Barcelona in Brief

Parc de la Ciutadella

With its Mediterranean climate and rich cultural heritage, the city boasts a mixture of beautiful architecture, bustling culture, and vibrant nightlife.

• When to go:

The weather tends to be mild and humid in winter, and warm and dry in summer, with peaks of around 37°C in July and August. I went in mid-September, when the temperatures of around 32°C were warm enough to lounge on the beach and have a dip in the sea, but not so sweltering that sight-seeing was impossible.

• What to do:

Barcelona is full of stunning architecture, museums and art galleries. Some famous attractions include the magnificent Arc de Triomf, built in 1888 in a red brickwork style reflecting the Romanticist interest in Middle Eastern culture. This archway acts as an entrance to Barcelona’s most central park, the Parc de la Ciutadella; featuring several museums, a zoo, a fountain, and a large lake, which I took great delight in rowing across in a rented canoe.

Antoni Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece La Sagrada Familia is also a sight definitely worth seeing. The construction of this Roman Catholic church began in 1882, and remains unfinished. The size of this neo-gothic church is simply awe-inspiring, with its huge, heavily ornate spires rich with Christian symbolism. Visitors are able to visit the crypt where Gaudi is buried, as well as take a (long) climb to the top of one of the towers for a stunning view of the city.

La Sagrada Familia

Montjuïc hill was the site of the 1929 International Exhibition and the 1992 Olympics. This provides another great day out, especially if you want to escape the commotion of the city. There’s plenty to see here, including the Palau Nacional (National Palace), the Font Màgica or Magic Fountain (which at night transforms into a mesmerising light and music display), the Olympic stadium, Montjuïc gardens, and the 18th century Castell de Montjuïc, which is reachable by cable car.

No trip to Barcelona would be complete without visiting La Rambla. Bustling with both tourists and locals, this famous street is full of entertainment such as mime artists, living statues, flower sellers and artists, as well as an array of restaurants, cafes, shops and stalls. The only disadvantages are that food and drink here can be very expensive, and owing to the increasing numbers of tourists each year, pickpockets and robberies are extremely common. I learnt my lesson the day I arrived, after my bag was snatched from between my feet while I was sat down. Luckily a friendly passer-by stopped the culprit, but this is not the case for many unfortunate tourists!

• Beaches:

Barcelona has seven beaches, but I spent most of my time on Barceloneta – one of the oldest and most popular. For a city beach, I was very pleasantly surprised by the cleanliness of both the sea and sand; a result of the revamp the beaches underwent for the 1992 Olympics. Unfortunately my quiet time was slightly disrupted by the many people on the beach (very loudly) selling sunglasses, drinks, samosas (just the thing you want while you’re sunbathing), coconut and very uncomfortable-looking Thai massages. However, after a while I learned to love (and laugh at) these quirky interruptions.

• Restaurants and Nightlife:

The food was fantastic in Barcelona, and as would be expected there is plenty of fresh fish to be enjoyed. Port Olimpic Marina is a great place to go for a wide range of restaurants, where the competing restaurant owners will be so eager for your custom that you’re sure to get a good deal. Watch the boats lapping on the waterfront as you enjoy your meal, before hitting the vast array of lively bars and clubs in the same area.

• The Bottom Line:

Barcelona is the perfect getaway for anyone wishing to combine a chic, cultural city break with the great weather and atmosphere of a beach holiday. With so much to see and do this is a perfect destination for visitors of all ages. Just be sure to keep a firm hold on your wallet!

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