Introducing Barcelona
Set on a plain rising gently from the sea to a range of wooded hills, Barcelona is Spain's most cosmopolitan city and one of the Mediterranean's busiest ports. Restaurants, bars and clubs are always packed, as is the seaside in summer. You might get the impression it's dedicated exclusively to hedonism, but it's a hard-working, dynamic place hoping to place itself in the vanguard of 21st-century Europe with a heavy concentration of hi-tech and biomedical business.
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It regards its long past with pride. From Roman town it passed to medieval trade juggernaut, and its old centre constitutes one of the greatest concentrations of Gothic architecture in Europe. Beyond this core are some of the world's more bizarre buildings: surreal spectacles capped by Antoni Gaudí's Sagrada Família church.
Barcelona has been breaking ground in art, architecture and style since the late 19th century. From the marvels of Modernisme to the modern wonders of today, from Picasso to the likes of Susana Solano, the racing heart of Barcelona has barely skipped a beat. The city's avant-garde chefs whip up a storm that has even the French reaching for superlatives.
Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, a region with its own language, character and history – many Catalans think of their home as a separate country. The city itself could keep you occupied for weeks but just outside it are sandy beaches, Sitges and the Montserrat mountain range - so be sure to make time for a few day trips during your stay.
Ready to go?
- Check out the Lonely Planet Barcelona City Guide app available via iTunes. Plus download our new Spanish Offline Translator app. Simply talk or type, and it translates. Available for iPhone, iPad and Android.
- See the best of Catalonia on a 4-day tour
- Discover the city of Gaudi with the City Hop-on Hop-off Tour
Last updated: 19-Jan-2012
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Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Robbed in Barcelona - have you been there?
by Peejee 14 September 2011
Some day mac, I hope you will explain us your extremely complicated nick !
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RE: Robbed in Barcelona - have you been there?
by gawkabout 14 September 2011
Spanish robbers don't get violent unless you do. Period. Its a skilled trade with accomplices.
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RE: Robbed in Barcelona - have you been there?
by Peejee 14 September 2011
+I think It's absurd to compare Barcelona with the slash your throat, leave you naked on a street corner, favella rat type of crime one…








