Barcelona Travel Guide - Introduction

Barcelona has been a very important trading port for over 2000 years and still is today. The city’s rich culture and heritage can be seen in the impressive Roman ruins as well as in the Visigoth and Iberian influences which are preserved in the old Barri Gotic quarter.

It is here where you will find medieval churches, long-established tapas bars and fascinating museums, along with the world-famous pedestrian street, Las Ramblas which is lined with cafes, boutiques and street-artists.

While many people are attracted to the city by its nightlife offerings, the large majority of visitors arrive in search of the architectural masterpieces that abound. The eccentric artist Antonio Gaudi designed many of the city’s most unique buildings including the inspiring and unfinished Sagrada Familia cathedral. Other sculptures and works of Gaudi can be found in Casa Mila and Parc Guell.

Alongside Gaudi in Barcelona’s hall of fame, lie Pablo Picasso and Salvadore Dali. Each of these artistic geniuses has museums dedicated to their lives and work. If you are interested in art, you will not be short of art galleries in which to visit, a number can be found across the city housing some of the world’s finest works of art.

These are not for the weak-hearted and if it all gets too much, you can retreat to the isolated monastery of Montserrat, nestled in the mountains behind the city. You can come here to find some peace away from the bustle of the city, to admire the stunning vistas or even to contemplate the meaning of life.

Barcelona is a very accessible city with easy access from the rest of Spain, Europe and other international destinations. The main coastal highway makes France an easy drive and continues south to Valencia and beyond. The railway line also follows this scenic route offering high-speed services to many southern cities.