Barcelona Guide

Barcelona is a riotous mix of fantastical architecture, medieval streets, Cava bars and fresh seafood restaurants. From skinny Gothic spires to Gaudí's undulating mosaic-tiled chimneys, this waterfront city bursts with Catalan culture. If the pace of late-night partying gets too much, the beach is just a hop away.

Start on the bustling La Rambla then wander through the narrow streets of the medieval Barri Gòtic to spy Barcelona Cathedral's awesome spires. Marvel at the Palau de la Música Catalana's mosaic columns and Santa María del Mar Basilica's octagonal towers. At the Picasso Museum see the great master's delicate, early sketches and at the Joan Miró Foundation lose yourself in a riot of colour. Architecturally, Gaudí reigns supreme, with the weird organic mass of the La Sagrada Família and fantastical Park Güell top of the list.

Find designer labels along stylish Passeig de Gràcia and the latest high-street trends in the Avenida Diagonal's modern malls. Head to El Born district for trendy boutiques and fabulous leather shoes, then refuel with tapas at the La Boqueria Food Market, where the stalls brim with locally caught fish, sun ripe tomatoes and piles of fresh fruit.

Barcelona's sun-loving locals catch the rays on the sandy, city beaches of Barceloneta, Nova Icària and Mar Bella. For more seclusion, jump on a train and head 30 minutes out of town to find coves along the Costa Brava and Costa Dorada. For green spaces, retreat to the peaceful Park Güell or wander among spiky cacti and fragrant pines in Montjuïc's Jardins Costa i Llobera.

Save sleeping for mañana – Barcelona takes its after-dark culture seriously. Opera and dance take the stage by storm at the Gran Teatre del Liceu on La Rambla, while the acoustics and Art Nouveau design of the Palau de la Música Catalana draw classical music aficionados. Hear flamenco fusion and live jazz at the Harlem Jazz Club.

Eat on the hoof as you graze your way around Barcelona's tapas bars where delicious morsels are skewered on cocktail sticks, accompanying fizzy glasses of Cava that flows late into the night. Order steaming dishes of paella in Barceloneta or dive into the Barri Gòtic for traditional Catalan flavours such as salt-dried cod, crispy, fried artichokes and rich stews of chorizo sausage.

For views of Barcelona from the sea, take a ride through the harbour on a Golondrina boat. Trips depart from Colom and pass the World Trade Center.