El Raval, Barcelona

One of two districts bordering La Rambla - the other being the established tourist area of Barri Gotic - El Raval is a compelling and interesting neighbourhood, with a long and chequered history. Located near Barcelona's port, El Raval has always had a multicultural and slightly seedy character, leading to it being dubbed Barri Xinès('Chinatown') by locals. After struggling with social problems like crime and prostitution through much of the 20th century, in the late-1980s the Barcelona city council began a concerted program of urban rejuvenation in the area, which saw many of its best sites - such as the MACBA Museum and the CCCB Cultural Centre - being constructed. These days, El Raval remains an exciting, multicultural area (47.4% of its population are foreign-born), that is particularly popular with backpackers and revellers keen to check out some of Barcelona's racier bars and clubs. Although the area is still a little sleazy - tourists should be careful of pickpockets in the area, and should avoid walking the streets alone at night - El Raval is undeniably full of cool bars and funky cafes that beg to be explored, from Bar Marsella with its Art Nouveau interior, to London Bar, a run-down though stately place once frequented by artists like Hemingway, Picasso and Mirò. Another great sight in El Raval is the Palau Guell, one of Gaudi's lesser-known masterpieces, featuring large parabolic gates decorated with beautiful ironwork.

Poble Espanyol, Barcelona

The mock village of Poble Espanyol is an outdoor open-air architectural museum featuring over 35 workshops where visitors can see 20 different types of craftwork taking place. The village is made up of 117 buildings, streets and squares which have been reproduced to scale giving a true feel of a unique Spanish village. Families can enjoy taking part in a treasure hunt.

Opening Times:
Open Monday from 9am to 8pm, Tuesday to Thursday from 9am to 2am, Fridays from 9am to 3am, Saturdays from 9am to 4am, and Sunday from 9am to 8pm

Admission:
EUR9.50 (adults); EUR5.60 (children); Concessions available. Treasure hunt: EUR5.50 and children must be accompanied by an adult

Parque Natural de Bardenas Reales, Barcelona

The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Parque Natural de Barenas Reales offers visitors the chance to walk through a moon landscape. The area is a semi-desert and as such, the clay-filled soil has been shaped by the intermittent rainfall over the years. Cliffs, hills, ravines and hills are home to Egyptian vultures, golden eagles and peregrine falcons as well as many other birds and wildlife species. Visitors to the park can also see the ruins of Peñaflor Castle, while the nearby towns of Arguedas and Valtierra have a variety of attractions and historical sites.

Barcelona Aquarium, Barcelona

Featuring thousands of brightly coloured and exotic fish, the Barcelona Aquarium is a must for children of all ages. With 35 different tanks holding creatures from different oceans, the aquarium houses a Mediterranean tank, tropical tank and an Oceanarium, which is the largest of its kind in Europe and features species such as giltheads, moray eels, sunfish, rays, sand tiger sharks and sandbar sharks.

Opening Times:
Open Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 9pm; Weekends and public holidays from 9.30am to 9.30pm; in June and September until 9.30pm, and in July and August until 11pm.

Admission:
EUR17,75 (adults); EUR12,75 (children). Concessions available

Montjuïc Castle (Castell de Montjuïc), Barcelona

Take the cable car up the hill to the Montjuïc Castle and enjoy the view over the city below. During the summer months many families can be found picnicking under the shade of a tree, and there is even a bar serving food, while just down from the drawbridge is a children's playground. The castle is also home to the Military Museum as well as the Museum of Comics and Illustration, a great place for the kids to enjoy looking at their favourite comic books.

Opening Times:
Open daily from 10am to 7pm. Closed on Mondays

Admission:
Free

Museum of Contemporary Art, Barcelona

The Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art is situated in the once-shabby Raval District, just off La Rambla. Over the years its front plaza has become synonymous with international skateboarders, being fondly known as the famous MACBA, drawing skaters and creatives from around the world to unite against the backdrop of its chic white building. Being a work of art in itself, the Museum of Contemporary Art was designed to monopolise on natural light and the cool airy interiors confidently hold the works of modern art luminaries such as Basquiat, Klee, Tàpies and Barcelò. A perfect union of two art forms, MACBA and her throng of talented skateboarders is a sight to be experienced.

