Top Destination » Barcelona
Cosmopolitan Barcelona
Catalonia’s Cultural Capital
Barcelona is nestled just off Spain’s Mediterranean coast in northeastern Spain, graced by a beautiful harbor with world-class shopping and an amazing variety of restaurants and cultural activities. The city’s modern architecture, much of it built for the 1992 Olympics, ideally complements Barcelona’s other unique buildings--most notably the works of Antoni Gaudi. While Gaudi’s eclectic works can be found throughout Barcelona, one of the absolute highlights is La Sagrada Familia, a remarkable church and one of Gaudi's masterpieces, with eight towering spires. The church is still under construction today.
Exploring Barcelona begins with the Ramblas, the wide pedestrian walkway lined with shops, restaurants and street artists of every hue. The Ramblas bisects Barcelona’s Old Town, a series of fascinating neighborhoods that includes the Barri Gotic, a quartier of medieval Gothic buildings and churches on winding streets and alleyways. Barcelona’s interesting streetscrapes make it a perfect destination for a romantic honeymoon or getaway for a couple more interested in an urban adventures.
Just a short distance away is the beautiful Santa Maria del Mar Church and the Picasso Museum. Wind up your day of Barcelona walks with a drink and tapas and become a part of Barcelona’s sparkling night life.
Shopping
Many visitors are pleasantly surprised to find ultra-sophisticated avenues of top-notch boutiques, designer establishments and interesting markets. Additionally, the euro in Spain goes farther than in the other high-priced capitals like London and Paris. The most elegant shopping district can be found along the Passeig de Gràcia where 19th and 20th-century buildings feature top tier designer shops.
The Rambla de Catalunya is another adjacent shopping corridor but with a focus on other goods besides fashion such as housewares and books. Shoppers can also while away the hours at the mega mall L'Illa. The Barri Gotic is home to some of the major department stores.
See the full list of Barcelona luxury hotels.
