Spain / Barcelona Hotels

Barcelona is a fast-living city. This second largest city in Spain, is situated in the Catalonia region by the Mediterranean Sea. Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, gets most of its charm from these two qualities, being Catalan and being Mediterranean. Barcelona combines old and new in a very successful way. The old town is still of narrow alleys and excellent Gothic architecture, but the new city hasn't formed in an irregular way around the old. Thanks to the urban planning projects of the end of the 19th century, the boundaries were enlarged in a better planned, grid like manner. Because of this excellent controlled growth, Barcelona doesn't have the usual disadvantages of other historic cities. The older districts are kept intact and the narrow streets hadn't lost its charm a bit. In both, the Gothic architecture is amazing and bring the medieval Barcelona's back to life. The modern approach to architecture in newer neighborhoods is very good indeed, Barcelona is one of the best cities to feature such integral modernist and art-nouveau styles. Museums such as Museu Picasso, Fundació Joan Miró and Fundació Antoni Tàpies are very impressive and highly recommended. You will find art galleries of Barcelona to be exquisite too. Barcelonians are very energetic; and life is shaped by this dynamism. Nightlife especially is very lively and enjoyable. Crowds of students add a lot to the atmosphere. And being on the side of the Mediterranean, of course this city has good sun baked sands of beaches that you can enjoy. The cuisine, as should be expected, is astonishingly delicious, offering both Spanish flavors, and excellent seafood. Let's not forget F.C. Barcelona, the proud soccer team of the city. All year round, there are many events and festivals held in Barcelona. They are mostly held in summer and attract quite a number of tourists every year. However, spring and autumn might be better if you want to avoid the crowds.