A visit to Barcelona is an assault on the senses.  It is both a trip back in time and a march through the present, with an amazing view of European life buzzing all around you.  The city is filled with sites to see and things to experience.  There are picturesque parks galore, filled with labyrinthine gardens and lush forests, like the Park Laberint, the Park Guinardó, or the Jardins Mossèn Costa i Llobera.  There are numerous museums showcasing priceless collections from the Spanish masters like Picasso and Miró.  There are beaches perched on the shores of the crystal blue Mediterranean Sea, populated with stylish restaurants and clubs nearby.  Visit the largest aquarium in Europe, the L’Aquàrium, and see all of the beauty that the Mediterranean has to offer.  Spend some time shopping for designer clothing and priceless antiques at one of Barcelona’s many chic shopping centers.

When your day of sightseeing and wandering the streets of this magical city is done, become part of Barcelona’s rousing nightlife.  The theatre scene is quite impressive, featuring the work of regional and international playwrights, and musical and dance performances.  There are bars, discos, and clubs plentifully spread throughout the city, all with something new and different to offer.  There are a variety of atmospheres and musical styles to suit any taste.  And don’t miss out on one of the charming street side cafes, where you can sip an espresso under the stars.

Barcelona’s calendar is well stocked with festivals and events that are sure to excite and entertain.  In February and March, the 10-day Carnavale festival features wild street parties and parades.  In June through August, the Festival del Grec features theatrical performances, and plenty of music and dancing throughout the city.  There is also an annual jazz festival in October and November, where the streets of Barcelona come alive with the sounds of cool jazz and the blues.

Barcelona is active with visitors nearly all year round.  The best times to visit Barcelona are in the spring and early summer, before the summer heat gets too hard to take.  The city is still quite active, but the number of tourists is not as high as in the middle of the summer, and the weather is very nice.  The fall and winter are also a nice time to visit, the weather begins to cool, but it is not uncomfortably cold.  When it rains in Barcelona, it pours.  But this is made up for with the abundant sunshine during the rest of the year, and ample opportunities to enjoy the sidewalk cafes and scenic views of the sea.

The city of Barcelona is a surprisingly stylish and modern city surrounded by reminders of a colorful and ancient past.  It is an ideal place to learn, to party, and to relax.  In recent years, Barcelona has raised its profile to become one of the premier destinations in Spain, and should not be missed if you want to experience warm and gregarious people, stunning sights, and lively festivals and celebrations.  Barcelona is absolutely a city for the people!