The ever popular Spanish city of Barcelona is deservingly held in high regard by many tourists, backpackers, thrill seekers, night clubbers and long weekend break lovers alike. Visitors are spoilt for choice, as there are many cool hotels Barcelona has to offer, as well as unusual hotels Barcelona has hidden away to be found by eager travellers. A cultural hub, with a relaxed and sunny atmosphere, Barcelona is Spain’s second city, after the capital, Madrid, but often gains most of the accolades.

It is incredibly accessible, with major road, rail, sea and air routes helping to bring in visitors and place it in the top 5 most visited cities in Europe. The 1992 Olympic Games shone a global spotlight on Barcelona, and it has gone from strength to strength in the years that have followed. It is now a respected business hub, as well as cultural centre.

Its location – in the north of Spain, but on the Mediterranean coast – means that it is afforded great weather, with long dry summer and mild winters. The city attracts variety of holiday makers, but all are able to experience the varied attractions it has to offer. From sandy beaches to towering cathedrals, from quirky museums to green open parks, Barcelona has so much to see that visitors will want to stay for a long weekend at least.

Visitors will not be stuck for transportation, as the city boasts a metro system, a bus network, three tram networks, two cable cars, and even a city-wide bicycle hire scheme! A densely populated city, Barcelona can sometimes seem a little overwhelming for first time visitors. Get your bearings by jumping aboard a hop-on hop-off bus. These travel in circuits around the city, allowing you to get on and off at all of the major attractions, and see some of the more out of reach places Barcelona has to offer.