Getting There:
Within walking distance La Ramblas and metro station Universitat or Catalunya

Opening Times:
11am to 7.30pm weekdays, 10am to 8pm Saturdays, 10am to 3pm Sundays and holidays. Closed Tuesdays, Christmas and New Years day. Extended opening hours in summer

Admission:
EUR7.50 (adults), EUR6 (concessions)

Parc de La Ciutadella, Barcelona

Located in the centre of Barcelona, the Parc de La Ciutadella is a great place to spend a sunny summer's afternoon relaxing under a tree with a book, a picnic and the family. Featuring a lake where visitors can hire a small rowboat, exploring the park and being out on the water is a fun way to unwind. The park also features a fountain, statues, a few museums, and the Barcelona Zoo, which is a good place to head when the novelty of rowing a boat has worn off!

Joan Miró Foundation, Barcelona

A celebration of the life and work of world-renowned Catalan surrealist sculptor and painter Joan Miró, the Joan Miró Foundation in Barcelona houses the majority of the artist's work including paintings, drawings, sculptures and textiles. Distinguished by his use of primary colours, simple lines and two-dimensional geometric shapes, Miro refused to be categorised into an established art movement and as a result continued to create unparalleled works of art. Another product of original artistic genius from Barcelona, the works of Miró at the Joan Miró Foundation allow visitors to further delve into the unrestrained creative energy of this exceptional city.

Getting There:
Funiculer from Paral-lel metro station, or Parc Montjuic bus 50, 55 or 193.

Opening Times:
Open Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 7pm (open till 8pm from July to September), Sunday from 10am to 2.30pm. Closed on Mondays

Admission:
EUR9 (adults), EUR6 (concessions)

Beaches, Barcelona

Many people forget that Barcelona is not only a big bustling city and cultural centre, but that it's bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, awarding the coastline a string of attractive beaches, an ideal diversion after excessive sightseeing and shopping. Visit the popular Barceloneta Beach only ten minutes from the city centre, where there are a selection of beach bars: cool down with a refreshing swim and marvel at the bizarre architecture of Homenatge a la Barcelonetaby Rebecca Horn. For more peace and quiet during the summer season venture a bit further, to either Icaria, Mar Bella or Stiges Beach, where the crowds will be thinner.

Getting There:
A twenty minute walk from La Ramblas or Barceloneta metro station, line 4

La Sagrada Família, Barcelona

One of Catalonia's most intriguing landmarks, the bizarre Church of the Holy Family designed by modernist architect Antoni Gaudi, was started in 1882, but it remains unfinished and an object of controversy. Gaudi worked on what was considered his masterpiece until his death in 1926, imbuing the structure with his characteristic Art Nouveau style. Work has continued sporadically since, but Gaudi left no plans for its completion and the continued construction has run rampant. The church site stands at the junction of Marina and Provenca streets in the central city area.

Getting There:
Metro to Sagrada Familia stop

Opening Times:
Daily from 9am to 6pm (October to March), 9am to 8pm (April to September), 9am to 2pm (25 and 26 December to 6 January).

Admission:
EUR12.50; free for children under 10 years. Concessions available.

Figueres, Barcelona

A wonderful day-trip destination from Barcelona, Figueres is a lovely Catalonian town that also happens to be the birthplace of surrealist artist Salvador Dali. The main reason for visiting Figueres is to see the Dali Theatre and Museum ( Teatre-Museu Dalí), a suitably bizarre-looking building - pink, studded, and crowned with enormous eggs - that was not only designed by Dali, but which houses a full spectrum of his imaginative output, from paintings to sculptures, 3D collages, mechanical devices, and weird and wonderful installations, such as a living-room with furniture that looks like the face of Mae West when viewed at a certain angle. The mortal remains of the artist are kept in the museum's basement. There is simply no better way to get an appreciation of Dali's genius than by visiting the Teatre-Museu Dalí, and - whether you end up loving or hating his creations - they are sure to keep you thinking and talking about them for months after your visit. Be warned that many of Dali's works are erotic or grotesque in nature, and may upset younger visitors.

