DK Travel : Barcelona

With warm, crystal-clear waters lapping its sandy shores and mountains nuzzling up to its northern edge, this glittering jewel in the Mediterranean is blessed with desirable geographical genes. From the buoyant, revamped port area to the atmospheric medieval streets of the Barri Gòtic and the beautiful Modernista buildings of the Eixample, Barcelona has it all. A host of treasure-filled museums, architectural wonders, lively beaches and enchanting squares provide the icing on the cake.

Palau Sant Jordi

The star of the Olympic buildings, this stadium is normally home to Barcelona’s basketball team (Activities in Barcelona). It doubles up as the city’s main arena for macro-concerts, which have included Madonna and U2. (Palau Sant Jordi).
Papbubble

A lovely sweet shop but with that little bit extra.

Rock of all shapes and sizes are on sale and, best of all, you can see it being made right in front of you. From a mass of molten sugar, the most amazing colours and patterns are created. After nipping in for a present or two you'll find you've been there nearly an hour, mesmerised by the rolling and shaping being played out on the counter.
Parador de Aiguablava

On a rocky outcrop, this restaurant has phenomenal service and stunning views over Aiguablava cove. The food is good, if a bit predictable. Rooms are available.
Parador de Tortosa

Looming over the town of Tortosa is the ancient Arab Castillo de la Zuda, within which this parador is housed. Decor is suitably old-world, with dark-wood furniture and antique fixtures, and the view of countryside and mountains is superb.
Parc de Cervantes

Built in 1964 to celebrate 25 years of Franco rule, this beautiful park on the outskirts of town would have been more appropriately named Park of the Roses. There are over 11,000 rose bushes of 245 varieties; when in bloom, their aroma pervades the park. People pour in at weekends, but the park is blissfully deserted during the week.
Parc de Collserola

Beyond the peaks of Tibidabo mountain, this 6,500-ha (16,000-acre) natural park of wild forest and winding paths is an oasis of calm. It is great for hiking and biking (Parc de Collserola), with sign-posted paths and nature trails.
Parc de Collserola

It’s difficult to believe that this serene nature reserve lies just 10 minutes drive from the metropolis. Explore its delightful hiking, biking and nature trails on foot or by mountain bike. Take the funicular train to the top of Tibidabo and head towards the Torre de Collserola (Parc de Collserola), turning off on any one of the colour-coded woodland paths. A tourist information point provides maps and further information.
Parc de Joan Miró

Also know as Parc de l’Escorxador, this park was built on the site of a 19th-century slaughterhouse (excorxador ). Dominating the paved upper level of the park is Miró’s striking 22-m (72-ft) sculpture, Dona i Ocell (Woman and Bird ; 1983). Elsewhere there are three children’s play areas set around a café.
Parc de la Ciutadella

Barcelona’s largest landscaped park offers a serene antidote to city life. Once the location of the 18th-century military citadel, this lovely 19th-century park is now home to the zoo, the Catalan parliament, two museums and a boating lake. There is an inviting café in the Hivernacle (winter greenhouse), which hosts occasional live music. (Parc de la Ciutadella).
Parc de la Ciutadella

A verdant oasis in the city centre, Barcelona’s largest park is criss-crossed with pleasant paths. It boasts a zoo, two museums, and a lavish Modernista fountain. See Parc de la Ciutadella.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under €10
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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under €60
- €60–120
- €120–180
- €180–240
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