Barcelona

Las Ramblas
The most famous boulevard in Barcelona stretches over two kilometres, right in the centre of the city, and divides the Old Town from the bustling Plaça Catalunya down to the harbour. The wide pedestrian area in the middle is the ideal place for a stroll amongst the traders and street performers. The birds and flower stalls give Las Ramblas a colourful atmosphere.

Montjuic (Jewish mountain)
The hill overlooking the city is one of the most significant landmarks of Barcelona and one of its main tourist attractions. The area counts fine art galleries and attractive parks. Many of the buildings were designed for the 1929 World Exhibition, as was the Poble Espanyol, or Spanish village with replicas of typical buildings from all the country’s regions. Montjuic also hosted the Olympic Games in 1992. You can visit the Montjuic castle, which now houses the Military Museum.

Parc Ciutadella
The Parc Ciutadella is situated next to the Old Town and provides a green and peaceful space in which to relax. The park was created during the 1860s and was the main site for the World Exhibition in 1888. Several famous Modernista architects contributed to the design of the park.

Tibidabo
To get to Tibidabo, hop onto the Funicular that takes you from the end of the tramline (Tramvia Blau) at Placa del Doctor Andreu to the top of the hill: the views over the city are stunning. Tibidabo is a good place to escape the bustle of the city and get some fresh air. The main attraction is the amusement park with merry-go-rounds, some of which date back to 1908 when it first opened. The hill is crowned by the Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor, built in the early 1900s by Enric Sagnier. The church is surmounted by a giant figure of Christ. From the observation deck of the Torre de Collserola, a 290-meter high telecommunication tower, you can see as far as Montserrat or the Pyrenees on clear days.

Outside Barcelona
Outside the bustling city of Barcelona, Catalonia provides a wide range of options for excursions: nature-lovers will enjoy the mountains and national parks of Aiguestortes and Vall d’Aran; sun-lovers the busy resorts of the costas; wine-lovers the vineyards of Penedès; and art-lovers its Roman remains, Romanesque churches and ancient monasteries.

Montserrat
About 45 minutes away from Barcelona, the monastery of Montserrat is Catalonia’s holiest place. The impressive sandstone Benedictine Monastery founded in the 11th century stands on the edge of the “serrated mountain”. Pilgrims and visitors flock there every year to venerate “La Moreneta” (Black Virgin), a 12th century Romanesque wooden sculpture. La Moreneta was declared the patron saint of Catalonia by the Pope in 1881. For a rare treat, try to time your visit so you can hear the Montserrat Boys’Choir sing in the Basilica.

Sitges
The picturesque village is a popular destination for a day trip. Its sandy beaches, winding streets, small white houses and vibrant nightlife attract numerous visitors in the summer months. Salvador Dalí lived in Sitges for some time.

Figueres
About two hours away from Barcelona, Figueres is the home of the second most visited museum in Spain, the Teotro-Museu Dalí. Located in the former theatre of Figueres, the museum exhibits a large collection of artworks by the famous Catalan artist. The museum has become a cult site, and is Dalí’s final resting place, in the crypt beneath the former stage of the theatre. Allow some time to enjoy a stroll through the old streets.

Tarragona
Tarragona was the capital of Catalonia in Roman times and numerous archaeological treasures still bear witness to the city’s rich and long history.  UNESCO declared the old town a World Heritage Site in 2001. Look out for the remains of the Roman amphitheatre, and the ruins of a Roman circus next to the imposing Catedral de Santa Tecla. The Archaeological Museum is worth a visit. From Barcelona, Tarragona can be reached in about 45 minutes.

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