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
Exclusive offer. Special fares, pre-paid gratuities & more
Take advantage of free flights, pre-paid gratuities, special fares on sold out cabins and more on this seven day luxury Oceania cruise between Lisbon and Monte Carlo.
cruise offer
Exclusive offer. Special fares, pre-paid gratuities & more
Explore the best of Spain's southern coast, and take advantage of complimentary pre-paid gratuities and $150 on board spending money, aboard this luxury Oceania cruise.
cruise offer
Includes flights & your choice of free tours, drinks & more
Discover the best of the Med as you sail between Venice and Barcelona with Oceania. Our offer includes airfare and FREE Unlimited Internet, plus choose from free tours, drinks or onboard spending money.
cruise offer
Exclusive offer. Special fares, pre-paid gratuities & more
Take advantage of free flights, pre-paid gratuities, special fares on sold-out cabins and more on this luxury cruise between Barcelona and Rome.
Top itineraries in Barcelona
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.
cruise offer
Exclusive offer. Special fares, pre-paid gratuities & more
Take advantage of free flights, pre-paid gratuities, special fares on sold out cabins and more on this seven day luxury Oceania cruise between Lisbon and Monte Carlo.
cruise offer
Exclusive offer. Special fares, pre-paid gratuities & more
Explore the best of Spain's southern coast, and take advantage of complimentary pre-paid gratuities and $150 on board spending money, aboard this luxury Oceania cruise.
cruise offer
Includes flights & your choice of free tours, drinks & more
Discover the best of the Med as you sail between Venice and Barcelona with Oceania. Our offer includes airfare and FREE Unlimited Internet, plus choose from free tours, drinks or onboard spending money.
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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