The enchanting city of Barcelona is a visual delight, and has an atmosphere that combines elegance and sophistication with provincial charm. In exploring its streets you'll discover medieval romance in its Gothic quarter and the awe-inspiring delights of the fantastic and sometimes outrageous Art Nouveau architecture of Gaudi and his contemporaries.

The funicular up to Tibidabo, or the cable car up Montjuic both offer breathtaking views over this city. Its skyline is perhaps most famous for Antoni Gaudi's masterwork, the still incomplete church of the Sagrada Familia, as well as the city's huge Gothic cathedral. The artistic legacy of Barcelona is one of the city's most appealing offerings, with museums containing extensive collections of the works of Miro and Picasso.

Barcelona is also a shopping Mecca, with the city's flair for style reflected in its numerous boutiques and markets, open late into the afternoons. As the sun sets, and the city's many bars and restaurants open, the night comes alive. Dinner is served at any time between nine o'clock and midnight, and the festivities around the bars and nightclubs carry on well into the early hours of the morning.

Barcelona is the commercial centre of the popular holiday region known as the Costa Brava, the northernmost Mediterranean seafront in Spain, as well as the Costa Dorada to the south. The coast is dotted with popular resort towns, many retaining their age-old charm, which can be easily reached from the city.

La Ramblas

Address: Barcelona

The most famous street in Europe, the wide tree-lined boulevard known as La Ramblas, is a long continuous pedestrian avenue that changes names five times as it cuts through Barcelona's 'old city', the Barri Gotic, from the Placa Catalunya to the city's port. It is lined with cafes, restaurants and shops, and is usually thronged with leisurely walkers enjoying the sights and sounds. Whilst walking around it is worthwhile to note some attractions along the way, including Gaudi's Guell Palace, his first big architectural assignment, and the pretty square, Placa Reial.

Picasso Museum

Address: 15-23 Montcada Street Barcelona

Admission: EUR6 for main exhibition - extra for special showings. Free days on 11 February, 18 May and 24 September Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 8pm

Telephone: 932 563 000

On Carrer Montcada, a street known for its elegant medieval structures, two palaces dating from the 15th century have been converted into the Picasso Museum, home to one of the most complete collections of works from his youth and formative years as an artist. Pablo Picasso spent his early years in Barcelona (between 1901 and 1906), and the museum is now the city's top attraction. The collection includes a number of childhood portraits and paintings, as well as engravings, drawings and art from his Blue and Rose Periods.

Guell Park

Address: Barcelona

Admission: Free Daily from 10am to 7pm (closing times vary depending on the season)

Barcelona's famous architectural son, Antonio Gaudi, left his mark on the city nowhere more prominently than in the gardens of the Parc Guell. The park, sited on Camel Hill offering splendid views of the city, was originally planned to be a garden city suburb, but only two houses were completed before it was turned into a public recreational park. The gardens are festooned with examples of his work, including flights of stairs, columns and a plaza decorated with mosaics. The pink fairytale house standing at the entrance to the park was once home to Gaudi and his niece, but is now a museum containing some Gaudi-designed furniture, décor, drawings and portraits of the architect.

La Sagrada Família

Address: 401 Calle Mallorca Barcelona

Admission: EUR8, lift EUR2. Concessions available Daily from 9am to 6pm (October to March), 9am to 8pm (April to September)

Telephone: 932 073 031

One of Catalonia's most intriguing landmarks, the bizarre Church of the Holy Family designed by modernist architect Antoni Gaudi, was started in 1882, but it remains unfinished and an object of controversy. Gaudi worked on what was considered his masterpiece until his death in 1926, imbuing the structure with his characteristic fantastic Art Nouveau styling. Work has continued sporadically since, but Gaudi left no plans for its completion and the continued construction has run rampant. The church site stands at the junction of Marina and Provenca streets in the central city area.

Montjuic

Address: Barcelona

Montjuic is a hill overlooking the city centre of Barcelona on which are sited some of the city's show-pieces, including the main sites of the 1992 Olympics; the Poble Espanyol (a replicated Spanish village displaying art and architecture); the Joan Miro museum; and the National Art Museum of Catalonia. There are also some leisure attractions and cool green parks festooned with fountains, popular for strolls on summer evenings. The magical fountains of Montjuic are a popular attraction that entertain on summer evenings with displays of light, colour and music. Accessible by cable car from Montjuic the Barceloneta port district is below the hill. This former fishing village is now renowned for its seafood restaurants and beach, which is lined with boardwalks and cafes.

