Brilliant Barcelona, a cosmopolitan city steeped in history, tradition and culture, boasting an ultra-modern infrastructure combined with an elegant old-world charm.

Barcelona, once a rundown industrial centre which seemed to have little to offer the well versed traveller has undergone a seismic change that culminated in the hosting of the Olympic Games in 1992. The event completely transformed Barcelona into a Mecca for the world's top architects, who have flocked here to conjure up an array of modern structures and avant-garde designs.

The captivating capital of Catalunya, Barcelona has solidified its position as a major regional power, strategically positioned close to the French border and with a wide Mediterranean coastline and a mild year round climate, Barcelona continues to attract an increasing number of visitors year after year, and with cheap low cost air travel becoming more popular, Barcelona has entered the millennium as one of Europe's most popular short break destinations.

Best time to visit

All year round.

Essential experiences

Exploring the central section of the city, where most of the tourists spend their time; getting lost in the Las Ramblas district, the main artery of Barcelona life; sipping strong coffee at a pavement cafe in Port Vell (Old Port); people watching at the trendy La Ribera (The Waterfront); immersing yourself in the atmospheric architecture of Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter); embracing the Catedral de la Seu and Museu Picasso amid narrow streets and hidden squares; experiencing some of the worlds finest Modernist architecture in the Eixample district; asking for forgiveness in the celebrated Sagrada Família, a marvel of design by Antoní Gaudi.

In a few words

Barcelona is - Vibrant nightlife, modernist architecture, Antonio Gaudi, FC Barcelona, Las Ramblas, designer shopping, ultra-hip people, medieval squares, gothic churches, Picasso, Casa Mila and Sagrada Família.