A vibrant, modern city that spreads along the Mediterranean coastline, Barcelona is the cultural epicentre of Spain’s Catalonia region, renowned for centuries-old architecture, sun-soaked beaches and deeply cherished Catalan cuisine. From Basque-inspired tapas bars to the parks and museums of Montjuic, this captivating city of art, music and nightlife welcomes visitors with open arms.

Things to do

Take a stroll along the picturesque streets of Barcelona to see ruins of ancient Roman-era temples and 14th-century cathedrals in the Gothic Quarter. Modern sculptures, tile works and buildings by renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí populate the city, including La Sagrada Familia cathedral, one of the most visited tourist attractions in Barcelona.

Museu Picasso is spread across five medieval stone mansions, harbouring the most extensive collection of art by Pablo Picasso, with thousands of works focusing on his earlier years. The Museum of Catalan Art is a major draw at Montjuic, a towering hill overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean. It's also home to 17th-century Montjuic Castle and a spectacular light show at Montjuic Magic Fountain.

Portal de l'Angel is part of Barcelona’s busy shopping district and is where you can sample “new Catalan” cuisine, while Passeig de Gracia is home to upscale fashion houses and notable architecture, including La Pedrera and Casa Batllo. Don’t miss La Rambla Street for a mix of local flavours, where street artists perform next to small cafes and lively pubs.

Getting around

The Barcelona Metro system winds throughout the city, stopping at most major attractions. An integrated public transport system allows you to use travel cards for accessing the metro, in addition to the trams, buses, FGC rail and Renfe trains. Grab a taxi for quick access around town, or join the growing number of cyclists cruising fully integrated bike lanes.