Barcelona is the capital city of Catalonia, Spain, and is a city with a rich history. If you are looking for a city which has a beautiful Mediterranean feel, Barcelona is the city for you. The city of Barcelona lies between the rivers Besos and Llobregat. The city lies about 160 kilometers south of the Pyrenees Mountains. The city has a population of just over 1.5 million people, while the metropolitan area is just over 4 million people. Legends say that the city of Barcelona was founded by the Carthaginian general Hamilcar Barca, the father of the famous military general Hannibal. In 15 BC the city was captured by the Romans and named Cestrum. The city has also been conquered by the Visigoths, the Moors, and Charlemagne. Today Barcelona has transformed itself from a bland city into one of the most vibrant cities in Europe. Summer is a great time for parties, and the city is on the cutting edge of food, fashion, and architecture. Spring and early summer are the best times to visit. Travelers to Barcelona will want to visit La Rambla and Barri Gtic, a part of the city that has a medieval look which will take you back hundreds of years. In February and March, there is a ten day parade for those who like to dance, and very beautiful dresses are showcased. The city of Barcelona celebrates approximately 15 holidays each year, which means there are many days of fun and other festivities. At the end of September a major holiday is celebrated called the Festes de la Merce, which features a lot of concerts and dancing. When eating at restaurants in Barcelona, you are not expected to tip on top of the service charges you will have to pay for your meals, though you may want to leave a small amount. Barcelona has an excellent Mediterranean cuisine, using seafood, meat, fruits, and vegetables. No matter what budget you're on for food, you will find something in Barcelona which suits your tastes and needs. Barcelona is much more affordable than other large European cities. If you are a frugal traveler you can get around Barcelona for 20 euros a day. Hotels like the Hotel Jazz provide quality lodging combined with a low cost, a great value for travelers. Making purchases with plastic in Barcelona is very easy, though you can also have your currency changed. It is also advisable to watch your money carefully, as theft is a common problem in the city. |
