Barcelona
A One of a Kind City that is a Real Pleasure to Visit
Barcelona city is the second largest city in Spain and the capital of Catalunya, a region of
Northern Spain that has its own unique traditions, culture, cuisine, personality and language
that is very distinct from the rest of mainland Spain. Barcelona is a one of a kind city located
on the North Eastern Mediterranean coast, about two hours from the French Pyrenees. The people of
Barcelona speak both Spanish and Catalan, however in the tourist areas you will have no problem
finding people who speak English. The Catalan people are very proud of their heritage and this
blending of Spanish and Catalan cultures makes the city of Barcelona a truly fascinating place
to visit.
Barcelona's offers a wide diversity of fine art and culture, along with sunshine most of the year
and a short walk to the beach from the center of the city. This city has all the makings for a
great holiday in Spain. Unlike many European cities, when you walk through the streets of
Barcelona you experience a distinct feeling that the new buildings have integrated seamlessly
with the historic architecture. In the old town you will find narrow cobbled streets and in the
middle you will find the cultural center of Barcelona, know as Las Ramblas. Filled with famous
statues and numerous outdoor cafes, Las Ramblas is only a start to what the city has to offer.
Throughout the city of Barcelona there are several art galleries and museums. Although many great
painters and artist worked here, Picasso and Miro may be the most well known and have museums
dedicated to some of their important works located here. There is also plenty of art to enjoy and
appreciate at the many other museums and art galleries. While Barcelona is home to many museums
and art galleries, it is also home to masterpieces of great architects as well. The most famous
is Antone Gaudi, who created many marvellous buildings, the most well known being, La Sagrada
Familia, which is a giant temple.
After you have visited the museums and have had you fill of shopping in the center of the city,
remember the Mediterranean Sea is conveniently close by. Only a short stroll from the city, you
have the opportunity to relax on one of the most delightful beaches. You can sit back and soak up
the sun, sea and the view, as well as, sample some of the best seafood the Mediterranean has to
offer. Or if you prefer a day outside of Barcelona there are many places that are only minutes
away. For the nature lover, Montseny Natural Park is only twenty minutes away by train and the
seaside resort of Sitges is only a thirty minute train ride to the south. To the north is the
town of Fiqueres, which was home to the world famous artist, Salvador Dali, and today is the site
of the Dali Museum.
If the nightlife is for you then you will not be disappointed in Barcelona. There are numerous
pub and bars where the variety of music ranges from Jazz, Flamenco, Salsa, Pop and Reggae. If
that isn't enough there always seem to be a festival of some sort in one of the barrios year
round. The Spanish and Catalans love their Festivals and it is not a proper festival until it is
finished off with a fireworks display. If you happen to visit at the end of September you will
see one of the largest and most impressive fireworks shows in Catalunya as the Merce Festival
comes to a close.
The natural friendliness of the Barcelonans and the large international community give you every
opportunity to enjoy every minute of your stay, making coming to Barcelona a real pleasure. It is
no wonder this fantastic city has been rated as one of Europe's number one distinations.
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