The second largest city in Spain (after Madrid) and the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona is the perfect destination for a long weekend. Just a short 2-hour flight away from London, the city offers beaches, nightlife, restaurants and sightseeing all in close proximity.
In the city centre itself, the Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter) is home to many ancient buildings, some dating back to Roman times. Many of the area’s twisting little streets are closed to most cars, making it a perfect place to wander slowly and appreciate the wide variety of impressive architecture.
One of Catalonia’s most famous sons, architect Antoni Gaudi, built his as yet unfinished masterwork here, the Sagrada Familia. This large Roman Catholic Church is unique in its design, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as is Parc Guell which features his designs set into large landscaped gardens.
There are seven beaches along the coast of Barcelona, totalling 2.8 miles of coastline, meaning that even in summer there is space to sit. The city centre is walkable, with a good metro service too, making getting around the main tourist sites easy.
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