Madrid may be the capital and largest city in Spain, but Barcelona is the most alluring. Nuzzled gently against the Mediterranean Sea, it's both a major urban centre and a coastal escape. Furthermore, its on-land beauties rival those by the beach.
Awash in the ghosts of artists like Joan Miró, Pablo Picasso, and Salvador Dali -- the former two have local museums dedicated to their work and there's a Dali museum in nearby Figueres -- the city has an aesthete-friendly zeitgeist. Its world-renowned architecture reflects its penchant for the beautiful.
Barcelonan architect, Antoni Gaudí, indelibly shaped the city, and his art nouveau influence can be found throughout. His most famous works include the still-under-construction Sagrada Família and the stunning Park Güell. The former, a famed church and landmark, has been under construction since 1882 and won't be finished anytime soon. Known for its spires, it also features ornate, highly-detailed sculptures along its parapets and throughout its nooks. Look carefully.
Though Sagrada is the best known of Gaudi's Barcelonan work, Park Güell is perhaps the most intriguing. Sprawling, carefully detailed, and full of subtle curios, it sits on high and looks out across the entire city. Climbing up to it can prove exigent but the view and fantastic fixtures make it easily worth the work. Incidentally, Gaudi got run over and killed by a tram while in his 70s, so you might want to avoid public transport.
Nightlife and restaurants abound in this frenetic Catalan capital. Meander through the gorgeous Gothic Quarter and wander up and down La Rambla to soak up some local flavour, then duck into an absinthe bar (i.e. Bar Marsella) to disappear.
Bring plenty of Euros, but don't flaunt them as Barcelona can prove a fiscally dangerous city for tourists. Beware of street youth with maps or other large paper-based distractions (trust me, they're trying to rob you). As always, don't be foolish or ostentatious and you should be fine.
Even before the Olympics, many Barcelonans spoke English so if you can read this you can probably get by. Still, located in Catalonia, most residents speak both Catalan and Spanish, so brush up on both. Oh, and wear sunscreen.
Restaurants in Barcelona
Nightclubs in Barcelona
Hotels in Barcelona
Shopping in Barcelona
Spas in Barcelona
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Bangkok | 
Ca l'Isidre Restaurant
King Juan Carlos favourite restaurant...
El Xampanyet
An eclectic bar situated near the Picasso Museum...
Hotel Arts Barcelona
One of the most popular hotels in Barcelona...
Aqua Urban Spa
All the joys of a spa and moisture...
Cal Pep
Good tapas and an easy to rememer 2 syllable name...
Six Senses Spa
Get a massage and ear candling at the same time...
Ca l'Isidre Restaurant
Cal Pep
Comerc 24
Quimet Y Quimet
Restaurant LluÇanes
Sagardi
Tapaç 24
Tapioles 53
Bar Marsella
El Bosc de la Fades
El Mariachi
El Xampanyet
La Fira
Maumau
Zig-Zag
Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel
Hotel Murmuri
The Palace Hotel
Lobby
Paramita
Aqua Urban Spa
The Six Senses Spa
