Where is it?
Barcelona is in North Eastern Spain.
Where should I be heading?
Barcelona is an incredibly vast city so allow yourself a good few days if you want to take in all the most important attractions.  There is something for everyone in Barcelona.  It’s rich with food markets, littered with street front restaurants and has it’s own Oxford Street in the form of La Rambla.  Displaying some of the most incredible architecture too will guarantee you a jam packed holiday.
Entry requirements:
Regular passport - no visa for EU citizens.  Check your consulate if you're outside the European Union.
Health:
Because of the scorching summer temperatures, for your own health it’s important to take plenty of sun tan lotion and apply liberally.
Top 5 things to do:
1.  La Rambla – the most famous walkway in Spain.  You’ll find everything from street stalls selling unusual gifts, to street performers and the wonderful smell of food wafting from all of the open air cafes, all leading down to the port.
2. Parc Güel – Barcelona’s distinct architecture comes courtesy of famous architect Antoni Gaudí and has to be seen to be believed.  Colourful and original, the park contains amazingly built pavillions, sculptures and a huge stairway with the famous lizard reconstruction.
3.  Poble Espanyol – this is an intricately designed village to show differing architectural styles from all over Spain.  Amongst its open squares, archways and winding lanes, you can find unusual gift shops and places to stop for a cerveza!
4.  La Sagrada Família – this has got to be the most amazing Cathedral you will ever see in your lifetime.  Still under construction following the death of Gaudí, it’s one of the hottest tourist spots in Barcelona and if you are brave enough you can climb the 400 winding stairs to the top – not for the faint hearted!
5.  Parc de la Ciutadella – near the old city and waterfront lies this tranquil park where you can escape the blazing sunshine, relax in the shade and see some stunning waterfall displays set to music at dusk.
Is it expensive?
Relatively cheap for most things, including food.  To travel on the Metro is dirt cheap too, so it’s worth taking advantage of, considering they play music while you wait and it’s fully air conditioned.
What's the food like?
You can’t eat in Barcelona without indulging in fried squid rings and experimenting with tapas.  The heat will have you frequently stopping for cheap cervezas too!
Is it safe to drink the water?
More convenient to drink mineral water.  Besides, prevention is better than cure.
What are the toilets like?
Dotted around here and there, and fairly clean, but not that many of them.
What to wear:
Shorts and a t-shirt.  The evenings are very warm too, but maybe for the sea front you might need to wrap up a little!
Best time to visit:
If it’s hot weather you want then summer time is best, but do take into account that Spain is a popular holiday destination and it gets very crowded.
Don't miss:
If you can organise a tour outside of Barcelona then make sure you get to Montserrat, high in the Catalonian mountains.  There’s a spectacular monastery there now occupied by Benedictine Monks.  Lots of tourist shops and a breathtaking Funicular ride can be taken too.
Most overrated thing:
Spanish chocolate…not as good as the home grown stuff!
(5/5)

Photos: Mojo

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