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.
Make it happen
- Book author reviewed and recommended hotels in Barcelona
- Search and compare cheap flights to Barcelona
- Take the Barcelona City Hop-on Hop-off bus to explore the city
- Take a half day trip to visit the Montserrat Royal Basilica
Last updated: Feb 25, 2010
Tips & articles
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Where to go in September
26 July 2010
Planning your September vacation? Consider one of these spots from Lonely Planet Magazine’s article...
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Barcelona’s surreal world of art
18 July 2010
Barcelona is a city that has embraced art like no other and it’s reflected in the buildings, across the...
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Catalan cuisine
13 July 2010
Sure, Barcelona has become a cauldron of culinary kookiness, with the foams and froths of master chef...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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looking for female to travel to Spain with in Sept.
by amotravl 0 replies, last post 01 August 2010
female looking for female to travel to Spain-(Barcelona & Madrid) with in Sept. for about a week.
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N. Africa transit
by soulsurvivor713 1 reply, last post 30 July 2010
So, I've seen a Q similar to this in another thread, but no good answer, so I'll try it here. Maybe better luck. Anywhoz! So, I'm planning…
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'Cruel' bullfighting banned in Spain's Catalonia!! Good day for Spain!!
by vaninka 51 replies, last post 31 July 2010
Hello! I´m from Madrid (Spain) and I want to share my happyness with travellers of all the world. Sure you know that bullfights are typicall…
















