AT A GLANCE Barcelona is Spains most cosmopolitan city and one of the busiest ports in Europe.

With its beachside location and bustling city centre, Barcelona offers everything that you need from a holiday destination. However, with artworks from Gaudi and Mro lining its streets its also an art-lovers paradise, which has inspired artists from Picasso to Dali. FACT FILE Currency: Euro (EUR) Language: Catalan and Spanish Time: GMT + 1 Calling Code: +34 WHEN TO GO With a balmy year round climate, theres never a bad time to visit Barcelona. In winter, there are very few cold days and in the summer the temperatures are not too hot, thanks to the cooling sea air. On the rare occasion that the weather is less than desirable there are plenty of indoor attractions. Weather Spring: The weather between March and May is initially wet, but increasingly warm and sunny. Temperatures can reach highs of 16 in March, rising to 20 in May.

Summer: The summer months from June through to September see average highs of 28. Low humidity and a pleasant breeze keep the temperature comfortable and holidaymakers should expect ten hours of sunshine a day. Autumn: Warm and wet to start with, the average autumn temperature is 21. However, rain is common and sometimes fog comes in from the sea which can see temperatures shift to around 12.

 Winter: In December, the average high falls to 13 and average lows are 4. Snow is usually expected in January but the weather during this season is largely unpredictable with fluctuations between the teens and cold, blustery weather.
Images: Barcelona Sun by Leolisa81 on Flickr / Barcelona rain by Wallygrom on Flickr

THINGS TO DO From Gaudis famous architecture to Barcas famous stadium, Barcelona has a host of attractions for holidaymakers to enjoy. Many of the attractions relate to the artists who have lived in or taken inspiration from Spains most artistic city. However, it isnt only cultural attractions that youll find; the city has a thriving nightlife and there are several interesting options for daytrips nearby. Attractions Barcelona Cathedral: Also known as The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, this is Barcelonas premier place of worship Basilica Santa Maria del Mar: One of the best examples of Gothic architecture in the city Casa Mila: Known as the Quarry, this is the largest civil building designed by Gaudi

Casa Mila by Craigyc on Flickr

FC Barcelona Museum and Nou Camp: Learn the history of Barcelonas most famous football team through interactive displays Joan Mro Foundation: A museum of modern art honouring the artist Joan Mro La Sagrada Familia: Gaudis most famous monument is due for completion in 2026

Sagrada by Daomna111 on Flickr

 Parc Guell: Gaudis famous park features dragons, fairy cottages and his classic mosaics Barcelona Zoo: Meet a host of animals at the zoo, which celebrates its 120th anniversary this year

Nightlife Tourists and backpackers usually head to Las Ramblas where the nightlife spills out into the streets and the evening often begins with dinner and drinks. In the Gothic Quarter you'll find that the Spanish nightlife is much more authentic. The cobbled streets are full of intimate clubs and this is also the part of town where you're likely to find secret bars taken over by squatters and known as okupas. In El Born, the nightlife is sophisticated but also slightly eccentric; keep an eye out for Cat Bar for feline inspired decor. Don your best clothes if youre heading to the sophisticated nightspots of Port Olimpic. Gracia offers a bohemian nightlife where you can mingle with up and coming artists in bohemian bars. Hipsters and skaters will love the Raval district which is home to Barcelona's oldest disco. Boulevard Culture Club: The largest club on the Ramblas plays techo, electro and chart hits El Mariachi: A secret bar in the Gothic Quarter Cat Bar: An artisan beer bar and vegan restaurant with feline inspired dcor Catwalk: This glam nightclub in Port Olimpic stays open until 6am La Fourmi: A bohemian bar in Gracia with a great range of light bites Les Enfants: The oldest disco in the city mixes Indie-pop with 70s funk in its two rooms Opera and Flamenco: Flamenco is from Madrid, but visiting Spain is a good excuse to catch a show Day Trips from Barcelona With an enviable location on the Costa Brava, Barcelona is close to many fantastic destinations, from golden beaches to historic Roman sites. The excellent bus and train network means that these can all easily be reached on a day trip from the city. The Tourist Information Centre on Catalunya Plaza should be able to put you in touch with reputable excursion operators if youd rather not make the trip alone. Montserrat: A Benedictine Monastery which offers stunning views across Catalonia. You can discover the holy grotto where visitations by the Virgin Mary were reported. Travel Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Figueres: The birthplace of Salvador Dali and home to the Teatre-Museu Gala Salvador Dali which houses some of his famous works. Figueres also boasts an 18th century castle. Travel Time: 2 hours

