Barcelona’s museums, theatres, art galleries and nightlife are some of the nicest in Europe. The best way to sniff up the Barcelona life style is at 'Las Ramblas', a pedestrian street with dozens of outdoor cafes. Here, you can stroll by flower-stands, book kiosks and small market stalls where vendors sell birds and small animals. You’ll find an endlessly fascinating flowing melting pot of pageant-jugglers, singers, dancers, puppeteers, sidewalk artists, living statues and assorted oddballs on parade.

Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain, capital city of Catalonia and has a population of about 4.5 million people. It’s a modern, cosmopolitan city, but it has inherited many centuries of history. Its geographic location and the open character of its inhabitants are the reasons why the city has become one of the most famous tourist attractions in Europe, perfect for city trips or longer vacations. It has a valuable architectural and monumental heritage, the most splendid exponents of which are its Gothic and modernista buildings.

Catalans are known for their independent spirit and their sense of humour. Salvador Dali was a Catalan and his bizarre sense of humour is just one example of the region’s endearing particularity. Language however can be a problem in Barcelona. There are few signboards in English and if you do not speak spanish (or preferably catalan), you are better off with a phrase book to guide you around, but the warm and passionate character of the Catalans will always help you around.

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