Barcelona - One of Spain's Most Beautiful Cities

Spain is a very attractive destination for tourists. Some tourists are attracted by the weather, while others are visiting Spain because of its history, culture and food. Spain really has a lot to offer. Millions of tourists are visiting Spain and many of them return for a second or third time. Cities are one of the most interesting things in Spain. Every city is different and offers something that other cities don't. In this article I would like to talk about the beautiful city of Barcelona and all the great joys and pleasures it has to offer.
Barcelona wasn't a very attractive target to tourists until the 1992 Olympics. After the Olympics, Barcelona became one of the most visited cities in Europe. Barcelona represents some of Spain's richest cultural aspects and history. People in Barcelona are also very helpful and this makes Barcelona one of the Spain's most desirable cities.
Those who visit Barcelona will not be disappointed. There are many things to see and do in this fantastic city of Spain. Sagranda Famillia Cathedral is one of the most famous tourist attractions. The designer of this Cathedral was Antonio Guadi. This Cathedral represents the life of Christ and those close to him. 12 apostles and 4 Evangelists are represented by The Eighteen towers of the Cathedral. Other parts of the Cathedral represent the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus. Guadi died before he finished the Cathedral. Spanish civil war delayed the construction even further. Nowadays its one of the Barcelona's most visited attractions and it stands proud over the city.
If Cathedrals and history don't interest you, then maybe a trip to the Barcelona FC museum is a more suitable attraction for you. If you are lucky enough, then you can even get tickets to one of Barcelona's games. Picasso museum, large choice of restaurants and clubs are also places that you could visit. The Salvador Dali Museum also should not be missed.
Spain is one of the most visited countries in the world. Everyone will find something interesting for them in Spain. Even the fussiest of tourist won't feel bored in Spain. The city of Barcelona should definitely be visited, if you are in Spain. It offers everything you could want in the idea vacation sport. Even if you are not interested in the art and history of Spain will find a lot of interesting things in Barcelona. Sports fans will also find something interesting for them. If you are looking for a wonderful vacation sport, then look no further. Barcelona, Spain has everything you need.

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Barcelona Attractions - Top 5 Places to Visit

1. Sagrada Familia
If you only get to see one thing whilst in Barcelona, the Sagrada Familia is it. This huge cathedral has been in a state of construction since as far back as 1882, and there is at least another 20 years or so until it is complete. It is the most famous building of the most famous Spanish architect of them all, Antoni Gaudi, who died in 1926. It is a project on a vast scale, a truly original monument that seems entirely fitting to such a fantastic city as Barcelona.
Gaudi worked on the building up until his death, focusing on nothing else for the last 12 years of his life. Its incredible, original design has made it instantly recognisable, and it is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the city. A guided tour is worth taking to find out all about the history of the building. It's also found right on Metro Line 5 so it's easy to reach.
2. Parc Guell
La Sagrada Familia may be Gaudi's masterpiece, but Park Guell is a close second. This huge park is full of a large number of attractions designed by Gaudi, with new wonders appearing around every corner. It gets its name from Eusebi Guell, who commissioned it to be a luxury villa for himself, and was built between 1900 and 1914. At one point it was going to contain luxury houses for the rich residents of Barcelona, but luckily it was converted into a public park that you can walk around for free.
So impressive is the park that it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it includes La Torre Rosa, Gaudi's old house that has now been converted into a museum. There are also numerous statues and a wonderful viewing area with a cafe to admire the city from above. It's a steep walk to the top, and there are even outdoor escalators to help along the way, but it's most definitely worth it.
3. Camp Nou
For any fan of the beautiful game, a trip to Barcelona should not definitely include a visit to the stadium of one of the best teams in Europe. The Camp Nou is one of the best stadiums on the continent, which is fitting as it is home to one of the best teams in the world. With a capacity of over 90,000, it is a vast arena that is impressive enough on a simple guided tour. But if you're lucky enough to catch a game here then it will be an experience you won't forget. And should you be really lucky and get a seat to witness the visit of Barcelona's arch rivals Real Madrid, you'll be able to watch one of the most passionate games in world football.
Built in 1957, the stadium also hosts a shop, a chapel for the players and the most visited museum in the whole of Catalonia, with over a million people making the journey to this Mecca of football to witness the over 400 trophies that Barcelona FC has managed to gather during its reign. Not to be missed.
4. Picasso Museum
Barcelona is a city of art, and nowhere do you realise this more than in the Picasso Museum. This is an absolute must for anyone with even the slightest interest in Pablo Ruiz Picasso, and for real fans it will be a definite highlight of your trip.
There are over 3,800 works in the permanent collection, a hugely impressive wealth of incredible artworks that show the development of the artist from young experimentalist to modern master. Opening back in 1963, the museum is rightfully placed in Barcelona, a city which Picasso shared a real connection with throughout his life.
Regular exhibitions are always changing, so you never know quite what you're going to get, and the building itself, situated right in the heart of the old city, helps bring the experience to life.
5. La Rambla
Once you've seen all the main attractions of Barcelona, get out in the open air and take a stroll down La Rambla. This is the large street through the centre of the city that is over 1.2 kilometres in length. Lined by trees and completely pedestrian, it stretches from Placa de Catalunya to the Christopher Columbus monument.
It is in reality a number of different streets, all given different names for different parts. The final part, the Rambla de Mar, goes right down to the harbour. Lots of shops, restaurants and tourists fill the street, and on a sunny day there is no better way to see the city by foot.

