subject: Barcelona - still a favourite for sunshine and culture [print this page] Even with the effects of the credit crunch forcing more travellers to stay within their countries or look for cheaper deals in far-flung destinations, traditional Spanish holidays are still the most popular among Brits heading overseas.
Barcelona is a particular favourite for travellers who want a little more from their holidays than just great beaches - though the Catalonian capital also has these in spades, with its harbour and seafront areas still enjoying the lasting effects of their renovation when the city played host to the Olympics. Unlike places like Mallorca, which are almost entirely viewed for their coastal charms, Barcelona has cultural attractions to match, as well as excellent local cuisine offering something special for culinary tourists.
While its natural beauty is nothing to be scoffed at either, Barcelona's man-made architecture is one of the biggest pulls for visitors, who are keen to see the famous works of Gaudi firsthand. The architect designed many of Barcelona's most recognisable buildings and landmarks, including the monuments that decorate Parc Guell and his spectacular unfinished cathedral, La Sagrada Familia.
Just walking around Barcelona's various neighbourhoods will give you a clear idea why this city is so popular with urban explorers, from the medieval charm of its Gothic Quarter to the modern nightlife of its vibrant Gracia district, which is also a great place to sample Catalan delicacies, typically involving meat, fish and wild mushrooms.
The city's best modern art museums can be found in areas such as the Raval, and institutions such as the Picasso Museum, the Fundaci de Joan Mir and Museu d'Art Comtemporani are among the best in Spain, even rivalling those in Madrid. For a revealing insight into the local art scene, plan a visit to the MNAC (Museum of Catalan Art), though you can never walk too far in Barcelona without bumping into some form of tourist attraction.
For all its historical and cultural achievements, Barcelona is best known to many international visitors for the achievements of its local football team, FC Barcelona, and a visit to their impressive stadium at Camp Nou is an essential item on many itineraries of those taking flights to Barcelona throughout the year. As well as offering the unique chance to walk onto the pitch and see the huge stadium from the perspective of the players, the arena also houses a comprehensive museum charting the team's many triumphs and fewer failures over the last century.
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Barcelona - still a favourite for sunshine and culture
