Destination guides > Europe > Spain > Catalonia (Catalunya) > Barcelona

Barcelona

Barcelona is a celebration of colour and the unconventional. Barcelona's most famous architect, Antonio Gaudí, has left his mark on the Catalan capital with his bizarre imagination and buildings which look like giant cakes draped in colourful icing. Modernism is Gaudí's creative interpretation of Art Nouveau which is most evident in Parc Guell and his biggest project, Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia. This totally unique cathedral which consumed much of Gaudi's life was unfinished at the time of his death and even today it is yet to be completed. While Antonio Gaudí left an indelible mark on this great city, creating a booming industry in brightly coloured ceramic tiles and inspiring a host of other architects to visit Barcelona. However, he was not the city's only great architect, some of the city's other surrealist architects and designers of the period include Puig i Cadafalch and Domènech i Muntaner. Barcelona's other great attractions are far removed from the Modernist creations for which the city is famous for. The Barri Gótic is full of narrow streets where almost all the buildings date from the 13th to 16th centuries and the seaside areas which include Port Vell (the old port) and an entirely new beach front.

Barcelona has been experiencing a revival over the past ten years, with a host of ambitious projects continually transforming the city. Besides the regeneration of seaside areas around Port Vell, there are now over 100 new squares and lots of new public art. However with all this development, the city hasn't lost its soul, in fact Barcelona's atmosphere pulsates throughout the day and night and the Mediterranean lust for life is evident throughout the city, especially in the many squares and along Las Ramblas, which is everyone's favourite European street, running from the port to Plaça de Catalunya. This is a great place to hang out and breathe in the atmosphere. In fact Las Ramblas is more than just an avenue, it is the heart and soul of Barcelona, this mile long pedestrian zone encompasses the full spectrum of Barcelona's life; here you will find sidewalk cafes, buskers, artists, flower and bird vendors, plus the usual mix of locals and tourists.

Practical information

Barcelona's tourist offices are a good source of information including free street and transport maps.

INFORMATION CENTRES & USEFUL NUMBERS

Barcelona Turisme

Plaça de Catalunya 17-S, Barcelona
Metro Catalunya, Urquinaona
Tel 906 301 282
Website www.barcelonaturisme.com

Turisme de Catalunya

Palau Robert, Passeig de Gràcia 107, Barcelona
Metro Diagonal
Tel 932 384 000
Website www.gencat.cat/turistex_nou/home_ang.htm

EMBASSIES & CONSULATES

Australian Consulate

Gran Via Carles III 98, Barcelona
Metro Maria Cristina
Tel 933 309 496

British Consulate

Avinguda Diagonal 477, Barcelona
Metro Hospital Clinic
Tel 934 199044

Canadian Consulate

Via Augusta 125, Barcelona
Metro Fontana
Tel 932 090634

United States Consulate

Passeig Reina Elisenda 32, Barcelona
Tel 932 802 227

INTERNET ACCESS

There is a network of over 180 free Wi-Fi hotspots throughout Barcelona. Although free, you are limited to one hour at a time before being disconnected. Download a PDF of Barcelona free Wi-Fi hotspots.

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