Sitges: Best known for its huge carnival and film festival, Sitges is a popular destination for gay travellers and boasts 17 sand beaches. Travel Time: 30 minutes

Tarragona: This beach town is perhaps most famous for its ancient Roman remains including an old amphitheatre next to the sea. Make sure you stroll through the Old Town with its cobbled streets. Travel Time: 1 hour 14 minutes

Images: Montserrat by Rover0 // Figueres by Jaume Meneses // Sitges by Vroig // Tarragona by Ramonbaile

SHOPPING Sangria, Flamenco fans and cured hams are just some of the souvenirs that most holidaymakers choose to bring back from Spain. However, Catalonia has a long history of lace-making and as such Barcelona is a great place to search for decorative tableware. Spanish brandy is also a great souvenir and many people claim that its better than the French equivalent. Shopping Areas: Las Ramblas: The perfect district for souvenir shopping Avinguda Diagonal: Barcelonas top fashion designers are located along this street Plaa de Sant Josep Oriol: This area is full of boutiques and handicraft shops Shopping Centres: Les Glories: A huge commercial centre with over 230 well-known shops and a multiplex cinema

 The Centre Comercial Maremagnum: The only mall in the city thats open on Sunday La Maquinista: Catalonias largest shopping centre and home to a bowling alley and Carrefour

MareMagnum by PuroticoRico

El Corte Ingles: Spread over nine floors this European chain specialises in electronics El Bulevard Rosa: A boulevard of clothes shops lined by antique shops on the outside Markets: La Boqueria: Barcelonas best known market situated off Las Ramblas Sant Antoni Market: This food market is larger and less well known than La Boqueria Fira Artesana: Specialises in honey and honey-flavoured cheeses Mercadillo de la Plaa de Sant Josep: An art market showcasing work by local artists Mercat del Encants: Barcelonas largest flea market and a great place to sift through treasures

La Boqueria by Klearachos Kapoutsis

FOOD & DRINK Paella, tapas, sangria you may think you know Spanish food, but Spain is made up of many different regions, and each has their own unique cuisine. In Barcelona, expect to find many fish or pork-based dishes. Salted cod or cod served with raisins and pine nuts are both popular fish based dishes, whilst pork tends to appear in stews such as Escudella or Ollada. Save some room for desert, particularly crme Catalan, made from egg yolks, milk and sugar, cracked like a crme brle.

Crme Catalan by Michael_Reuter

Popular Barcelona Hotspots:

