Why Barcelona is the new must see city destination

The quick-fix mini break, or city break as it’s often known, has become increasingly popular in recent years - thanks largely to low-cost airlines making some of Europe’s most desirable city’s incredibly cheap and easy to get to. One city which has seen the ‘city break boom’ hit it hard is Barcelona. Though not Spain’s capital - that’s Madrid - Barcelona has always been the more popular choice for anyone looking to experience the true buzz and excitement of a Spanish city. If you plan on visiting Barcelona for more than a week, then there are plenty of great sights and nearby villages well worth visiting, but if you’re just in town for a short city break, then here are the must-see attractions and things to do.



For a relatively low-cost and stress-free tour of the city, hop on one of the many hop-on-hop-off bus tours, or instead just grab a map and stick on some comfortable footwear. The bustling streets are an attraction in themselves, but none quite as much as the famous la Ramblas - a long esplanade of market stalls, flower sellers and street art and theatre – known the world over as a one stop shop for Spanish culture. When walking through the busy streets, make the effort to look around you and absorb the stunning and often striking architecture that is ever-present throughout the city. One man is responsible for a great deal of Barcelona’s architectural style - Antoni Gaudi. Combining traditional patterns with maths and geometry, his two most famous designs are probably the Casa Batilo and Casa Mila (La Pedrera), both of which are very close together. However, no visit to Barcelona is complete without visiting his great unfinished masterpiece - La Sagrada Familia. The city also boasts an impressive museum dedicated to Spain’s most famous artists, Picasso. The Picasso Museum has almost 4,000 works from the man himself: covering the full spectrum of his creations.

Food enthusiasts are spoiled too, as the city boasts an impressively cosmopolitan approach to cuisine which includes food from all over the world. From street vendors offering cheap and cheerful paella on the go to what is often considered the finest restaurant in the world, El Buli, Barcelona has food for all tastes and budgets.



One of the most attractive things about Barcelona city breaks though is the city’s innate adaptability. Whether you want to go there for a weekend of culture, or a designer shopping spree, Barcelona comfortably covers it all. The city comes alive at night too, where street theatre is available for free, and the vast clubs open up for some all night dancing. On the fringes of the city centre though, more traditional entertainment can still be found, from traditional dancing to live music.



Once you’ve soaked up all the usual must-sees though, there is still plenty more to keep anyone entertained. The IMAX Theatre offers perhaps the best cinema experience in the world, or take the weight off with a informative Harbour Cruise from Port Veil. At the beach the usual water sports are all available for hire or you could visit the world-famous Barcelona Zoo. Finally, for a cheap and memorable lunch the whole family can enjoy, head to the Gaudi-designed Parc Guell for some olives and sangria in the sun.



Disclaimer: The information contained within this article is the opinion of the author and is intended purely for information and interest purposes only. It should not be used to make any decisions or take any actions. Any links are included for information purposes only.