Tibidabo

Address: Barcelona

Barcelona's second landmark hill is Tibidabo, about four miles (6km) northwest of the city in a wooded range that forms a backdrop to the city. Tibidabo can be reached by funicular, and is particularly popular at weekends with locals because it is home to the Parc d'Atraccions, an amusement park with some thrill rides and renowned house of horrors. Tibidabo also features the soaring Torre de Collserola telecommunications tower, which offers visitors the chance to ride in a glass lift to an observation platform 377 feet (115m) high to enjoy a spectacular view. There is also a large, interesting church called Temple del Sagrat Cor surmounted by a giant Christ statue, which also offers a lift to a rooftop viewing platform.

Montserrat

Address: Barcelona

Admission: Entry to the monastery is free, but the funicular ride to the Holy Grotto is EUR6

One of the most visited sights in Catalonia is the monastery at Montserrat, 35 miles (56km) northwest of Barcelona. The monastery is surrounded by strange rocky crags and caves, and was founded in 1025 to celebrate local visions of the Virgin Mary. It has become one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Spain, sitting atop a 4,000-foot (1,200m) high mountain and housing about 80 monks. Its main claim to fame is a 12th century Romanesque wooden sculpture of a black Virgin Mary known as La Moreneta, which thousands come here to see and touch. The monastery on its mountain perch is reached by cable car.

Tossa de Mar

Address: Barcelona

The medieval town of Tossa de Mar, 56 miles (90km) north of Barcelona, is the most attractive town on the Costa Brava, offering lovely sandy beaches and a lively atmosphere. Once the main port for exporting cork, Tossa is now dependent on tourism. Visitors are drawn to its 12th century walled town, Vila Vella, the ancient walls, battlements and towers enclosing a quaint historical labyrinth. There are four beaches within the town itself and numerous others flanking Tossa on either side.

La Pedrera (Casa Milà)

Address: 92 Paseo de Gràcia Barcelona

Admission: EUR8 (adults), EUR4.50 (concessions). Children under 12 free Daily 10am to 8pm. Closed 1 January, 25 and 26 December

Telephone: 902 400 973

Another fantastic construction by the creative genius Antonio Gaudi, Casa Mila, commonly known as La Pedrera, was the last civil work that Gaudi undertook before dedicating all his time to the assembly of La Sagrada Família. The building demonstrates the signature style of Gaudi with elaborate designs, globular shapes, assorted sculptures, colourful tiles and intricate details. Built between 1906 and 1912, the distinct architecture of La Pedrera and her counterparts was unconventional and unheard of in the popular Spanish architecture of the time. Renowned for its attractive rippled façade, visitors to La Pedrera can also witness a spectacular panoramic view from the rooftop as well as some eccentric signature style chimneys.

Barri Gòtic

Address: Barcelona

Known as the Gothic Quarter, the Barri Gòtic is Barcelona's oldest district. A former fortified Roman settlement, the maze of atmospheric narrow streets house spectacular Gothic buildings and cathedrals, marking the city's heyday during the 14th and 15th century. There are many significant sights to visit in this pedestrianised quarter, the most illustrious being the immense Gothic Cathedral La Seu, with its breathtaking façade and serene cloister. With an assortment of shops and delightful sidewalk cafés in a picturesque setting, the Barri Gòtic is a worthwhile day out. To view the remains of this ancient Roman city, Barcino, visit the Museu d'Història de la Ciutat in the Palau Real, where Roman streets are still visible in the extensive cellar.

FC Barcelona Museum and Stadium

Address: Avenida Arístides Maillol Barcelona

Admission: Museum visit and Camp Nou Tour: EUR13 (adults), EUR10.40 (children). Concessions available Open from Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6.30pm (open till 8pm from 14 April to 12 October). Open Sundays and public holidays till 2.30pm. Tours not available on days of league and Champions league matches but museum still open till 1pm

Telephone: 934 96 36 00

FC Barcelona, one of Europe's most loved football teams, has an informative museum with displays of photographs, documents, memorabilia and trophies, covering over a century of club history, that will satiate the fascination of even the most dedicated fan. Visitors also get the opportunity to explore the famous stadium on the Camp Nou Tour which takes fans to the heart of the club, the changing rooms, tunnel and Nou Camp pitch. With a panoramic view of the stadium from the grandstand, visitors can get a taste of the heady atmosphere of a FC Barcelona match on their home ground. The museum also has an official store where club jerseys, caps and accessories can be purchased.