Guell Park, Barcelona

Barcelona's famous architectural son, Antonio Gaudi, left his mark on the city nowhere more prominently than in the gardens of the Parc Guell. The park, sited on Camel Hill offering splendid views of the city, was originally planned to be a garden city suburb, but only two houses were completed before it was turned into a public recreational park. The gardens are festooned with examples of his work, including flights of stairs, columns and a plaza decorated with mosaics. The pink fairytale house standing at the entrance to the park was once home to Gaudi and his niece, but is now a museum containing some Gaudi-designed furniture, décor, drawings and portraits of the architect.

Getting There:
20 minutes walk from Lesseps Metro stop, or bus 24 from Placa de Catalunya drops you outside the main entrance

Opening Times:
Open daily from 10am to 7pm (closing times may vary depending on the season)

Admission:
Free, but guided tours are available

Picasso Museum, Barcelona

On Carrer Montcada, a street known for its elegant medieval structures, two palaces dating from the 15th century have been converted into the Picasso Museum, home to one of the most complete collections of works from his youth and formative years as an artist. Pablo Picasso spent his early years in Barcelona (between 1901 and 1906), and the museum is now one of the city's top attractions. The collection includes a number of childhood portraits and paintings, as well as engravings, drawings and art from his Blue and Rose Periods.

Getting There:
Metro to Jaume l, Liceu or Arc de Triomf stations; bus 17, 40 or 45 to Via Laietana or Jaume I bus stops, bus 39 or 51 to Passeig Picasso stop

Opening Times:
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 8pm

Admission:
EUR6 for main exhibition - extra for special showings. Free days on 11 February, 18 May and 24 September

FC Barcelona Museum and Stadium, Barcelona

FC Barcelona, one of Europe's most loved football teams, has an informative museum with displays of photographs, documents, memorabilia and trophies, covering over a century of club history, that will sate the fascination of even the most dedicated fan. Visitors also get the opportunity to explore the famous stadium on the Camp Nou Tour which takes fans to the heart of the club, the changing rooms, tunnel and Nou Camp pitch. With a panoramic view of the stadium from the grandstand, visitors can get a taste of the heady atmosphere of a FC Barcelona match on their home ground. The museum also has an official store where club jerseys, caps and accessories can be purchased.

Getting There:
Line 3 metro to Maria Cristina

Opening Times:
Open from Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6.30pm (till 8pm from 6 April to 4 October). Open on Sundays and public holidays from 10am to 2.30pm. Tours not available on days of league and Champions league matches, but the museum is still open until 3pm.

Admission:
Museum visit and Camp Nou Tour: EUR19 (adults), EUR15,50 (children). Concessions available

La Rambla, Barcelona

The most famous street in Europe, the wide tree-lined boulevard known as La Rambla (or Las Ramblas), is a long continuous pedestrian avenue that changes names five times as it cuts through Barcelona's 'old city', the Barri Gotic, from the Placa Catalunya to the city's port. It is lined with cafes, restaurants and shops, and is usually thronged with leisurely walkers enjoying the sights and sounds. Whilst walking around it is worthwhile to note some attractions along the way, including Gaudi's Guell Palace, his first big architectural assignment, and the pretty square of Placa Reial.

Tossa de Mar, Barcelona

The medieval town of Tossa de Mar, 56 miles (90km) north of Barcelona, is the most attractive town on the Costa Brava, offering lovely sandy beaches and a lively atmosphere. Once the main port for exporting cork, Tossa is now dependent on tourism. Visitors are drawn to its 12th century walled town, Vila Vella, the ancient walls, battlements and towers enclosing a quaint historical labyrinth. There are four beaches within the town itself and numerous others flanking Tossa on either side.

