Barcelona Vacation Guide & Travel Information

About Barcelona

Barcelona is the capital city of the Catalunya (Catalonia) region of Spain. One of Europe's most atmospheric cities, the residents of Barcelona speak their own language, Catalan. Barcelona's medieval and Gothic past has blessed the city with over 200 years of unique architecture, art and culture. Barcelona is the most cosmopolitan and economically active city in Spain, and has always managed to stay ahead or abreast of the latest international trends.

Barcelona is steeped in history, as witnessed by the grandeur of its architectural treasures from the Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance periods. During the last century, Antoni Gaudi, led his contemporaries in adding new and exciting strokes to the pallatte as Modernist themes were blended with those of the past.

A visitor might choose to stay in the old town near the bustling boulevard known as La Rambla within walking distance of centuries old, architecturally splendid buildings. Another choice would be the spacious Eixample district with its wealth of shopping opportunities and fine restaurants. Modern art lovers shouldn't miss the Contemporary Art Museum and the Modern Art Museum. Barcelona hosts some of the world's greatest classical musicians including Montserrat Caballé and José Carreras. Many contemporary theater and dance companies perform year round. Modern music fans will enjoy the rock, jazz and salsa clubs.

We constantly update Barcelona vacation deals and flights + hotel packages for Europe. There are great last minute Barcelona vacations or if you just need a hotel, check out our discount hotels in Barcelona. You can also book popular sightseeing tours in Barcelona and save your vacation time.

Barcelona Airport, 12km southwest of the city, is linked by a half-hourly train service. Many trains from the airport also run on to Plaça de Catalunya, a more direct way of reaching the Barri Gòtic. Alternatively, there's the efficient Airbus (Aerobus), which departs from outside the terminals on a circular route and runs into the centre via Plaça España, Gran Vía, Plaça de Catalunya and Passeig de Grácia.

Barcelona not only has an international airport but is also well served by the Spanish road and rail networks. As would be expected from such a popular city, Barcelona is accessible from all directions.


Metro : Barcelona has an excellent bus and Metro system. There are 5 color coded metro lines which are also numbered 1-5. Tickets are inexpensive. The best value is a T-1 card which gives 10 rides for the price of 5 1/2 and can be used on all forms of public transport (bus, Metro, and FGC lines). Barcelona Metro

Train : Estacío de Sants is the city's main train station, for national and some international arrivals. The Estació de França (or Estació Terminal), next to the Parc de la Ciutadella, is the terminal for long-distance Spanish and European express and inter-city trains. FGC (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Cataluña) travels into the hill country and around the city.

Taxis : Black and yellow Barcelona taxis are metered and fares are reasonably priced. Luggage is extra. A small tip is appreciated.

Barcelona is full of attractions for all ages. Below is a list of some suggested things to do in Barcelona. You can also book some of these attractions online and save your vacation time.

Cathedral de Barcelona (Plaça de la Seu)
Built between 1298 and 1450, the cathedral is an excellent example of Catalonian Gothic architecture. It was begun in 1298 under Jaume II on the foundations of a Roman temple and a Moorish mosque.Its large bell towers blend medieval and Renaissance styles. Beautiful cloisters, the high altar, the side chapels, the sculptured choir and Gothic arches are among the features that make this one of the most impressive cathedrals in Europe.

The Palau de la Música Catalana
At the corner of Carrer adeu Vives stands this fascinating building: the work of the architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, a follower of Gaudí. The Palau de la Música dates from 1908, and its interior is the most typical of the modernist style.

La Rambla
This boulevard is about 1 1/2 miles in length and is situated between Plaza de Catalunya and the port in the Barrio Gótico section of Barcelona. It is the main artery of Barcelona's street system. People of every age and social class can be found here. Shoe shine boys, small stands selling flowers and vegetables, street theater, commercial galleries, cafeterias, terraces as well as some of the great theaters of the city.

Palau Güell
Gaudi's first major building in the center of the city was commissioned by his life long patron, Eusebi Güell in 1889. The mansion stands on a small plot of land in a narrow street. Inside Gaudí created a sense of space by using carved screens, recesses and galleries.

Picasso Museum
The collections are housed in three adjoining medieval palaces on Carrer Montcada. The works are divided into three sections: paintings and drawings; engravings and ceramics. The most valuable exhibit is the 3,000 piece collection of Picasso's early drawings and paintings. These show that even at the age of 15 and 16 he was painting major works.

Sagrada Familia
Sagrada Familia or the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia was begun in 1882 by public subscription. A year later Gaudí became director of the project, a post he would hold for more than 40 years until his death in 1926. After the completion of Parc Güell in 1911, he vowed that his architecture would not be devoted to secular aims. It is still unfinished today.

Barcelona and the Sea - La Barceloneta
People have discovered the excellence of the seafood and restaurants have renovated to accommodate the crowd. The offerings range from a fashionable harbor-tavern to moderately priced and more expensive restaurants and cafés.

Miró Foundation
This private, cultural foundation was set up by the painter Joan Miró and has exhibition rooms, an auditorium, a library, a prints archive and areas set aside for artistic and other exhibits.

Parc Güell
A fascinating scenario of gardens and overdimensional architectonic forms which seem to be born by the ground. Gaudí created an equilibry that usually only exists in nature, but never in architecture.

Museum of Barcelona Football (Soccer) Club
Explains the Barcelona Football Club's (FC Barcelona) history and displays its trophies. Special video shown on five screens. Includes visit to the presidential box. Their stadium is called Nou Camp, with capacity of 98,800 seats.

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