Joan Miró Foundation

Address: Parc de Montjuïc Barcelona

Admission: EUR8 (adults), EUR4 (concessions) Open Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 7pm (open till 8pm from July to September), Sunday 10am to 2.30pm. Open late on Thursdays till 9.30pm. Closed Mondays

Telephone: 934 439 470

A celebration of the life and work of world-renowned Catalan surrealist sculptor and painter, Joan Miró, the Joan Miró Foundation in Barcelona houses the majority of the artists work including paintings, drawings, sculptures and textiles. Distinguished by his use of primary colours, simple lines and two-dimensional geometric shapes, Miro refused to be categorised into an established art movement and as a result continued to create unparalleled works of art. Another product of original artistic genius from Barcelona, the works of Miró at the Joan Miró Foundation allow visitors to further delve into the unrestrained creative energy of this exceptional city.

Beaches

Address: Barcelona

Many people forget that Barcelona is not only a big bustling city and cultural centre, but that it's bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, awarding the coastline with a string of attractive beaches, an ideal diversion after excessive sightseeing and shopping. Visit the popular Barceloneta Beach only ten minutes from the city centre where there are a selection of beach bars, cool down with a refreshing swim and marvel at the bizarre architecture of Homenatge a la Barceloneta, by Rebecca Horn. For more peace and quiet during the summer season venture a bit further to either Icaria, Mar Bella or Stiges Beach, where the crowds would have dissipated.

Museum of Contemporary Art

Address: 1 Plaça dels Angels Barcelona

Admission: EUR7.50 (adults), EUR6 (concessions) 11am to 7.30pm weekdays, 10am to 8pm Saturdays, 10am to 3pm Sundays and holidays. Closed Tuesdays, Christmas and New Years day. Extended opening hours in summer

Telephone: 934 120 810

The Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art is situated in the once shabby Raval district just off La Ramblas. Over the years its front plaza has become synonymous with international skateboarders, being fondly known as the famous MACBA, drawing skaters and creatives from around the world to unite against the backdrop of its chic white building. Being a work of art in itself, the Museum of Contemporary Art was designed to monopolise on natural light and the cool airy interiors confidently hold the works of modern art luminaries such as Basquiat, Klee, Tàpies and Barcelò. A perfect union of two art forms, MACBA and her throng of talented skateboarders is a sight to be experienced.

Parc de La Ciutadella

Address: Avenida del Marques de l'Argentera Barcelona

Located in the centre of Barcelona, the Parc de La Ciutadella is a great place to spend a sunny summers afternoon relaxing under a tree with a book, a picnic and the family. Featuring a lake where visitors can hire a small rowboat, exploring the park and being out on the water is a fun way to unwind. The park also features a fountain, statues, a few museums, and the Barcelona Zoo, which is a good place to head when the novelty of rowing a boat has worn off!

Barcelona Aquarium

Address: Moll d'Espanya del Port Vell Barcelona

Admission: EUR17 (adults); EUR12 (children). Concessions available Open Monday to Friday from 9.30am – 9pm; Weekends and public holidays from 9.30am–9.30pm and July and August until 11pm.

Telephone: 93 221 7474

Featuring thousands of brightly coloured and exotic fish, the Barcelona Aquarium is a must for children of all ages. Featuring 35 different tanks holding creatures from different oceans, the aquarium houses a Mediterranean tank, tropical tank and an Oceanarium, which is the largest of its kind in Europe and features species such as giltheads, moray eels, sunfish, rays, sand tiger sharks and sandbar sharks.

Port Aventura Theme Park

Address: Barcelona

Admission: EUR44 (adults); EUR35 (children); Concessions available Open 27 March to 1 November from 10am to 8pm. Open intermittently between November and March

Located just under 2 hours outside of Barcelona on the 'Golden Coast', Port Aventura is a popular theme park featuring exciting rides, entertaining shows, restaurants, and much more. Take the kids for a ride on the Dragon Khan, Silver River Flume down the Grand Canyon Rapids. A trip to Port Aventura is a must for children of all ages.

Montjuïc Castle (Castell de Montjuïc)

Address: Barcelona

Admission: Free Open daily from 10am to 7pm. Closed Mondays except public holidays

Telephone: 93 329 86 13

Take the Cable Car up the hill to the Montjuïc Castle and enjoy the view over the city below. During the summer months many families can be found under the shade of a tree with a picnic and there is even a bar serving food, while just down from the drawbridge is a children's playground. The castle is also home to the Military Museum as well as the Museum of Comics and Illustration, a great place for the kids to enjoy looking at the favourite comic book.

