The heady allure of the mediterranean permeates Barcelona, and a dip into its azure waters is only a few metro stops (or a brisk walk) away. Barcelona’s beaches were once hidden behind an industrial wasteland, but things changed radically in preparation for the 1992 Olympics. The rallying cry was to create a new Barcelona oberta al mar (open to the sea); the result is phenomenal, as is the presence of large crowds seeking sun and sea. Tons of sand were transported to create miles of silky beaches from the fisherman’s quarter of Barceloneta to Port Olímpic and beyond. Palm trees were planted, water cleanliness standards implemented and, this being design-obsessed Barcelona, numerous contemporary sculptures erected. The city’s first two skyscrapers, the Torre Mapfre office building and the five-star Hotel Arts (Luxury Hotels), punctuate the port’s skyline, while the nearby Port Olímpic throbs with the highest concentration of bars and clubs in the city.
Take a boat tour of the port area (Tours & Trips) . The rooftop café at the Museu d’Història de Catalunya has sweeping views of the city, the port area & Montjuïc. For more on boat and cable cars trips see Tours & Trips You can’t miss Frank Gehry’s massive, glistening Peix sculpture on Passeig Marítim (Top 10 Quirky museums/Monuments)
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Barcelona International Jazz FestivalAs the sizzling summer heat dies down, Barcelona chills out with the Barcelona International Jazz Festival. Big band, bebop, gospel and Latin-jazz concerts take place at venues across the city,... Read more
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World Press PhotoThe Contemporary Culture Centre of Barcelona takes its turn at hosting the World Press Photo exhibition. Regarded as the most important display of photojournalism in the world, the award-winning... Read more
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Procession of the Three KingsThe Cabalgata los Reyes Magos, or Procession of the Three Kings, is a popular Hispanic Christmas tradition. In Barcelona, crowds gather at the harbour steps of the Moll de Fusta to witness... Read more
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Murder at the MuseumIf you're good at guessing the endings of crime novels, test your detective skills at Murder at the Museum. Barcelona's Museu de Ciències Naturals hosts the event, best described as a cross between... Read more
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