Barcelona is one of Europe’s most popular cities for a city break holiday. Once rather run down, Barcelona underwent a seismic change culminating in the 1992 Olympic Games, an event which completely transformed the city.
Barcelona has long been a Mecca for architects and the city features an array of avant-garde designs. Barcelona’s most famous son, the architect Antoni Gaudi, has left his mark including the incredible unfinished Sagrada Familia, but his work can be seen even in the lampposts and fountains of the elegant Plaça Reial in the Barri Gotic, the Old Town.
Somehow, old and new architectural styles combine well across the city. Barcelona has kept its atmosphere while the renaissance of the old port and the beaches has added much to its appeal.
As the capital of Catalunya, Barcelona is also a major commercial centre, with ever improving transport links increasing its attractiveness. Tourism is one of the driving forces of the economy and nearly a third of all tourist trips to Spain now take in a Barcelona holiday.
There is a strong local desire to create an independent Catalan state with Barcelona at its centre, and visitors will hear Catalan spoken as much as Castillian Spanish. Local pride is never clearer than when a capacity 120,000 crowd at FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou football stadium cheers on a victory over arch rivals Real Madrid - and the city celebrates a victory in style.
Promenading down the Ramblas, one of the world’s most famous thoroughfares, is a delight, although you need your wits about you as petty crime is an issue here. The ancient heart of the city is still hugely atmospheric and there is a vibrant cafe and bar scene while eating out can still be remarkable value for money. Art fans will find much to see and admire with the city’s range of museums. They are amongst the best in the world.
With a pleasant climate all year round, Barcelona is worth a holiday break in any season, although spring and autumn are particularly appealing. With cheap flight budget airlines using the expanding airport and the vastly improved rail links, Barcelona is now one of the most popular short break city destinations.
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