Sprawled between the beaches of the Mediterranean and the hills of Montjuïc, Barcelona is a city whose personality bursts at every natural seam. The capital of Catalonia, one of Spain’s 17 autonomous communities, Barcelona is also known as the country’s most progressive city, always on the cutting-edge of European art, fashion and cuisine. What’s more, its energy is unparalleled, with hundreds of bars, restaurants, cafes and clubs.
If there ever were a city to be defined as “cosmopolitan,” it would be Barcelona. More international than Spanish, it has been a vital Mediterranean port for centuries. Just spend a sunny afternoon hanging your feet off the docks of Port Vell and you’ll immediately notice the diversity of nationalities, cultures, ethnicities and languages that Barcelona encompasses.

If you are a music lover then Barcelona is a city for you. The city is home to the Sónar Music Festival which takes place around June every year, and to the Barcelona and Catalonia National Symphonic Orchestra (Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona i Nacional de Catalunya, usually known as OBC) is the largest symphonic orchestra in Catalonia. In 1999, the OBC inaugurated its new venue in the brand-new Auditorium (l'Auditori). It performs around 75 concerts per season and its current director is Eiji Oue. It has a thriving alternative music scene, with groups such as The Pinker Tones receiving international attention.

Attractions in Barcelona:

L'Aquarium Barcelona
Barcelona Aquarium is a popular Barcelona attraction to take the kids and young ones. The aquarium is at Port Vell (Barcelona Port Area).

Poble Espanyol de Montjuic / The Spanish Village
This Barcelona attraction is a small Spanish village with different quarters that replicate the style of houses and architecture from different parts of Spain. Poble Espanyol is also home to a whole host of specialist craft shops and workshops where you can see some traditionally made Spanish goods.
Poble Espanyol is also the venue for the Famous Flamenco show at tablao de Carmen which brings in many visitors.

Barcelona FC Museum
If you are a fooball fan then this museum is a must see. It has wall to wall trophies, pictures and statues of the greats. When you buy a ticket you have two options. You can buy a ticket for the museum and to see the stadium or you can buy a dual ticket where you get to see the museum and behind the scenes at the club e.g. changing rooms, VIP lounge, press conference areas etc.

Barcelona Zoo
Barcelona Zoo is based in the Parc de la Ciutadella the best way to find it is to go to Ciutadella park and to follow the signs to the Zoo. The zoo has a wide variety of animals on show. The Zoo also has a restaurant, picnic area, a shop, electric cars, ponies and a mini-train.