Robert writes for DDG World who provide luxury apartment rentals in Barcelona. If you are planning on visiting this wonderful city, please check out the portfolio on offer direct from the DDG World website at http://www.ddgworld.com.

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When is a Good Time to Visit Barcelona?

Barcelona is Spain, and Spain means sun, right? Well, that's not strictly true, but Barcelona does generally enjoy sunny weather from May to October. The current drought problem in Barcelona just goes to show you how little it rains here. For me the best months, weather wise are June and September. July is too busy to be able to see anything without never-ending queues and August is stiflingly hot - the locals all disappear, and it really is too hot and humid to enjoy anything but the beach - which is fight for your towel-space!
So I have a few other tips for times to visit which you may not have considered.
1. Sant Jordi - 23rd April. If your visit co-incides with this day, then you'll see Barcelona in all its colours. The patron saint of Barcelona is Sant George (Sant Jordi) and with nationalism so big over here it's a huge event. Everyone decorates their balcony with the Catalan flag, and it's tradition for men to give a rose to their wife/girlfriend/both and for the women to give a book to their other half. The rose is said to represent the blood of the dragon slain by Saint George, and the book co-incides with Spain's most famous writer, Miguel Cervantes (Don Quixote de la Mancha), who died on the same day. The city is full of book stalls, free concerts and people walking around with roses. A wonderful day to witness.
2. Sonar Music Festival (usually 3rd week of June). This electronic music festival is a great time to visit the city. Exams have just finished at uni, and the sun has been kicking in for a few weeks, so it's just like the start of the summer (even though it hasn't officially arrived yet). The city is buzzing with a mix of nationalities coming to experience the sights and sounds of the festival, which is still managing to stay unique and original despite over 10 years of shows.
3. Sant Joan. Night of 23rd2/4th June. Shakespeare called it Midsummer's night, but it also co-incides with Saint John's day. This is a real party time, and is the equivalent in the UK of bonfire night/U.S like 4th July. Fireworks galore and everyone goes out for "la berbena" or the all night fiesta. Barceloneta beach fills with bonfires and singing and it's a good job that the next day is a public holiday!
4. 24th September. La Mercè festival. The patron saint of Barcelona is Our Lady of Mercy, and during the week of La Mercè festival, the city fills with free concerts, festival activities, parades (including the famed "correfoc" or fire-run through the streets of the gothic quarter), and general mardi-gras style behaviour!