legacy and has become a Mecca for the world’s top architects. The old and new architectural styles combine harmoniously, without the city losing any of its charm and there are over 40 galleries and museums. There’s work from Catalan artists Joan Miro and Antoni Tapies, and perhaps most impressively, a collection of the work of Pablo Picasso. There’s even a chocolate museum!
The hosting of the Olympic Games in 1992 completely transformed Barcelona and a huge array of facilities can be found at the Olympic Village. Dominated by a pair of landmark skyscrapers that accommodate the five-star Hotel Arts and the city’s casino, the village boasts another marina with contemporary and stylish bars and restaurants. The entire length of Barcelona's man-made waterfront can be enjoyed by a stroll along the Passeig Maritim.
The city is home to Barcelona Football Club and Camp Nou is one of the greatest football stadiums in Europe. When a crowd of 120,000 pulsates, the atmosphere (especially at home matches) is electric. The Camp Nou Museum has many exhibits and attracts over a million visitors each year.
La Barceloneta (Little Barcelona) was a fishing district in the 18th century and is full of character. It’s still one of the best places to eat seafood in the city. Architects planned each block long and narrow so that each room in every building fronted a street. You can also catch a cable car up Montjuic for great views of the city.
Nightlife is exactly as you would imagine for such a cosmopolitan city. With countless bars, clubs and discos - playing music and offering drink promotions - it’s easy to soak up the action and dance the night away. The trendiest nightlife is concentrated around the Olympic Village and the buzzing, vibrant port. Rows of restaurants offer a choice of Catalan or international cuisine, including French, Italian, Thai, Chinese and tapas. Fish is a speciality and exceptional at the port, and the delicious Catalan Creme Brule is a must.
 There’s lots of alfresco dining in the Gothic Quarter, and with the twinkling lights, low tones of street musicians and wonderful food, it’s difficult not to take pleasure in an evening there. After dinner you can sample cava in a traditional bodega or visit a flamenco club, cinema, theatre, opera, classical concert or ballet. There are many colourful, bustling jazz venues and a musical fountain display at Placa Espanya.
The city has over 200 hotels, mostly in the 3 and 4-star bracket, although cheaper accommodation is available including B&Bs and a few hostels. The city's popularity has caused a steady increase in the price of accommodation, however cheap deals are widely available, especially if you’re prepared to stay on the outskirts of the city.
Barcelona has an excellent public transport system. The Metro (tube) goes pretty much everywhere and buses are just as plentiful. A convenient way to see Barcelona is on the Bus Turistic, a double-decker, open topped tourist bus that travels to all the major sights, allowing you on and off as you choose. And with a number of bicycle lanes in the centre, a growing trend is to rent a bicycle.
With its cosmopolitan streets, exquisite architecture and thriving nightlife, Barcelona is one of Europe's most enticing destinations. Its vibrancy and charm could be adored forever but luckily, can be fully experienced in a short break without feeling hurried. The Catalan capital has much to offer all kinds of traveller and with an agreeable climate - pleasantly hot in summer and with few bitingly cold days in winter – it’s the perfect destination for a romantic break, family holiday, fun with friends or stopover while backpacking. And with so much to do, lazing on sun-drenched sands will be far from your mind on this holiday.
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