Barcelona is rightly regarded as one of Europe’s premiere
destinations for short breaks. The capital of the Catalonia
region of Spain sits adjacent to the azure seas of the Mediterranean
and, as this article will discuss, has plenty of enticing
things to do. Luckily, finding rooms at any number of high
quality, yet cheap
hotels in this historic and beautiful city is very simple
indeed.
Whether you are visiting the city on a weekend break or
are planning to stay for longer, once you have stepped off
the plane at Barcelona Airport you will find yourself in
a city awash with contradictions. While Barcelona is most
certainly a haven for chic, modern fashion outlets and a
magnet for nightlife lovers from across the globe, it is
also a city that boasts some of the most outstanding and
historic architecture you will find anywhere in the World
and a welcoming local population that has not lost touch
with its cultural roots.
The first step in your journey will most probably be to
locate your hotel. There is a plethora of Barcelona
hotels, ranging from budget up to five star. Indeed,
the variety is wide enough to meet the requirements and
budgets of all types of people travelling to the city.
For an elegant five star experience in contemporary surroundings,
you can try out the Hotel Melia, complete with its own Yhi
Wellness spa featuring a pool, sauna and a variety of beauty
treatments and massages. A 24-hour gym is also included
in the price and there is a fantastic Mediterranean restaurant
onsite as well as a stylish bar for after-dinner drinks.
It truly is one of the most sumptuous hotels
in Barcelona!
Cheaper, but no less enticing, is the four star Hotel Derby,
situated in the busy shopping and office district of the
city. Centrally appointed and ideal for those wishing to
live at the very heart of the city, the Hotel Derby offers
contemporary themed rooms as well as the use of the Gran
Derby Hotel swimming pool, situated just 10m from the hotel.
Alternatively, if you prefer to be well away from the hustle
and bustle of city life, or are travelling on a modest budget,
then the three star Sant Pere II Hotel in the village of
Ruby, 17km from Barcelona, is a perfect choice. Although
this cheap hotel is located amidst the rural tranquillity
of Catalonia, it is still possible to conveniently make
the journey into Barcelona.
One of the many reasons to visit this enchanting, cosmopolitan
city is to witness first-hand the work of Gaudi. As you
walk through the streets the architect’s genius is ever-present.
However, it is most obviously visible in the spectacular
and undeniably beautiful La Sagrada Familia. It is incredible
to think that this magnificent church is still not complete
and that it won’t be finished until 2026, 100 years after
the death of its designer.
Gaudi’s exquisite handiwork can also be viewed across the
city at the Park Guell, Palau Guell, Casa Mila, Casa Vicens
and the Casa Batllo, all of which have been listed as World
Heritage Sites for their outstanding design, historical
importance and beauty.
Art lovers will also find plenty of places to explore in
this charismatic city. From the National Art Museum of Catalonia
and its renowned collection of Romanesque art, to the Picasso
Museum that contains some of the most important and historic
works of art by this famous painter. Visitors who love the
splash oil on canvas are spoiled by the wealth of options
available in Barcelona.
Several other museums, such as the Museum of the History
of Catalonia, the Archaeology Museum of Catalonia and the
Barcelona Maritime Museum all offer an insight into the
fascinating history of this rich and diverse area.
However, this city does not only cater for art lovers and
historian; there are a large number of contemporary activities
and attractions that will draw excited gasps of enthusiasm
from those with more modern tastes.
One such attraction is the science museum Cosmocaixa, which
was winner of the European Museum of the Year award in 2006.
This attraction brings science to life via a variety of
interactive displays, in a range of languages, and it has
become a huge attraction for visitors to the city. So too
is L’Aquarium de Barcelona, which is situated in the old
harbour and gives a fascinating look at marine life from
across the globe. The aquarium has attracted a staggering
14 million visitors since it opened and features the only
‘oceanarium’ in Europe containing a vast array of sea creatures.
There are in total well over 11,000 animals to discover
on your trip through the building.
Of course, if Barcelona is synonymous with one thing, then
for many it would be football. The city is the home of the
world famous FC Barcelona. Their ground, the Camp Nou, is
open for tours at selected times and has quickly become
one of the most popular attractions in the city.
Visitors to the stadium are able to learn about the roots
of the club and its history through the ages as well as
discovering the role it has played politically in Spain.
It is also possible to tour the breathtaking arena that
is the Camp Nou itself and visit the dressing rooms that
have housed some of the greatest players in football history.
Tours of the club provide fans of the club and of the game
with a wonderful opportunity to visit one of the true cathedrals
of world football.
With so many hotels available to suit the needs of visitors
and hundreds of attractions across the city, not to mention
some of the finest shops, bars and restaurants available
in Europe, all of which are situated next to the golden
beaches of the Mediterranean, you will not be short of places
to stay or things to do when you book that memorable trip
to Barcelona.
