"The best place in the world!!!" a Barcelona Travel Page by suzwa

Barcelona is one of many cities which border the sea, but it is virtually unique in the way that it combines a beach resort, tourist destination, and international commerce with such great success. It's unique in other ways too - the modernist architecture, the mix of old and new right next to each other, the traditional (try to see the Castellers on a sunday morning if you get the chance) alongside the modern (shopping and clubbing in huge purpose-built venues). I'm also told that no other city has a metro which goes to the beach, but that isn't strictly true - BCN's metro is only 5 minutes stroll from the beach, but doesn't quite get you right there!

There really is something for everyone in this beautiful city. Trouble is, however much time you spend, it won't be enough to see it all... so why bother trying? It will only wera you out, and you won;t get a real feel for the place. Choose your tourist sights carefully so you get the best times of day with minimal queuing, and spend the rest of your time relaxing, soaking up some sun and enjoying the food and drink... and most importantly, set your body clock to Catalan time - siesta in the afternoons (you can't beat the beach for a relaxing nap!), eat late, and stay out until the early hours.

Barcelona is famous for being the home of Antoni Gaudi, and people who come from all over the world to see his work are doing the right thing - his architecture is truly incredible. However, Gaudi wasn't the only one designing and adorning buildings in this style, so it's worth having a wander round and looking at what else you can spot, rather than just sticking to the Gaudi guidebook. Try the 'Ruta del Modernisme', a Government-designed walking route which takes you all round the most beautiful modernist buildings the city has to offer - you can get guidebooks from the Tourist information, and the pavements near the sites are studded with markers to remind you to look up and check your guidebook. theer are also organised walking tours - not my cup of tea, really, but I'm told they are of a good standard so if you're the sort who is more comfortable being show around, they sound like a good bet.

This picture is of Casa Battlo - when I first started coming to Barcelona you couldn't go in. Now you can, but although not hideously expensive it's not cheap compared to other (maybe better?) places so if you're on a tight budget, give it a miss. I love it there, but it's not my favourite Gaudi place - that would have to be La Pedrera.

The big Barcelona must-see is the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia (quite a walk from the centre - so take the metro to the stop named.. you guessed it... 'Sagrada Familia'!).

Be prepared to queue for tickets - it's best to get there not long after it opens at 9, and go up in the lift (which costs €2 extra and is definitely worth it) first before the crowds get there.

This is probably the most famous of all his works, and is still not finished! You can see what's already been built, and watch stonemasons and craftsmen at work - if you go back after a year or so, you will really see the difference, but there's along way to go yet!

The website (http://www.sagradafamilia.org) is frequently updated with new photos etc.

Another great spot is Parc Guell, which formed the start of a project for Eusebi Guell, and was meant to be a kind of posh, utopian village but times changed and it never got finished. it's accessible by metro - stop at 'Lesseps' and walk around 20 mins uphill! - or the bus will drop you off at one side of the gardens- take bus 28 (destined for 'Carmel') from Passeig de Gracia. The bus is better for the lazy (!) but as it doesn't bring you right out front, it's best to walk down that way first - go in the gate where the bus stops, and follow the path down the hill until you see Gaudi's house. See my tips pages for more on both these places.