Poble Espanyol

Address: Barcelona

Admission: EUR8.50 (adults); EUR5.50 (children); Concessions available. Treasure hunt EUR5 and children must be accompanied by an adult Open Monday from 9am - 8pm, Tuesday to Thursday from 9am - 2am, Fridays from 9am – 4pm, Saturdays from 9am –5am and Sunday from 9am to 12am

Telephone: 93 508 6300

The mock village of Poble Espanyol is an outdoor open-air architectural museum featuring over 35 workshops where visitors can see 20 different types of craftsmanship at work. The village is made up of 117 buildings, streets and squares which have been reproduced to scale giving a true feel of a unique Spanish village. Families can enjoy taking part in a treasure hunt.

Carnival

Where: ,Barcelona

When: 16 February 2010

Lent is traditionally a time of fasting and denial, and Carnival is the period before Lent to celebrate pleasures, extravagance and indulgence with an abundance of feasting and dancing. Street parades, float processions, and parties fill every street and plaza in the city and revellers come dressed in rich costumes. A mock funeral procession on Ash Wednesday marks the end of the festivities.

Barcelona Summer Festival

Where: Various locations around the city,Barcelona

When: June to August, annually

The Barcelona Summer Festival, popularly known as the Grec Festival, is the cultural highlight on the summer calendar, and one of the most important arts festivals in the world. Every summer the city is filled with some of the finest national and international theatre, dance and music performances aimed at promoting different types of contemporary music and performance arts, as well as classical and ancient music and traditional acts. It is famed for its creativity and attracts a wide variety of visitors and locals alike. For more information email bcnfestival@mail.bcn.es

European Balloon Festival

Where: The town of Igualada, located about 31 miles (50km) inland from Barcelona,Barcelona

When: 8 - 12 July 2010

Thousands of spectators gather to watch as the sky is filled with a wonderfully colourful display of hot air balloons from around the world. Market stalls are set up to complete the festive atmosphere of one of the biggest ballooning events in Europe. For more information phone +34 (0)93 804 2202 or email jm@ultramagic.com

St John's Eve (Sant Joan)

Where: ,Barcelona

When: 23 June, annually

Midsummer in Barcelona is celebrated with a big bang as fireworks colour the sky in a festive prelude to the national holiday of the Feast of John the Baptist. Ancient traditions observed the summer solstice as the most important event of the solar year and fire was celebrated as the symbol of abundance, purity and fertility. So too today, the solstice festivities have fire as their central focus. Each neighbourhood stages fireworks and all-night bonfires are fuelled by collections of old furniture, but the biggest celebration is at Montjuic with a fabulous fireworks display and a colossal bonfire. There are dances and celebrations in the squares, street parties, music and entertainment throughout the city, and in all the homes traditional cake or 'coca' is eaten and sparkling wine is drunk.

Festival of La Mercè

Where: Various squares and open places around the city,Barcelona

When: 24 September annually

The Festival of La Mercè is dedicated to the patron saint of Barcelona, the Virgin of Mercy, and involves a fabulous assortment of popular Catalan traditions and mythology. The city celebrates by hosting one of the biggest parties of the year with street music and dancing, fairs, theatre, concerts and parades. Firework spectacles light up figures of dragons and devils, and gigantic folklore icons of Catalonia ('gegants') are paraded through the city centre, while traditional teams of 'Castellers' build human pyramids in St Jaume Plaza. For more information contact the Institute of Culture on +34 93 301 7775.

Spanish F1 Grand Prix

Where: Catalunya,Barcelona

When: April 2010 TBA

The fifth race of the Formula One season, the crowds gather to watch the thrills, spills and speed that accompany a spectacle of this nature. Formula One is the king of motor sports and attracts the best drivers from around the world.

Primavera Sound Festival

Where: Parc del Fòrum,Barcelona

When: May 2010 TBA

Primavera is one of Spain's biggest music festivals and sees some of the world's principal pop and rock stars grace the summer stages for a fiesta of fun and music in the glorious sunshine.

