Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is on the Mediterranean, near the French border. From the southern tip of the city, heading northeast, there are many beaches where you can have a drink, laze about in the sun, or simply watch the people walking by. Near the beaches, you'll find the Parc de la Ciutadella, with a zoo and a lake and the Catalan Parliament. In the northern part of the city, you can hike around several parks, including Antoni Gaudi's Parc Güell. This park is full of stone sculptures and buildings, twisting monuments and tiled facades, all constructed in the naturalist Art Nouveau style Gaudi helped make famous.
If you stroll along the Passeig de Gràcia, an avenue full of interesting architecture, you can visit two of Gaudi's most famous buildings: the Casa Batillo, an apartment building he remolded, and the Casa Mila, also know as La Pedrera, with its rippling facade and wavy roof.
Gaudi's most well-known building is La Sagrada Família, or the Temple of the Holy Family. It's a massive church, with giant towers looming over the city. Construction began in the late 19th century, and it's still ongoing. The construction is funded by private donations that pay for work on the towers and other artistic and structural designs, both inside and out.
In the center, there's the Ciutat Vella (Old City), where you can visit the main cathedral in the Gothic Quarter, and wind your way around the small alleys toward the assorted churches and squares. And or course there's La Rambla, a street where you'll see a myriad of tourists and street performers, as well as several open-air flower and pet markets. Just next to the old town is El Born, a neighborhood full of cafes, meandering alleys and boutique clothing shops. You'll also find the Picasso museum there. Be prepared to wait on line to get in--it's popular.
The Port Olimpic, created for the 1992 Summer Olympics, is right next to the beach, just north of La Barceloneta, one of Barcelona's oldest neighborhoods. Its narrow streets jut out into the sea. To the north of the old town is Eixample, a vast barrio added on to the city. There you'll find bars, shops and restaurants.
Montjuïc is a hill overlooking the city, reminiscent of the Rock of Gibraltar, where you'll come across the Magic Fountain, in front of the Plaça d'Espanya. The fountain lights up at night, shooting and swaying its water jets to the tunes of moderns and classics. You'll also be able to tour the National Palace (Palau Nacional) and walk through the gardens, and then visit some of the structures left behind from the Olympics.
At night, there are bars, clubs and restaurants all over the city for you to enjoy. You can drink Catalan and Spanish wine while trying some hearty Catalan cuisine. Eateries and bars are open until late. You'll need several days to visit most of the highlights in Barcelona. The more time you have to wander, there more you'll be able to see.
