Travel Guides > Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona Travel

For centuries, Barcelona has always been a town somewhat removed from the rest of Spain. Part of the Catalonian region, this pretty port city has always embraced the Catalonian culture, something that never sat well with the country's ruling government. But residents of Barcelona have stuck to their guns and today, Catalan is still one of the official languages of the city and surrounding regions, the other being the very similar Castillian.

Barcelona, founded in the 2nd century B.C., saw its first growth in population after it hosted the Worlds Fair of 1888, and the city and its Catalonian splendor came into the limelight again when it hosted the 1992 Summer Olympics. The tourist interest continued.

Today, Barcelona still boasts wonderful Gothic buildings throughout its downtown area as well as excellent museums; all interspersed with a bit of modern architecture, new and exciting restaurants, and a rather laid-back style that's not found in the rest of the country.

Barcelona's most popular museum is dedicated to its favorite painter and native son - Pablo Picasso. The Picasso Museum houses its extensive collection of the works of this contemporary artist in three separate mansions. You'll find paintings on display that represent ever period of his work, with special attention given to his Blue Period.

Joan Miro was also one of Spain's most famous artists and visitors to Barcelona can view his wonderful works at the Fundacio Joan Miro. Ten-thousand works by this contemporary Catalan artist are owned by the foundation and the displays rotate and include many temporary exhibits as well. Also check out the more than one dozen additional art museums in Barcelona, touting both international and regional work.

The Catedral de Barcelona, built between the 13th and 15th centuries, is considered to be the finest example of Catalan Gothic architecture in the city. The gardens surrounding the much-revered cathedral are also stunning and visitors can often enjoy a Catalan dance performance outside the cathedral.

If you're interested in spending some time outside, there are a number of fun things to do, especially down by the harbor, where you'll often find a cruise ship docked. Hop aboard a Swallow Boat for a tour of the port and the northern coast. While you're in the harbor area, stop at the Maritime Museum, often touted as one of the best in the world, located at the Royal Shipyards, with much of its splendid architecture still intact from centuries ago. The Barcelona Aquarium is also at the waterfront and is small but still worth the hour or so it takes to visit.

For other outdoor pursuits, you can golf at one of the city's fine courses, swim in an Olympic pool where lots of world records were shattered, or even surf on the beach at Barceloneta, a sport which has become increasingly popular in the Catalonian region.