When you visit Barcelona you will easilly see why it is still one the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

Barcelona is indeed an internationally renowned tourism hot spot. It is Spain's second-city and coastal capital and home to some of Europe's most famous sites, boasting a lively cosmopolitan atmosphere and attractions in every little corner – from the Sagrada Familia, to Mount Tibidabo and Montserrat, to the beautiful districts of La Rambla and Paseo de Gracia. Barcelona is a city where art, architecture and culture fuse together to create something very special indeed. Surrounding the city are popular beaches and resorts and magnificent natural scenery, as well as the port of Barcelona and its cable-car.

One of the most famous areas located in the old part of Barcelona is the Las Ramblas district. It is around 1.2 kms in length and is basically divided into two areas, the older part at the southern end and the other which leads up to the Plaza Catalyuna. The local council have restricted the movement of vehicles along Las Ramblas which makes it an ideal pedestrian walkway at anytime during the day or night. It is littered with artists, flower and animal stalls and many other local characters who frequent this romantic and intriguing part of the city.

Top Tourist Destinations in Barcelona

La Sagrada Familia - probably Gaudi's most well known and visible masterpieces. It is the most visited tourist attraction in Barcelona with over 2 Million visitors each year . It is a structure and ongoing building of immense proportions and respected by architects around the world. It was started in 1882 and will not be finished for another 20 to 25 years !!.

Gothic Quarter: ( Bari Gotic Area ) Located in the old quarter of Barcelona, on the right hand side of the Las Ramba area, it is well known for its cobbled streets and high old buildings. Picasso lived and worked in this area from 1895 to 1904 and famous local artist Joan Miro was born here and where he spent much of his youth.

Las Ramblas – is one of the most famous streets in Barcelona. Just over one kilometre in length is lined with established trees and has all kinds of shops, bars, restaurants , there are street performers and local characters, it really is a great place to stroll around until the early hours.

Calle Feran – is one of the most important streets in Barcelona and offers a wide selection of great shops and an excellent choice of quality bars and restaurants. It also has easy access to Las Ramblas.

Placa de Catalyuna – One of the most emblematic plazas in Barcelona and regarded as the central point of the city. For all lovers of local architecture, sculptures and pretty fountains, it is also a favourite spot for chilling out in the heart of the city.

The Barcelona Cathedral – an enormous gothic structure and a main focal point in the zona Gotica. Along the front of this impressive cathedral you will find more than a smattering of fine shops, bars and restaurants and be entertained by many of the street performers which frequent this area.

Casa Batllo - was designed by Gaudi for a wealthy Barcelona aristocrat and is often overlooked by travellers who are visiting the nearby La Pedresa ( another Gaudi treasure ) . Much of the house used to be rented out but is now thankfully a museum and is well worth a visit if you are in the area. What made Gaudi such an impressionable artist, well by visiting some of his most famous works around the city it may help you to understand this unusual and brilliant artist.

Port Olimpic – as the name suggests was completely rebuilt for the 1992 Olympics held in the city. It is now a beautiful and classy marina with an excellent selection of Bars and restaurants, flashy boats and yachts and connects the two large beaches either side.

Barcelona Football Club – for all footy lovers this really is a must visit. A regular home crowd of around 100.000 noisy fans makes this one the biggest football stadiums in the world.

Placa de Juanme - This is where Barcelona Town council and the regional government headquarters are based. Use the yellow line to get there. On Sundays it is home to the Sardana dance, a traditional dance performed by local Catalans.

The Olympic Stadium - ( Estadi Olimpic ) This was the main stadium used for the 1992 Olympics and is now open to the public who have access to all areas where the games took place. ( Use the Green Line on the Metro )

Barceloneta Beach – Is the nearest beach to the cities centre and around 15 minutes walk from the Ramblas area. For sea food lovers this is the place to enjoy some of the freshest fish and sea food dishes anywhere in Spain. ( Take the Yellow Line on the Metro )

Park Guell – is another one of Gaudi's unusual creations and is located in the northern part of the city. Sculptures, mosaics and tiling are all on show in this picturesque and leafy park . The park was cleverly built on land high above Barcelona which gives visitors superb views over the city.

Barcelona is one of the top three tourist destinations of the WORLD !! and as such offers every kind of hotel and other accommodation to suit all tastes and pockets.

For great accommodation options throughout the city, visit Oh-Barcelona for high quality holiday apartments at affordable prices.

The city and the towns nearby are home to some of the top holidays resorts in Spain with a fantastic array of accommodation on offer from the cheapest hostels to some of the finest luxury Hotels in Spain. In general though for most part there is an incredible amount of quality hotels in Barcelona which offer excellent value for money.

The resorts such as Tossa del Mar and Calella are very popular package holiday destinations with many all inclusive resorts offering family holidays for as little as £200 per person. amazing value when you think for that price everything is included, flights, transfers. food and accommodation.

One of the great ways to explore Barcelona and lovely region of Catalonia is by car hire. Here are some tips on driving in Spain that will help you if you wish to drive around this beautiful part of Spain.