Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain and is located on the northeastern shores of the Iberian Peninsula. Barcelona differs from many other cities in Spain in that it is essentially a Mediterranean city. There you will find Mediterranean influences in its history, culture and traditions.
A Roman colony was established in Barcelona in the second century. Today, it is a fascinating juxtaposition of old and new. Barcelona prides itself on its preservation of its historic Gothic center. You will also be intrigued by the maze of narrow streets that contrast with their modern grid-like layout. You will find old buildings that provide an architectural treat monuments to the Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance periods of the city. At the same time, you will find that Barcelona is a center of Modernist architecture. It is most certainly at the forefront of international tendencies so if you want a glimpse into where the world is headed, Barcelona is the place to see it.
Barcelona is a cosmopolitan city and is highly economically active. Its major economic revival occurred during the onset of industrialization. Since the 1850s it has continued to grow and today it remains one of the economic leaders in the area. This was topped off by the World's Fair in 1888. Its cosmopolitan nature offers visitors to the area a plethora of night life activities ranging from discos to pubs, concerts to terraces and a numbers of popular fiestas and shows. Barcelona also boasts over four kilometers of beautiful coastline. Recently, there has been a seafront recovery in Barcelona and the beaches are now well worth a visit if you want to relax a bit.
There are a range of accommodation options in Barcelona. The hotels in the area are often full so you need to book well in advance. In fact, the hotel industry has up to 85% room occupancy throughout the year. The good news is that you do not have to stay in a hotel when you come to Barcelona. There are many holiday apartments that are available for rent throughout the city. There are many advantages to booking an apartment rental for your stay. You will often find an affordable apartment to rent in an area that is extremely difficult to find hotel accommodation in (such as on the beach front). They also offer a level of privacy that you will not find in a hotel. It is also possible to stay in 'aparthotels' and hostels. Aparthotels are relatively new to Barcelona. They are apartments within hotels which are self-catering and therefore a more budget alternative to staying in a pure hotel.
Barcelona is a wonderful destination for any tourist its stunning architecture and rich culture make is fascinating. Its delicious cuisine makes it gastronomically pleasing and its gorgeous weather make it a pleasure to visit. So, if you want to relax by the sea or enjoy some rich culture and history, Barcelona should be near the top travel destinations on your list.
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