Hotel Rivoli Ramblas

Barcelona, the capital city of Catalunya, is an astonishingly uplifting city. It is a tantalising blend of eccentric architecture, cultural dynamism and contemporary sophistication.

Since the brilliant staging of the 1992 Olympics the city has gone from strength to strength, forged on by a reinvented civil pride, and now ranks as one of the in-vogue cities if Europe.

The best way to sample the flavour of Barcelona is to take a wander down the famous las Ramblas. Cutting a swath through the centre of the city, this is a long tree-lined pedestrianised avenue that runs from the Plaça Catalunya to the Columbus monument at the edge of the water. All along this fascinating street are spectacular flower stalls, local vendors and mime artist plus plenty of opportunities to get your portrait painted. On the way, do not miss La Boqueria, the main food market of the city, or the opportunity to visit the stunning new museum of contemporary art. Just off Las Ramblas is the elegant Plaça Reial, a 19th century square with a pretty fountain and pal trees, and numerous sleepy restaurants and bars that fill during the evening. At the end of Las Ramblas is the 19th century monument to Christopher Columbus, which has now become one of the identifying symbols of Barcelona.

No visit to Barcelona would be completed without seeing some of the work of architect Antoni Gaudi. His most famous is Sagrada Familia, which is simply quite unlike anything else. Begun in 1882 and still less than half-complete, this is one of the most characteristic buildings of the city. If you have a head for heights, climb to the top of the building for spectacular views over Barcelona. Also worth a visit is the Olympic stadium and park, a fine testimony to the Olympic spirit. And if all this proves too exhausting, then simply relax on the beautiful beaches near the Port Olympic.

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