Holding forward an amazing juxtaposition of old and new within its cosmopolitan confines, Barcelona, today, is a modern European city that you cannot afford to miss. It is one city which hosts the warmth of the Catalans, the artistic heritage of Picasso and Miro, the fascinating remains of its Roman past and glimpses of its ultra modern future. Filled to the brim with a kaleidoscope of sites and experiences Barcelona has emerged as one of the favorite tourist destinations of modern Europe.

Located the Mediterranean sea front, between the Llobregat and Besos rivers , Barcelona’s history dates back to the 3rd century BC, with sieges by Romans, Goths as well as the Moors. Today extensive Roman ruins are to be found across the city as reminders to its past.

As a tourist, there is just so much to do and see in Barcelona that a certain amount of planning maybe necessary if you do not want to miss some of the experiences. Barcelona is reachable by flights from all major cities of the world. Once you touchdown there are a wide variety of hotels in Barcelona, from the prohibitively expensive to the pocket friendly. Interestingly there are other options to go for as well. Young single people can stay in youth hostels which are dirt cheap and offer basic accommodation. For those with groups of three or more Holiday apartments can be an interesting as well as cheap option as well as the relatively newer concept of Aparthotels i.e. apartments within hotels.

Once you are settled with your accommodation, Barcelona offers a plethora of tourist spots to visit. The breathtaking and yet unfinished Sagrada Familia Church, designed by the famous Antoni Gaudi whose construction has been going on since 1882 is on top of the list. Then there is the Barcelona Cathedral,the Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter) with its Roman remains and old gothic architecture, the 1992 Olympic village, Modernist architectural sites scattered throughout the city, the haunts of Pablo Picasso (like the Els Quatre Cats Cafe), a selection of museums on art, archaeology and the like. The Barcelona center has a host of tourist spots, all situated a stone’s throw away from each other. But the most famous tour of all is undoubtedly that of the Barcelona FC club, which is booked months in advance.

Touring Barcelona throws up interesting options including a hop on hop off bus tour which covers all major tourist destinations. If you like to take things easy you can take various walking tours available. But for the best of both worlds, we recommend you rent a cycle and travel through the city. It is a unique experience.

Since Barcelona grew up with its back to the sea, the beaches in Barcelona are relatively new and not as strong a tourist attraction, being mostly reclaimed from demolished industrial sites.

Lastly, Barcelona plays host to a variety of cuisines from all over the world, topped by the excellent Catalan cuisine which is a gastronomical delight. Go to out-of-the-way local restaurants and you’ll experience gastronomic heaven, the perfect icing on a surely unforgettable tour.