Barcelona: Coastal Bliss

Introduction

One of the most unique and culturally-rich metropolitan areas in all of Europe, Barcelona is the gem of Spain's Iberian Peninsula.

While it's been a hip spot for centuries--numerous kingdoms have occupied it dating back to the Ancient Romans--Barcelona's tourism has seen a boost since the city hosted the 1992 Summer Olympic Games. In preparation for that event government officials modernized much of the city and opened up a number of beaches and ports, making the coastal city even more palatable for travelers. The city is renowned for its nightlife, with revelers partying well into the dawn of the next day.

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, an autonomous community of northeast Spain that counts more than 7 million inhabitants. Thus, the city is inherently rife with diversity--your McDonald's menu will probably come in both Spanish and Catalan, as both are the official languages. 

What to See

Probably the go-to recommendation for first-time visitors, La Rambla is a large walking stretch that leads into the coast. It features a dizzying array of restaurants, shops and street performers. Things get a little pricey, but it often feels worth the extra euros if you're able to snag a seat in an outdoor setting and sample some of the finest seafood in the world, with street entertainers and the sun over the ocean all within view. If you want to sample some cheaper and often better food, check out some of the side streets of La Rambla.

Barcelona features some of the most stunning architecture on the planet, as different eras and an assortment of inhabitants have contributed to make the urban area look like several different cities in one. A shining example is the Sagrada Familia Cathedral, a jarring, castle-like structure that begun as a project by famous architect Antoni Gaudi and is still being completed  to this day. For a few euros, you can ride the elevator and gaze at the city from above. Sagrada Familia is an absolute must for visitors.