Barcelona Holidays

Barcelona is an enthralling city. Although many of its attractions are within walking distance of each other, there is so much to see and do, that if you wish to make the most of your visit, you need to be selective. One short visit will be insufficient time to truly appreciate the city, its impressive architecture and its works of art. Using a pass on tourist buses is a cheap and less energetic way to get an overview of the city.

The Gothic Quarter has fine buildings from the thirteenth to fifteenth centuries which show Romanesque and Gothic influences. The cathedral and churches, the palace, the merchants buildings and the corn exchange, all transport you to a bygone era, when Barcelona was a great power and a very important trading centre.

The Gaudi church of the Holy Family, begun in 1882 and due to be finally completed in the middle of this century is the most visited attraction in the city. At night, when illuminated, it has a mystical quality. If you want more of Gaudi, visit the Parc Gueldi to see his ceramic creations.

Children's attractions include the zoo, the aquarium and the IMAX Cinema. The magic fountain of Montjuic is a sight worth seeing as the jets of water are choreographed giving wonderful water, light and music experience.

Barcelona is a mecca for shoppers with its fashion house boutiques, its upmarket department stores, specialist shops and market stalls. Hotels and apartments cater for all budgets and its numerous restaurants satisfy all tastes. Nightlife can be whatever you want it to be as there are venues to suit all tastes and moods.

Barcelona city breaks never disappoint. The one complaint is that they are too short.