Montserrat, Barcelona

One of the most visited sights in Catalonia is the monastery at Montserrat, 35 miles (56km) northwest of Barcelona. The monastery is surrounded by strange rocky crags and caves, and was founded in 1025 to celebrate local visions of the Virgin Mary. It has become one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Spain, sitting atop a 4,000-foot (1,200m) high mountain and housing about 80 monks. Its main claim to fame is a 12th century Romanesque wooden sculpture of a black Virgin Mary known as La Moreneta, which thousands come here to see and touch. The monastery on its mountain perch is reached by cable car.

Getting There:
Train from Espanya station (one hour)

Admission:
Entry to the monastery is free, but the funicular ride to the Holy Grotto is EUR6

Tibidabo, Barcelona

Barcelona's second landmark hill is Tibidabo, about four miles (6km) northwest of the city in a wooded range that forms a backdrop to the city. Tibidabo can be reached by funicular, and is particularly popular on weekends with locals because it is home to the Parc d'Atraccions, an amusement park with some thrill rides and a renowned house of horrors. Tibidabo also features the soaring Torre de Collserola telecommunications tower, which offers visitors the chance to ride in a glass lift to an observation platform 377 feet (115m) high to enjoy a spectacular view. There is also a large, interesting church called Temple del Sagrat Cor surmounted by a giant Christ statue, which also offers a lift to a rooftop viewing platform.

Opening Times:
Open from 12pm to 6pm except in February. Tibidabo is usually only open on Saturdays and Sundays but there are extended trading hours and days during summer.

Montjuic, Barcelona

Montjuic is a hill overlooking the city centre of Barcelona on which are sited some of the city's show-pieces, including the main sites of the 1992 Olympics; the Poble Espanyol (a replicated Spanish village displaying art and architecture); the Joan Miro museum; and the National Art Museum of Catalonia. There are also some leisure attractions and cool green parks festooned with fountains, popular for strolls on summer evenings. The magical fountains of Montjuic are a popular attraction that entertain on summer evenings with displays of light, colour and music. Accessible by cable car from Montjuic, the Barceloneta port district is below the hill. This former fishing village is now renowned for its seafood restaurants and beach, which is lined with boardwalks and cafes.

Barri Gòtic, Barcelona

Known as the Gothic Quarter, the Barri Gòtic is Barcelona's oldest district. A former fortified Roman settlement, the maze of atmospheric narrow streets house spectacular Gothic buildings and cathedrals, marking the city's heyday during the 14th and 15th centuries. There are many significant sights to visit in this pedestrianised quarter, the most illustrious being the immense Gothic Cathedral La Seu, with its breathtaking façade and serene cloister. With an assortment of shops and delightful sidewalk cafés in a picturesque setting, the Barri Gòtic is a worthwhile day out. To view the remains of this ancient Roman city, once known as Barcino, visit the Museu d'Història de la Ciutat in the Palau Real, where Roman streets are still visible in the extensive cellar.

Getting There:
Lines 1 and 3 to Catalunya metro station

La Pedrera (Casa Milà), Barcelona

Another fantastic construction by the creative genius Antonio Gaudi, Casa Mila, commonly known as La Pedrera, was the last civil work that Gaudi undertook before dedicating all his time to the assembly of La Sagrada Família. The building demonstrates the signature style of Gaudi with elaborate designs, globular shapes, assorted sculptures, colourful tiles and intricate details. Built between 1906 and 1912, the distinct architecture of La Pedrera and her counterparts was unconventional and unheard of in the popular Spanish architecture of the time. Renowned for its attractive rippled façade, visitors to La Pedrera can also witness a spectacular panoramic view from the rooftop as well as some eccentric signature-style chimneys.

Getting There:
Diagonal metro station

Opening Times:
Daily from 10am to 8pm. Closed 1 January, 25 and 26 December

Admission:
EUR10 (adults), EUR6 (concessions)