Things to do in Barcelona
There need never be a dull moment in Barcelona, as the city has some of the most diverse and interesting things to do of any city in the world.
Montjuc is a mountain on Barcelona's south-eastern flank, which juts out toward the Mediterranean. Take a cable car up to the top of the mountain to enjoy stunning views of the city and the sea. Once at the top, the expansive Olympic area rolls out at every side, from the famous stadium where Linford Christie powered to a sprint gold at the 1992 Games, to the majestic open-air swimming pools, some of which can be used by the public.
Even for those who do not find the Olympics an inspiring event, a stroll around the site of the 1992 Games will prove a memorable time as Barcelona manages to meld the old (such as the stadium's main facade) with the new (the velodrome was an architectural marvel when built for the Olympics, with it's roof being lifted on after being built elsewhere).
The beach area was also revamped in the early 1990s and is now one of the top spots for the trendy set to hang out. The beachfront bars and clubs of later evening are often populated by Barcelona's beautiful people and the prices often reflect that. In the summer, the sea itself proves a popular pull, with the golden sands filled with holidaymakers enjoying a city break with a difference.
You can quite easily lose yourself in the Barri Gotic quarter of Barcelona, with its winding and twisting narrow roads. This is the heart of old Barcelona, with its gothic cathedral and the iconic Las Ramblas. There are various markets to find, with the Boqueria the largest and best known. The cathedral itself has a crypt containing the remains of Santa Eulalia, the city's first patron saint, and is worth a visit, if not least to compare it to Gaudi's masterpiece being built further afield.
Speaking of Gaudi, a visit to the urban expansion area of Eixample, with its wide roads and grid-like structure, became the architect's playground in the late 1800s. Magnificent specimens of his work, such as Casa Batlo and Casa Mila, still exist and have mostly been turned into museums on the life and work of Antonio Gaudi himself. His style of delivering buildings which seem to ripple as if made of water is both unique and compelling.
Near these, the massive La Sagrada Familia cathedral is still under construction, despite work having begun on it before Gaudi's death in 1927. It is a superb demonstration of his work and tours of the unfinished building attract thousands of visitors daily.
Further afield lies Gaudi's Parc Guell, an area which was meant to house the upper classes of Barcelona in the early 20th century. But his creations were too outlandish for most, meaning it has now become a tourist attraction and one of the most unusual parks in the world. Sitting on his famous serpentine bench, views over the city and the Mediterranean are outstanding.
Another of Spain's favourite sons is Pablo Picasso and a small museum near the old cathedral houses a collection of some of his early work, much of which explores his development of the Cubism movement for which he will always be remembered.
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Things to do
