When are you in Spain, but the locals who live there, think this is anything but Spain? Where are you also in Spain, but the language predominately spoken there are is not Spanish. The answer to this is of course, Barcelona, situated in the region of Catalonia, which is a nation within-a-nation.
Catalonia, where the capital of this semi-autonomous region is the magnificent city of Barcelona, is one of the most busiest ports in the whole of the Mediterranean, and in terms of cultural, commerce and sport is not only one of the most important and greatest cities in Spain where it not only rivals Madrid but is on a par, but also in the whole of Europe.
One of the most defining moments in Barcelona’s history and which brought it to the attention of the World, was the 1992 Olympic games, staged in the impressive and purpose built Parc de Montjuic. After the success of the games, tourists came in there droves and continue too, with Barcelona one of the most visited cities in Europe.
There are many great and interesting things to do and see in this wonderful city, the city itself is best known for the immense amount of superb buildings which were left behind by the artistic explosion of modernisme in the decades around 1900. 
One of the most impressive areas of the city is the Barrio Gótico (Gothic Quarter) which is seen as the true heart of Barcelona. The area has been the location for the cities administrative buildings since the Romans founded the colonia (town) here in 27 BC, here is where is situated the Catalonia parliament, and the Casa de la Ciutat, the town hall. Close by stands the Gothic Cathedral and Royal palace stand, where Columbus was received by the Catholic Monarchs on his return from the New World in 1492. This area no doubt gives you a feeling of Old Barcelona and gives you an sense of escapism from modern day life, with its relaxed and contempory style.
From an area known for its laid-back nature, to one which is busy around the clock. La Rambla, is one of the most famous streets in Spain. The central walkway makes a perfect introduction to Barcelona life. As well as taking in mansions, shops, and cafes, the street is also stuffed with, street vendors, tarot readers, musicians and mime artists. This has to be one of the most enthralling walks in the world, as the many different and wonderful sights can have you wondering where the last hour of your life has went? As you become totally immersed into the life of the street and the many goings on which engulf it?
One of the most iconic buildings in Barcelona, and which typifies the thinking of this city, is the Sagrada Familia, seen as an emblem, for a region which likes to think of itself as individualistic. An unconventional church, temple de la Sagrada Familia to give it its full name, is full of symbolism which is inspired by nature and strives for originality. Neo-Gothic in style, it is the work of the great Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi. Designed, by him, it was his life’s work, so much that he lived within it for 16 years; in fact he is buried in the crypt. Such is the scale of the project, that only one of the towers was complete upon his death, in 1926. Work still continues today, after stalling during the Civil War, financed by public subscription.
Catalonia, where the capital of this semi-autonomous region is the magnificent city of Barcelona, is one of the most busiest ports in the whole of the Mediterranean, and in terms of cultural, commerce and sport is not only one of the most important and greatest cities in Spain where it not only rivals Madrid but is on a par, but also in the whole of Europe.
One of the most defining moments in Barcelona’s history and which brought it to the attention of the World, was the 1992 Olympic games, staged in the impressive and purpose built Parc de Montjuic. After the success of the games, tourists came in there droves and continue too, with Barcelona one of the most visited cities in Europe.
There are many great and interesting things to do and see in this wonderful city, the city itself is best known for the immense amount of superb buildings which were left behind by the artistic explosion of modernisme in the decades around 1900.
One of the most impressive areas of the city is the Barrio Gótico (Gothic Quarter) which is seen as the true heart of Barcelona. The area has been the location for the cities administrative buildings since the Romans founded the colonia (town) here in 27 BC, here is where is situated the Catalonia parliament, and the Casa de la Ciutat, the town hall. Close by stands the Gothic Cathedral and Royal palace stand, where Columbus was received by the Catholic Monarchs on his return from the New World in 1492. This area no doubt gives you a feeling of Old Barcelona and gives you an sense of escapism from modern day life, with its relaxed and contempory style.From an area known for its laid-back nature, to one which is busy around the clock. La Rambla, is one of the most famous streets in Spain. The central walkway makes a perfect introduction to Barcelona life. As well as taking in mansions, shops, and cafes, the street is also stuffed with, street vendors, tarot readers, musicians and mime artists. This has to be one of the most enthralling walks in the world, as the many different and wonderful sights can have you wondering where the last hour of your life has went? As you become totally immersed into the life of the street and the many goings on which engulf it?
One of the most iconic buildings in Barcelona, and which typifies the thinking of this city, is the Sagrada Familia, seen as an emblem, for a region which likes to think of itself as individualistic. An unconventional church, temple de la Sagrada Familia to give it its full name, is full of symbolism which is inspired by nature and strives for originality. Neo-Gothic in style, it is the work of the great Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi. Designed, by him, it was his life’s work, so much that he lived within it for 16 years; in fact he is buried in the crypt. Such is the scale of the project, that only one of the towers was complete upon his death, in 1926. Work still continues today, after stalling during the Civil War, financed by public subscription. 
It would be easy to chat about Barcelona all day, with its great array of sights to see and things to do. I still haven’t mentioned the Nou Camp, home of Barcelona F.C, recently crowned European Club Champions, the Museum of Picasso, Barceloneta, a really good option to relax, enjoy nice food and top up your tan, Montjuic and the Pyrenees are near also, which offers a range of magnificent scenery and activities to do. So my advice to you is just to go there and see it, do it and if you don’t do everything you want, then go back again another time. 