Botafumeiro

Address: El Gran de Gràcia 81 Barcelona

Food Type: Spanish

One of the most well known seafood restaurant in Barcelona, Botafumeiro consistently presents the finest regional cuisine of Galicia and prides itself on the freshness of its fish, clams, mussels, lobster, crayfish and scallops, which are either kept in large tanks near the entrance or flown in daily from Galicia. The impeccable treatment of customers and the private atmosphere makes this a perfect dining experience for both business and pleasure. Open for lunch and dinner daily. Reservations essential.

Agut

Address: Gignàs 16, Ciutat Vella (Gothic Quarter) Barcelona

Food Type: Local

For almost a century this restaurant has been a family-run business and today the homey atmosphere still welcomes with its old-fashioned wooden panelling, and time-tested culinary fare. Catalán paintings from the 1950s serve as reminders of Agut's time as a meeting place for artists and writers. The hearty food includes such dishes as sweet and sour wild duck, layers of pastry filled with Catalán sausage and mushrooms, or monkfish with prawns, while desserts are light and creative. Not to be confused with the Agut d'Avignon restaurant nearby. Closed Monday; no dinner on Sunday. Closed in August.

Can Majó

Address: Almirall Aixada 23, Barceloneta Barcelona

Food Type: Spanish

On the beachfront, Can Majó serves delicious seafood that can be enjoyed on the outdoor terrace overlooking the Mediterranean. Specialities include paella, but the fish is also superb. Choose from a daily catch including barnacles, prawns, crab, oysters and clams. Reservations required. Closed Monday. No dinner Sundays.

Oviso

Address: 5 Calle de Arai, Placa George Orwell Barcelona

Food Type: Local

One of the many unassuming sidewalk café-bars on Placa George Orwell in the Gothic Quarter, Oviso offers reasonably priced food and an intimate, bohemian ambiance. Good for breakfast or an afternoon snack, this bar restaurant often serves as a place to begin a night out or to end a long day. Great for people watching, Oviso attracts many artists and students and is a good choice for idling away a few hours in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Expect to pay only EUR7 for a soup and a main.

Rubi

Address: Calle Banys Vells, 6 bis Barcelona

Food Type: Modern Eclectic

Not called Rubi for nothing, this vibrant restaurant and nightspot is ideal for couples and friends looking for a chic but understated modern restaurant. With bright crimson booths, an elegant bar and high ceilings, Rubi has become one of Barcelona's quintessential nightspots. In true Barcelona style, Rubi is friendly and laid back. Serving contemporary fusion cuisine made from only the freshest produce from local markets, Rubi also bakes homemade breads and deserts. After 11.30pm the restaurant shifts gears and the venue is transformed into a groovy bar with Latin American and funk tunes, heating things up a little. Open for dinner, Tuesday to Sunday.

Viena

Address: La Rambla del Estudis 115 Barcelona

For the best sandwiches in the city, and maybe the country, this hole in the wall take-away sandwich shop doesn't put on airs. Surrounded by fine dining restaurants and elegant tapas concoctions Viena simply and quickly throws together the world's best ingredients between two delicious slices of bread and slides it across the counter.

Ravell

Address: Carrer Aragó 313 Barcelona

Some serious eating goes on here in a little decorated and unpretentious room in back of a delicatessen food store. Using speciality ingredients from around the world, gourmet food never felt so exclusive. Despite a city wide reputation, the tiny restaurant feels like a guarded secret.

Amaltea

Address: Diputació 164 Barcelona

Serving creative vegetarian cuisine, with dishes from all over the world and a keen eye for presentation, Amaltea is a well-known and frequented Barcelona vegetarian eatery. The décor is stylish but down to earth, ensuring that the all the limelight is afforded to the colourful dishes of food that emerge out of the kitchen. For lunch there is a choice of four starters, mains and various house deserts with a fixed menu of EUR10. Open for lunch and supper, Monday to Saturday.

Comerç 24

Address: Carrer Comerç 24 Barcelona

This very trendy tapas hot spot dishes out unordinary treats from the creative direction of Carles Abellan. Unusual food combinations are frothed, seared and caramelised until they compliment one another. The dishes are more of a tasting experience than a full meal but enough of them can add up to an eclectic way to try local cuisine.

Quimet & Quimet

Address: C/Poeta Cabanas 25 Barcelona

This old family run room is not an ordinary tapas restaurant and is one the fly in more ways than one. In a standing room only, perfect for fast eats, the chef rolls out seemingly random, but delicious, concoctions from a huge list of ingredients lining the walls. A superb but also random wine list is best enjoyed quickly with the unique snacks before carrying on one's way.