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Barcelona was founded on the Mediterranean coast, between two rivers, over 2,000 years ago. It is located in the north-east of the Iberian Peninsula, just a short distance from France. Since then, it has been the traditional gateway to Spain. Through it entered Romans, Arabs and Christians, as well as the many diverse cultures, which came to enrich its heritage. The traces of this history and diversity can be followed as you walk through the city; through its Gothic Quarter, built on the Roman ruins; through its art-nouveau Eixample district, presided over by Gaudí’s exuberant architecture, which at the same time reveals an ordered and rational urban layout. This diversity and harmony are also apparent in the character of the people of Barcelona, who are enterprising and hard-working, enjoy life and, in particular, have great civic pride and are lovers of culture.
These characteristics have made Barcelona into a first-class tourist destination and the ideal setting for meetings and congresses. Barcelona has increased in popularity since the early 1990s, when preparations for the 1992 Olympic Games relaunched the city. New impressive buildings and landmarks were created, particularly around Montjuïc, the hub of the Olympic Games and an entirely new harbour. The World Trade Fairs of 1888 and 1929 also had a strong influence on the city and resulted in much of the beautiful architecture in Barcelona, such as the Arc de Triomf and the spectacular Barcelona Magic Fountain (Font Màgica), with colour light shining through the water. The 2004 Forum of Cultures, the renewed expression of Barcelona’s vocation to be an international benchmark for meetings and dialogue, has made it possible to complete the city’s seafront, and improve significantly its range of services in the field of congresses, hotels and catering and culture. The new facilities, built in the Forum area, on the seafront, can host up to 15,000 delegates and are unrivalled in Europe.
In just over two decades, Barcelona has completely transformed its range of facilities and attractions. It has done so by displaying a dynamic character and pioneering spirit, which are perfectly visible in its new urban and architectural layout. The city continues to enjoy spring-like climatic conditions, and offers the visitor its own unique lifestyle, which is particularly evocative and appealing. It perfectly combines the gentleness of the Mediterranean coast with the thrust and capacity for innovation of a young society. It is a unique combination on the European continent; a privileged geographical enclave whose inquiring yet serene population is already enjoying the Mediterranean metropolis of the 21st century.
The sophisticated and stylish city of Barcelona is one of the most popular cities in Spain. Barcelona has something to suit everyone and although this city is very large, it is surprisingly easy to find your way around.
Barcelona has an enormous number of sites and tourist attractions worth visiting. Top tourist attractions include the Parc Güell - which features some wonderful tile work by Antoni Gaudi, Las Ramblas - Spain's most famous street, lined with trees and used by both tourist and locals, the Parc de la Ciutadella, La Sagrada Familia - Gaudi's towering church which has become a symbol of Barcelona, the Casa Mila - an unusual building created by Gaudi, and The Eixample - a 19th-century expansion of majestic avenues and mansions. There are also many important museums and art galleries in Barcelona and the most popular is Barcelona's Picasso Museum, which features a large collection of paintings and ceramics.
Shopping in Barcelona is excellent. With everything from top designer outlets to traditional family speciality stores, there are also large shopping arcades and department stores. The markets in Barcelona are equally impressive and the food markets in particular draw large crowds of both tourists and locals. Boqueria Market is an exciting food market that is situated in a cavernous iron and glass structure. Street-café life in Barcelona is rich and in the evenings, many people sit outside in the squares and watch the world go by.
Few cities can present such a colourful and electrifying nightlife as Barcelona. Choose from Bedouin chic restaurants, bubbling champagne bars, Gothic style wineries, bustling tapas cafés and seriously sleek nightclubs. Down at the harbour there is a variety of bars and seafood restaurants with views over the sea.
Nearby excursions include Montserrat - a town close to Barcelona with many interesting features, Tarragona - with some splendid Roman remains, such as a wellpreserved amphitheatre, Sitges - a popular seaside part of Barcelona which is frequented by many families, and Barceloneta - a busy fishing area which retains its village charm and has some of the best seafood restaurants in town.
WHY YOU HAVE TO COME TO BARCELONA:
- Welcoming
Barcelona is a compact city, neither too small nor too big, which makes it very welcoming and gives it a cosy atmosphere. As well, it boasts significant cultural, social and commercial diversity. - Mediterranean
Barcelona displays the characteristics of Mediterranean cities: it is dynamic and open, inviting for leisure activities, walking through and enjoying. It is the only large city in Europe that boasts 5 kilometres of beaches in the city itself. - Climate
Barcelona enjoys a very agreeable and mild climate all yearlong, which makes it possible to organise outdoor events in spring, summer and autumn. - Historical
Barcelona has over 2000 years of history and conserves important testimonies of its past. - Cultural
Barcelona offers a very intense cultural life all yearlong: Opera, Ballet, Concert, Theatres, festivals, expositions, museums... - Gourmet city
Barcelona has developed a cuisine style based on creativity and this made in the top “gourmet” city outside France, according to the magazine Gourmet.
Furthermore, Mediterranean cuisine, considered by many as the healthiest in the world, is used even in the simplest restaurants. - Avant Guarde
Catalonia has always been played host to famous people in the avant-guard movements in Europe: Picasso, Miró, Dali, Gaudi are just some of the many examples of the constant desire for renovation and creation, a true quality that is also present in today’s Catalan artists like its architects or designers. - Well connected
Barcelona has an excellent network of flights specially to Spanish and European cities. Its international airport, located only 15 minutes from the city is currently undergoing full expansion works. - A life style
Barcelona has its own way of life that makes it truly unique and special.