Barcelona Guide. After hosting the Olympic Games in 1992, the Spanish city of Barcelona has become an increasingly popular tourist destination. Located on the coastal northern tip of Spain, the city has become a host to visitors from around the globe who flock to Barcelona for it’s modern architecture, historic culture and favorable year-round warm weather. Aside from being a tourist destination, the city is also a major economic center of Europe, so many of the locals are young, eager and business-like. Those visiting Barcelona can look forward to several offerings in the world of architecture. Perhaps the most popular architect associated with the city is Antoni Gaudi, who spearheaded the modern architecture movement with his Catalan Art Nouveau and designed sites like the Park Güell, Palau Güell, Casa Milá, Casa Vicens, Sagrada Família and the Casa Batlló. Many of these Art Nouveau buildings are World Heritage Sites. And while modern architecture is certainly one of the city’s highlights, the Gothic Quarter is the center of the old city of Barcelona. Filled with buildings dating back to medieval times, this district is the perfect place to walk around in since it’s often closed off to the general traffic. |
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| "... Sagrada Familia" | |
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Aside from sightseeing and taking in the city’s breathtaking buildings and churches, visitors of Barcelona can choose from a number of museums to tour. From fine art museums that display the works of local artists like Picasso to a chocolate museum where tourists indulge in their sweet tooth, you’ll find culture around every corner. Several theaters are also scattered throughout the city where productions range from comedy or drama to musicals. Inhabited by a relatively young, hip crowd, Barcelona really comes to life after hours when the sun goes down. Whether you prefer to relax with a drink or dance the night away, there are several bars and nightclubs to choose from where tourists mingle with locals, learn the Flamenco and enjoy a good time. Most clubs and bars are open until dawn and the Barcelona Casino is open 24-hours a day. |
| ... colours of Barcelona |
| When you’re not sightseeing or dancing until the early morning hours, be sure to indulge in some haute Barcelona cuisine, which is often a fusion of Mediterranean and Spanish fare. Though breakfast isn’t very much celebrated in the country, lunch and dinner are truly an affair. Most locals don’t eat dinner until after 9:00, so the restaurants are open late. Enjoy a light meal of tapas (a mixture of bar snacks) or indulge in a full sit-down dinner. No matter how long you’re in Barcelona, you’ll never run out of things to do and you’ll never feel out of place. A culturally-infused city, locals are not only those who were born in the area, but have come from all over the globe to take up residence in this increasingly popular, ever-modernizing city. |
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| ... dancing in Barcelona |