subject: Barcelona - The Fascinating Catalonian Capital [print this page] At the moment flights to European cities are economical and there are plenty of them throughout the day, which makes vacationing in one of them accessible and cheap, so there is simply no excuse to stay cooped up at home when instead you can have an affordable break for a few days.
It's not rocket science to see why Barcelona is so popular with its endless selection of attractions and sights that are appealing to visitors from all walks of life.
Barcelona is a magnet for a limitless number of artists and sculptors who have chose to live here and several of them have left their stamp on the city in the appearance of its architecture and art galleries. There are museums dedicated to both Pablo Picasso and Joan Miro and plenty more art galleries to visit. Barcelona promises to entertain every day of the year, even for frequent travellers. Don't miss the Museu Picasso with its all inclusive insight into the life and works of the celebrated artist, or the Nou Camp football stadium is a cool place to see as it is the largest stadium in Europe and home to FC Barcelona.
Even though Gaudi worked tirelessly for over four decades on the Sagrada Familia Cathedral, and devoted most of his last years to it, the project is only partially finished and won't be until at least the year 2030. Barcelona is lucky to have Gaudi's weird designs and his work attracts scores of sightseers. This famous cathedral is guaranteed to be the most mind blowing church you'll ever see.
The Catalonian capital has an attitude with a rich blend of everything you want in a city, such as culture and entertainment, but primarily its influences are found in the architecture, be it new or old buildings. Barcelona Cathedral, Hospital de Santa Creu i de Sant Pau and even the home of Barca football club, Camp Nou, are just a few of the stunning architectural designs which will give your visual senses a feast. Located at the bottom of the tallest building in Spain, the Hotel Arts and the Mapfre Tower at Port Olympica, sits the enormous Frank Gehry fish, The Golden Fish. Commissioned for the 1992 Olympics, the fish and Hotel Arts were both designed by American Frank O. Gehry, considered to be one of the most artful and creative architects around as he contrasts space, resources, and form to generate unexpected energetic art.
Inner-city extensions are restricted in order to focus on conservation and redevelopment instead of new development, letting the city retain its energetic spirit. Visiting Barcelona for some is not just about Gaudi, shopping and sunbathing, they are here for the nightlife, and on any night of the week there is always a party going on. With Saturday Night Fever to Crappy Tuesdays, you can literally party every night if you have the energy left. To cater for them are a variety of nightclubs, live entertainment, and dining venues and the city is a magnet for all kind of peoples. Keep your eyes open for PR people giving away complimentary passes to popular clubs; you will easily see them in the city centre. These passes are handy because they usually provide complimentary or discounted entry to clubs with expensive entrance fees so they can reduce your expenses.
You do not need to limit your short break opportunities just to cities though, as many of the nearby towns can be travelled around which opens up plenty more choices to you. Take advantage of the vacation to de-stress, restore your energy and be entertained. Who would say no to spending a few days chilling at the seaside or being surrounded by beautiful scenery at the countryside? A popular option, and a real bargain, for a last minute getaway are appartement a louer a barcelone to rent in the city centre, particularly if you are fetching your family or coming with friends as they are reasonably priced and many of the sights in the city are situated right on the step. Various websites exhibit pictures, designs and the outlay required so all you need to do is book online, get your gear packed and take yourself off to one of the best cities in the world.
