On the northeastern shore of the Iberian Peninsula lies the fascinating and fun city of Barcelona. This beautiful Spanish city has long been a favorite with visitors from around the world, attracted by the world famous nightlife, the warmth of the Spanish people and the many cultural and artistic sites.
Many visitors find that a visit to Barcelona is quite different than a visit to many other Spanish cities, and this is certainly true to some extent. Barcelona is first and foremost a Mediterranean city, and that unique culture is reflected in its history, its heritage, its people and its outlook on life.
Barcelona is many things to many people, and the people who live there seem to delight in the multifaceted nature of their hometown. While Barcelona is a thoroughly modern city in most regards, with a thriving port and a vibrant economy, the historic Gothic center of the city has been preserved as well. This stark contrast between old and new is one of the most charming aspects of life in Barcelona, and visitors from around the world can enjoy it as well.
As with any other city, there are some definite must see attractions within the borders of Barcelona. Many people love this beautiful Spanish city so much they visit again and again, but any first timer should be sure to check out these fine attractions.
Monument a Colom
There have been many famous Spanish citizens throughout world history, but perhaps none is as renowned and as well known as the one who discovered the New World. America owes its very existence to the vision and courage of Christopher Columbus, and no visit to Barcelona would be complete without a visit to the statue dedicated to this pioneer.
The Salvador Dali Museum
There have been many art movements in history, but few have had the lasting influence of surrealism. The influence of this artistic and cultural movement can be seen throughout society, and Spain has dedicated an entire museum to the life and work of one of surrealism’s most influential artists. The Salvador Dali museum is well worth a visit by any art lover, and it is located only a short train ride away from center city Barcelona. Art lovers will delight in the many works that make up the permanent collection, as well as the wonderful traveling exhibit that make each new visit to the facility fresh and exciting.
L’Aquarium
Barcelona is of course a port city, and it owes much of its history and a great deal of its success to the sea. It only seems fitting then that Barcelona would be home to a beautiful aquarium. The Barcelona aquarium is a wonderful stop for any visitor, especially those traveling with their children. The kids and adults alike will enjoy seeing the vast variety of sea creatures who make their home just off the coast of Spain.
Maremagnum
No city would be complete without a vibrant shopping district, and no trip to Barcelona would be complete without at least one visit to Maremagnum. This great attraction is quite popular not only with tourists but with the local population as well. Much more than a shopping center, Maremagnum is a full entertainment venue as well. Visitors to this unique attraction will find not only a multi screen movie theatre showing the latest Hollywood blockbusters and local fare but a giant screen IMAX theatre as well. Visitors will also find plenty of great food, with a wide variety of ethnic and traditional restaurants. And of course there is plenty of nightlife as well, with an assortment of clubs, bars and discos. In Barcelona the nightlife starts late and lasts well into the morning, with things getting started around 11 p.m. and continuing until 6 a.m. on many days.
Universal’s Meditteranea
While Barcelona has a great deal of old world charm, it also has its fair share of modern attractions, including the Universal Meditteranea. This modern amusement park promises visitors plenty of spins, loops and speed, and it is a popular place to go for both visitors and locals. This great amusement park is located a short train ride away from Barcelona in the city of Tarragona, making it easy to reach from anywhere in the Barcelona area. The park features some of the highest, fastest and most challenging roller coasters in Europe, making it a must do attraction for any coaster fan. Universal’s Meditteranea is divided into five themed areas, with China, Polynesia, the Mediterranean, Mexico and the Far West represented.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.gotravelmagazine.com/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites
