Barcelona
Barcelona is one of the nicest cities to visit. Its museums, theaters, art galleries and nightlife are of an impressive high standard. Besides that, this art and design centre has a lot of interesting sights to offer to its visitors. The best place to watch people go by, to stroll or simply relax, is 'Las Ramblas', a pedestrian street with dozens of outdoor cafes. Nearby is 'Plaça Real', with plenty of bars and restaurants, and 'Palau Guell', built by the Catalan architectural genius Antoni Gaudí in his undulating art-nouveau style.

After having seen these sights in Barcelona, stroll the narrow winding streets of the 'Barri Gotic', the medieval Gothic quarter full of interesting tapas bars and cafes. Check out Picasso’s old hangout, 'Els Quatre Gats', which has been renovated without losing its bohemian charm. Or head for the old Barceloneta section on the waterfront. This working-class area, which was always slightly rundown and scruffy-looking, is now packed with paella restaurants. The new beach area, which runs from Barceloneta to the Olympic village, is much cleaner than the old beach area. Although some people believe that it has been cleaned up considerably, it might be a wise idea to stay out of the water. Fortunately, the beach itself is already a feast for the eyes (and ears), with its huge and roaring waves.

Spring is the best time to visit Barcelona. You can expect a temperature of round and about 20 degrees. During summer, it can get very hot and humid (about 30 degrees) and crowded (because of the tourists, cultural events taking place in September). Barcelona will be as expensive as you want it to be. Attention: Barcelona is pretty rich and so prices are much higher than somewhere else in Spain.

Barcelona Attractions and Sights

Barcelona Museums and Art Galleries

Museu Nacional d´Art de Catalunya (MNAC) - with the best romanic paintings in the world. This museum preserves the wall frescos of a great part of the romanic churches in Pirineos.

Museu Picasso - Located in a medieval palace, inside you will a good colection of Picasso early paintings.

The Museum of the City of Barcelona - includes access to underground Roman ruins and a complex of historic buildings in the centre of the Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter), as well as being a reasonably good historical museum.

Caixa Fòrum - located at Plaça Espanya, this place hosts great exhibitions (at the time of writing: Dalí - Culture for the masses) and entrance is free!

Fundació Antoni Tàpies - This abstract artist has a great Museum close to Passeig de Gràcia. It is a good size, has great architecture and good international exhibits. Not to mention the Tapies!

Joan Miró Museum - This museum is on the Montjuïc accessible by the metro (L3 Paral·lel and then the funicular). It is a great treasure, maybe the best museum about Joan Miró. It always has interesting temporary expositions.

The Museum de l'Eròtica de Barcelona on La Rambla - just in front of the market IS a deep tourist trap. The tour isn't worth it, unless you wish to see old paints of kamasutra. The only interest is the huge phallus in the hallway, makes funny pictures!

Barcelona Churches

Sagrada Família - La Sagrada Familia the magnificent surreal church is designed by Gaudí. While still unfinished it’s like no other church you’ll ever see: Its design is a combination of a dragon’s cave and a castle made from whipped cream.

La Seu Cathedral - Built in the 14th century, this Gothic Cathedral is definitely one of the highlights of the Gothic Quarter. There are also three other palaces in the Cathedral complex: Cases dels Casonges, Casa del Dega and Case de L’Ardiaca.

Santa Maria del Mar - Great impressive basilica that is built on what used to be the shore in the 14th century. With its impressive glass-stained windows it's a synbol of Catalan superiority.

Other Sights in Barcelona

L'Aquarium - is the second biggest aquaurium of Spain. Watch thousands of fishes, pinguins and sharks in this interactive sea-life museum. Located at the Port Vell leisure centre, next to the IMAX cinema.
 

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