Visit Barcelona
Introduction
Barcelona is considered by many to be Spain's most cosmopolitan city. It's certainly one of the country's most exciting cities, situated in the heart of Catalonia's Mediterranean coast. It's one of Europe's busiest ports and lives as a port town should, staying up late and doing everything with energy and attitude.
The city has a hedonistic vibe, with bars and restaurants often buzzing until the early hours, and a confidence shared by its planet-conquering football team, FC Barcelona. But Barcelona is also a city full of culture, not least in its distinctive Modernist architecture and equally enchanting older buildings. The labyrinth Barri Gotic - Gothic Quarter - is one of Europe's best-preserved medieval centres, and the city's cathedral, complete with intricately carved spires and mythical gargoyles is a truly impressive sight.
This adventurous architectural style sets the tone for other parts of the city, where buildings bend and twist in shapes at all sorts of extraordinary angles. Antoni Gaudí, Barcelona's most celebrated son, is the man to thank for much of this, creating a host of Modernist landmarks in the city, including two masterpieces that rank among Barcelona's must see sights - the Park Güell gardens and the iconic, and as yet unfinished, Sagrada Família church.
Barcelona is also blessed with a number of excellent galleries, including the Museu Picasso in the centre of town and the superb Fundació Joan Miró in Montjuïc, which are both well worth a visit.
Food is another highlight of a stay in Barcelona. When it comes to eating, Barcelona is home to everything from fine-dining restaurants to dingy tapas bars. Steer away from the tourist traps on Las Ramblas and you're almost guaranteed to eat some of the freshest and most delicious Catalan cuisine going. The city rivals Paris in the quality and sheer diversity of its restaurants and is recognised now as one of Europe's gastronomic capitals.
Special offers in Barcelona
cruise offer
Tailor-made fly, stay & cruise holiday. Book by 30 June
Book by: 30 June 2018
Uncover the historic charm of the French and Italian rivieras in style, accompanied by stops at glitzy Monte Carlo and the island beauty of Menorca and Corsica. And, your ultra-luxury, all-inclusive cruise will be bookended by equally luxurious stays in Barcelona and Rome – two European city greats.
cruise offer
Save over £5,400 per suite. Book by 31 July
Book by: 31 July 2018
Enjoy savings of 30% on this fully all-inclusive luxury cruise that includes flights, all drinks and your choice of up to 37 free shore excursions.
cruise offer
New Special Fares - Save over £10,000. Book by 31 July
Book by: 31 July 2018
This 15-day luxury cruise will see you explore ancient architecture in Italy, people watch in glitzy Monte Carlo, relax on an azure blue-water-framed beaches and so much more. And, you'll do it with all-inclusive indulgence onboard an elegant cruise ship featuring six gourmet restaurants and a spa.
cruise offer
Save over £2,500 - book by 31 July
Book by: 31 July 2018
Enjoy savings of up to 30% on this fully all-inclusive luxury cruise that includes flights, all drinks and your choice of up to 32 free shore excursions
Top itineraries in Barcelona
cruise offer
Tailor-made fly, stay & cruise holiday. Book by 30 June
Book by: 30 June 2018
Uncover the historic charm of the French and Italian rivieras in style, accompanied by stops at glitzy Monte Carlo and the island beauty of Menorca and Corsica. And, your ultra-luxury, all-inclusive cruise will be bookended by equally luxurious stays in Barcelona and Rome – two European city greats.
This short break will see you escape to the medieval charms of Girona, where you'll stay in a luxury hotel surrounded by Spain's most acclaimed golf course just moments away from the historic charms of the city, enjoying fantastic food and wine along the way including a gourmet welcome dinner.
Discover ancient capitals and historic monuments on this all-inclusive luxury cruises from Rome to Barcelona
cruise offer
Save over £5,400 per suite. Book by 31 July
Book by: 31 July 2018
Enjoy savings of 30% on this fully all-inclusive luxury cruise that includes flights, all drinks and your choice of up to 37 free shore excursions.
Top places to stay in Barcelona
Billed by The Guardian as one of Europe’s hippest new hotels, this central offering features contemporary rooms, spa treatments, inventive dining and a spectacular rooftop pool and cocktail bar with views over the city.
When to go to Barcelona
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Barcelona articles
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