Barcelona is Spain's second largest city, with a population of nearly one and half million people (nearly five million in the metropolitan area) and the capital, largest city of Catalonia.
This beautiful city is full of what European cities are known for (outdoor markets, restaurants, shops, museums and churches) and is fantastic for walking with an extensive and reliable Metro system for more far-flung destinations. The core center of town, focused around the Ciutat Vella ("Old City") provides days of enjoyment for those looking to experience the life of Barcelona while the beaches the city was built upon provide sun and relaxation during the long periods of agreeably warm weather.
August is probably the busiest time in Barcelona; at the same time about 10% of shops and restaurants can be found closed from mid-August to early September, when the owners go on vacations.You'll find cheap accommodation and a much quieter city as a vast majority of Spaniards go on vacation in August. Business is low, people from Barcelona tend to be on vacation, hotels that remain open but don't have their business customers tend to lower prices and make offers.
Activities in Barcelona:
- Las Ramblas or La Rambla, a gorgeous tree-lined pedestrian walkway,
- Cruise miles of beachfront boardwalk starting from Barceloneta or get a tan on the beach.
- Sit on a wooden bridge to Maremagnum in Ciutat Vella
- Wander the Barri Gotic in Ciutat Vella, the largely intact pseudo-medieval center of the city.
- Enjoy your Sangria at La Plaça Reial in Ciutat Vella, near the La Rambla Street. Great place to sit,relax and drink. While visiting La Placa Reial
- Walk in Born in Ciutat Vella, a very popular area with great restaurants and places to have a few drinks.
- Visit a Flamenco Show in a real tablao.
- Ride the Cable Way to get from the sea front to Montjuïc mountain in Sants-Montjuïc
- Catch a performance at the beautiful Teatre del Liceu or the Palau de la Musica Catalana both in Ciutat Vella.
- Rent a bike or join a Biketour and get to see the highlights of the city in a different way.
- Join a Barcelona photography walk or masterclass in English
- Go see some of the famous or small unknown galleries or some mueseums (Museum of Natural History - in the Forum - Museu Blau, CosmoCaixa: Museum of Science - Amazing museum for kids from 4-5 onwards. Adults will really enjoy it also,Tibidabo Amusement Park)