Barceloneta: This is a popular quarter for locals and the place to try fish based dishes Barri Gotic: The area is particularly renowned for its tapas restaurants Avinguda del Parallel: Many restaurants on this street have Menu del Dia for under 11 La Boqueria: Taste Spanish hams and cheeses in this bustling farmers' market on the Ramblas CULTURE & ETIQUETTE Spain is famous for having siestas from 2pm-5pm, but in reality this doesnt really affect larger cities such as Barcelona, where the majority of shops stay open during the siesta. Restaurants and bars are more likely to be affected and take their siesta between 4pm-8pm. When it comes to restaurants, tourists should not wait to be shown to a table and instead make their way to the nearest free table where they will be served. Eating with your hands is frowned upon and youll find that the locals even use knives and forks for eating fruit. One important thing to note is that Spaniards have less regard for personal space than other cultures and may stand close when talking to you. Backing away is seen as rude so be prepared. Useful Phrases Que parla Angles? Do you speak English? Bona tarda Good Afternoon Quant costa aixo? How much is this? Dos and Donts DO keep an eye on your belongings on the Metro to avoid being targeted by pickpockets DONT drink outdoors or on the beach as you may be fined by the Police DO take a sunset catamaran cruise from Barceloneta beach DONT forget that nightlife in Barcelona starts at 10pm for bars and midnight for nightclubs DO budget accordingly. Barcelona can be expensive Tipping Tipping is not common in restaurants in Barcelona and most locals will simply round up their bill to the nearest Euro. Any tip larger than cents will embarrass the waiting staff, who are paid much better than waiters at home. Taxi drivers in the city include a fee for handling your luggage and therefore should not be tipped more than a few cents. You should however tip the maid who cleans your room and 1-2 per day is usual.

Tipping by Daquella Manera

TRANSPORT The public transport system in Barcelona is clean, effective and great value for money. Therefore youll find that theres no need to hire a car for the duration of your stay, unless youre planning lots of daytrips out of the city. The two main ways to get around are the Metro and the local bus service. However, many sights

are closer than you think and Barcelona is surprisingly compact, making walking a great way to get around and take in the local architecture. Getting Around Buses: Barcelona is served by TMB, an efficient bus network taking in the city centre Taxis: The official taxis are yellow and black with a green illuminated light at the top Metro: The Metro in Barcelona is clean and air-conditioned and the perfect way to get around all the sites Airports: Barcelona only has one airport - El Prat de Llobregrat which is 10km outside the city centre. However, budget airlines also fly to Catalonia Reus and Girona Costa Brava. Both of which are located 100km from the city centre.

Barcelona airport by Curimedia

Fare Information A single ticket on the Metro costs 2, but if you are taking more than 5 journeys in a day it will work out cheaper to buy a T10 ticket for 9.25 which gives you 10 journeys Taxis: A 15 minute journey in a taxi will cost about 10 HEALTH & SAFETY British Embassy in Spain Foreign and Commonwealth Office Emergency number: 112 BARCELONA BLOGGERS TOP TIPS

Julie Sheridan Guiri Girl in Barcelona "Many visitors to Barcelona body swerve the former red-light district of the Raval, which is known for all the wrong reasons. But Id recommend you pay a visit to the Romanesque-style church of Sant Pau del Camp, which is the oldest church in Barcelona. Its a compelling mix of history, religion, and architecture (it even inspired Picasso). Ask for Jordi to show you around and mention my name with a bit of luck he may even sing to you in Gregorian chant."

Jennifer Lo Prete Orange Polka Dot

Barcelonas compact city center, mild weather, history and imaginative architecture make it an excellent choice for a family vacation. In Barcelona, you will find people who adore children and will gladly welcome them at nearly all restaurants. My favorite family outing in Barcelona is the charming childrens puppet theater, La Puntual, in the hip El Born neighborhood. La Puntual offers weekend performances with some English shows sprinkled throughout the schedule. Although most performances are in Catalan, children are usually so fascinated with the creative and beautiful show, they hardly notice the language difference.

Spain Emotion Don't forget the museums that have free entrance in #Barcelona on Sundays http://bit.ly/OP0WiY

Jeremy Holland From Barcelona Near Palau de la Musica on Carrer Verdaguer i Callis is one of my favorite spots in Barcelona - L'Antic Teatre. A non-profit collective, their goal is to provide a space for experimental artists to showcase and promote their wares. To give you an idea of the eclectic mix of productions it offers, a couple of years ago they ran a Cabaret de Feas (roughly translated "Cabaret of the Ugly People") while in November a Belgian clown entertained the crowd and last month a night was dedicated to dub music complete with a movie and deejays.