About
Barcelona is a city on the Mediterranean coast of Spain, the capital of Catalonia. It is best known for the architecture of Antoni Gaudí, for its historic neighborhoods, and for a street life that carries on well into the evening. Locals sometimes call it Barna, and older writing refers to it as Ciudad Condal.
What a visit offers
- Gaudí's architecture, with buildings that stand out across the city and reward a slow look at their facades and details.
- Historic neighborhoods, where narrow streets and old squares give a sense of the city's long past.
- Street life, with cafés, markets and open-air spaces that are lively most of the day.
- Beaches, which bring culture and art together with seaside living, so a day by the water can sit alongside a day of sightseeing.
Planning your time
Barcelona suits a stay of several days, since its neighborhoods differ a good deal from one another and each rewards a walk of its own. Mixing a morning of architecture with an afternoon on the beach is an easy way to see both sides of the city. Because the streets are busy, many visitors find it pleasant to explore on foot and to take a break in one of the many squares.
If you enjoy art, design, food and a city that moves at its own pace, Barcelona is a strong choice. It is a place where the Mediterranean setting, the local culture and the sea all shape the everyday rhythm of the city.