Barcelona is a coastal city in Spain that can not only boast a beautiful cosmopolitan city but also has a sensational beach to enjoy near the Costa Brava region, one of my favorites. The second city of Spain has often been a particularly popular destination for visitors because of the ease of combining a Barcelona visit with one of the beach destinations a short distance down the coast.
It is worth noting that visitors to Barcelona would also be wise to refer to it as the capital of Catalonia, as the locals are fiercely independent and there has often been talk of separating the region from Spain.
Sagrada Familia
This is probably the most famous landmark in Barcelona, and has become a symbol of the city. This large Catholic Church was designed by local architect Antoni Gaudi, and although construction has been intermittent since it was started in 1882, the church is still a long way from completion. The building is entirely funded from private donations, and has often been halted by civil unrest, but the design that blends Art Nouveau and other styles has become iconic, and draws visitors every year.
Construction has been restarted over recent years, but it is estimated that this historic church is still over a decade away from completion. Despite this, it is still a wonderful building to explore, and is often the highlight of any visit to the city.
Food And Drink In Barcelona
One of the highlights of any visit to Barcelona is the chance to sample some of the sensational food that is available here, with an impressive range of fresh produce used in this cooking. The seafood is particularly impressive in the city, and while Paella may be the quintessential Spanish dish, there are many excellent fish and meat dishes, often using Allioli as a sauce, which uses fresh garlic and olive oil. For people who enjoy their desserts and sweet pastries Barcelona is a wonderful destination, and Crema Catalana is a thick custard often served with a crisp burnt sugar top.
Accommodation
There are many different types of hotels to be found in Barcelona, and with plenty of competitively priced hotels available on a budget, it is a particularly popular destination for young couples. However, as the second city of Spain it is also filled with a range of more up market hotels too, and historic buildings like the Hotel 1898 make for a great location for a getaway. The city centre is quite compact, and visitors will be able to find accommodation in Barcelona that will suit there needs yet still be close to the action.
Other Attractions In Barcelona
Barcelona can also boast a wide range of different attractions, with historic buildings and galleries to be viewed across the city. One of the great passions of Barcelona is football, and for those visiting the city the Nou Camp is the stadium of Barcelona FC, with the local derby against Espanyol and the biggest game in Spanish football against Real Madrid offering sensational atmospheres. Visitors to the city can get an amazing view of Barcelona from the historic cable car that rides to the hill above the city.
