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The sea offers a less vertiginous view of the cityscape. Glide out of the harbour on the pleasure boats known as golondrines or try the exhilarating trip under sail on an enormous catamaran. Both trips offer ample views of the city and of the new Port Olímpic area. (Tours & Trips).

Just a 15-minute ferrocarril ride from Plaça de Catalunya (in the direction of Sant Cugat) is the picturesque spot of Baixador de Valvidrera. Perfect for an out-of-town stroll, there is a steep path through the woods, which opens up into a beautiful, green valley. In summer, there are barbecue facilities where you can throw on your own steaks.

A nature reserve surrounds this huge outcrop of mountains, a favourite of rock climbers with peaks rising to 2,500 m (8,200 ft).

Take in the city’s green scene with an amble around Montjuïc’s verdant slopes. The initial climb to the grandiose Palau Nacional (Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya), from Plaça d’Espanya is eased by a series of escalators. From the palace, veer left and continue along the main road, stopping off at Jardí Mossèn Jacint Verdaguer (Parks & Gardens) before continuing round to Miramar for a spectacular view.

Top-class motor racing, including Formula 1, regularly comes to this circuit.

A multitude of secret paths leads through wild gardens on Montjuïc’s south side, the only part of the mountain that remains untamed.

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.

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.