Barcelona Hotels

It is unthinkable to imagine how Barcelona used to be, a sleepy industrial city. Seeing it now, always a step forward in arts, fashion and food! The city has a zest for being on the forefront of innovations in the modern world (some of the world's mod cons like electric light system and telephone exchange were first established here).

Barcelona occupies the administrative seat of Catalonia, a region of Spain which has its own language and culture. Since its success in hosting the 1992 Olympics, the city has carved itself a place in Europe's major capitals. It displays more of that Mediterranean gusto perhaps being influenced by nearby Marseille and Milan, thus there would not be a dull moment taking in the sights of this warm and vibrant destination.

Attractions

The best way to discover Barcelona is through your own two feet. Those comfy shoes can lead you right to the Gothic Quarter where 14th century buildings still occupy this historic area. Medieval buildings fill the streets but the focal point is the Cathedral, the epitome of gothic architecture in Spain.

Barcelona offers fine examples of some of the world's remarkable buildings. Who can dismiss the most important work of Gaudi, the unfinished Sagrada Familia cathedral, which laid the groundwork for the quirky Art Nouveau style.

If you take the cable car up Montjuic or Tibidabo, priceless views are to be had. In Montjuic, you will find Fundacio Joan Miro, where materspieces of the famous Catalan artist are on display. Barcelona's main card remains to be the Picasso museum.

To experience some of the fervor running through Barcelona's daily activities, walk up to La Rambla, a pedestian street brimming with all kinds of stalls selling wares. The bird market, old opera house and Miro's signed mosaic are the other highlights in this section.

Events

As Spain is a Catholic country, the festivals are based on the religious calendar.

Preceeding solemn Lent ceremonies around March to April is the Carnival which brings revelries in all shapes such as street parties, parades, dances and endless feasting. The merry-making ends on Ash Wednesday paving the way for more sombre ceremonies all the way to Black Saturday then everything's back in party mood as Easter comes around.

In sports, the Spanish Grand Prix brings together top Formula One drivers to Barcelona's racing circuit.

One of the biggest art festivals in the world is held here sometime between June and July. The Barcelona Summer Festival serves up performances in dance and theatre with art exhibitions, both modern and traditional. Likewise in June, the festive mood lingers as the Feast of St. John the Baptist creates a buzz with fireworks and bonfires as fire is touted as a symbol of fertility. Catalan traditions are observed every September during the Festival La Merce, honouring the patron saint, Virgin of Mercy.

Climate

• Winter (November to February) 10-16°C; occasional overcast or rain, coldest in January

• Spring (March to May) 13 - 18°C; weather starts to be pleasant

• Summer (June to August) 21 - 29°C; very hot especially in August

• Fall (September to October) 18 - 22°C; still pleasant but starts getting cooler and rainfall is heaviest