Destinations : Spain : Barcelona

About Barcelona

Barcelona is the capital and most populous city of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain, with a population of 1,605,602 (2006).

Barcelona is a major economic centre, with one of Europe's principal Mediterranean ports, and Barcelona International Airport is the second largest in Spain. Founded as a Roman city, Barcelona became the capital of the Counts of Barcelona and the Crown of Aragon. Besieged several times during its history, Barcelona is today an important cultural centre and a major tourist destination and has a rich cultural heritage. Particularly renowned are architectural works of Antoni Gaudí ­ and Lluís Domènech i Montaner that have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Barcelona possesses a privileged coastline, most of which is occupied by the city's beaches. Covering a stretch of over 4.5 km, the beaches of Barcelona belong to the districts of Ciutat Vella and Sant Martí ­ and form the city's largest space for recreation.

Barcelona is like an open-air Museum. There are many tours to visit the city: walking, by bicycle, motorcycle, bus or by launch, either with helicopter. Anyway you will enjoy the excitement of this city. Remember that The Rambla is one of the most emblematic locations in Barcelona; take a walk in this boisterous promenade where pubs, restaurants, boutiques and night clubs share space with flower's parade and street artists. The historical district exhales a bohemian environment and you will discover it walking by the Gothic District, La Rivera and the Raval, which are the medieval districts more well conserved of the world.

Barcelona also offers you its famous monuments of District Eixample, where you can admire masterpieces like La Sagrada Familia or La Pedrera, heritage of Antonio Gaudí­ and other Modern architects.

Barcelona contemplates the sea and gives you the possibility to live original experiences in large spaces like the beaches, the Port Olimpic (nautical sports by day and excitement life by night), the Tibidabo (the highest top of the city with an amusement park), or the surrounding of the mountain of Montjuïc that together with Tibidabo are "the sentinels of the peace of Barcelona" where you can visit the castle, museums and gardens with tropical and sub-tropical plants. The Barcelona beach season normally is between the middle of March and the middle of October.

Shopping

The best shopping areas in central Barcelona are Passeig de Gracia and the streets to its southwest, including the Bulevard Rosa arcade just north of Carrer d'Arago, and Barrio Gotic streets such as Carrer de la Portaferrissa, Carrer de la Boqueria, Carrer del Call, Carrer de la Llibreteria and Carrer de Ferran, and around Placa de Sant Josep Oriol. Mainstreams Stores are situated from La Rambla through Placa de Catalunya and on up Passeig de Gracia. At Avinguda Diagonal you turn left. From here as far as Placa de la Reina Maria Cristina (especially the final stretch from Placa de Francesc Macia) the Diagonal is jammed with very interesting places.

Tips:

1. Winter sales officially start on or around 10 January and their summer equivalents on or around 5 July.
2. If you live outside the European Union and come to Spain for a visit you can enjoy Tax Free shopping (16%) only applicable to items that you intend to take back with you to your country.

Eating & drinking

Barcelona offers to you its Mediterranean Cuisine, for example: Mar y Muntanya and Faves a la Catalana, obviously with a delicious Spanish wine.

By Night

Barcelona never sleeps. The sound of music in all styles selected by the best DJ's, for people of all ages: electronic, jazz or latin american rhythms through the city. There are a lot of cocktail bars, pubs, shops, restaurants and night clubs or disco. Where? The Districts named 'Barrio': Port Vell, La Ribera, Barrio Gotico, Port Olimpic (till very late), Eixample (Gay ambient), Gracia, St. Gervasi (very chic).

Climate

Barcelona has a Mediterranean climate, with mild, humid winters and warm, dry summers. January and February are the coldest months, averaging temperatures of 10 °C (50 °F).

Snowfalls are so rare that they are remembered as special events. July and August are the hottest months, averaging temperatures of 30 °C (86 °F).

Hotels in Barcelona

The Best Boutique and Design hotels in Barcelona : Hotel Omm, Hotel Pulitzer,