Barcelona

About Barcelona

Barcelona is undoubtedly one of the world’s most dynamic and stylish cities. It buzzes all year round with cutting edge restaurants, contemporary style, music, and good vibes.

Unsurprisingly, given the number of visitors it attracts, Barcelona has a robust hotel scene with a wide spectrum of different accommodation options, from no-frills and budget-friendly, to classic five-star stylings and comfort.

If you're after a Gaudi T-shirt or an FC Barcelona scarf, you’ll be ok as souvenirs are available everywhere you look. Shopping boulevards like Passeig de Gracia are home to designer stores, while the creative El Born district is great for quirkier independent outlets. In the middle of the famous La Rambla you’ll find Boqueria Market where you can sit and enjoy a glass of cava after browsing the heady mixture of food stalls. The prevalence of tapas (and their larger counterparts, racions) means that food is rarely out of mind. Locals love to eat late, so it's not unusual for people to arrive at restaurants after 10pm.

Carnaval is Barcelona’s pre-Lent fiesta with masked balls, musical parades, colourful costumes and packed bars, and proceedings end with the symbolic 'burial of the sardine'. The Saint Joan festival takes place each 23 June with a bedlam of firecrackers, beach bonfires and fun-seeking locals. In September, a week-long Festes de la Merce takes place in honour of Barcelona's patron saint. Giants are paraded through the streets, concerts are held, and the whole city enjoys seven days of firework displays and general merriment.

The artist Gaudi is behind many of Barcelona’s cultural highlights, and you can spot his influence on buildings all over the city. A tour of the incredible Sagrada Familia and a walk around the colourful Park Güell should be on your list of top things to do here. Fans of modern art should also visit the Picasso Museum and the Fundació Joan Miró.