Continuing my countdown having already covered numbers three to fifteen (4, Santiago de Compostela 5. Córdoba 6. Valencia 7. Segovia 8. Bilbao 9. Madrid 10. Toledo 11. Cádiz 12. Vitoria-Gasteiz 13. Palma, 14. Denia & 15. Malaga).

Barcelona

What can one say about the capital of Catalonia that has not been written already?

All that is said to be great about the city is all true – the uniquely decorated architecture of Antoni Gaudi (Parc Guell, Casa Batllo, Casa Milà, Sagrada Familia), the chilled Port Olimpic area with its golden sands and ambient bars, the lively street known as Las Ramblas with its eclectic entertainers and colourful food market, the medieval narrow streets & alleyways and picturesque squares of the Barri Gotic, the lively shopping districts and much more besides.

I have visited a dozen times including our honeymoon on the first visit in 2000 and for football matches for the last two in 2014 & 15. I never tire of the place, there is so much to do and such a special vibe to the city.

Gaudi Architecture

Port Olimpic Area

I have visited a dozen times including our honeymoon on the first visit in 2000 and for football matches for the last two in 2014 & 15. I never tire of the place, there is so much to do and such a special vibe to the city.

On the first night ever in Barcelona, we stayed at the gorgeous Hotel Arts in the Port Olimpic area where our lofty room looked out through huge windows to the Mediterranean far below.

The Ritz Carlton hotel was damned expensive, but well worth it. I have never seen such beautiful flowers in a hotel, flowers that were changed twice a day to ensure that their form and aromas were always in peak condition.

The area is Barcelona’s answer to Miami’s Ocean Drive with plenty of bars and hotels stone’s throw from the golden sands. If only I could roller skate!

Barcelona FC

The football club are possibly the most famous in the world, vying probably with arch rivals Real Madrid and Manchester United (yuk!) for that title.

I have twice seen my beloved Manchester City play (and lose) at the Nou Camp. Despite the defeats, the experience was wonderful and I would urge you to experience it one day if you can, even if you do not particularly like football.

Barri Gotic & Las Ramblas

Barcelona also contains one of our favourite restaurants in the world (El Gran Cafe in the Barri Gotic) as well as plenty of other excellent dining and drinking establishments. Great coffee too!

Barcelona’s main cathedral is also situated in the district.

Adjacent to the ancient district is the ever popular Las ramblas (beware of pickpockets) – very touristy but also home to a brilliantly vibrant indoor market.

Round & About Barcelona

You can take a funicular up into the hills for stunning views, run side trips to the likes of party town Sitges or the serene splendour of Montserrat monastery or even visit a cava chateau on the city’s outskirts.

The best thing to do in Barcelona though is just to wander, hopping on the odd bus or tram to make sure you pack as much into your visit to the wonderful city as possible.