As the owner of Barcelona... I welcome you to one of the most cultural places on the planet, its history is vast and deep, so if its sightseeing you’re after, this is the place to go!

Barcelona is the capital and the most populous city of the Autonomous Community of Catalonia and the second largest city in Spain, with a population of 1,615,908 in 2008.

It is located on the Mediterranean coast between the mouths of the rivers Llobregat and Besòs and is bounded to the west by the Serra de Collserola ridge.

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THINGS TO DO

- La Rambla (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Rambla,_Barcelona)

One of the most famous boulevards in the world, La Rambla is worth a stroll down even if you only have one day in Barcelona. A gateway to rural Catalonia, the mile-long road bustles with tourists, artists, human statues, fortune-tellers, dancers and musicians. Vibrant flower stalls, a cultural and exhibition centre, the superb La Boqueria market, a Joan Miró mosaic, newspaper kiosks and cafés line the street. You may pay a fortune to sip a cola at a roadside café but the people-watching opportunities will be worth the price.

- Gaudí's grand designs (http://www.sagradafamilia.cat/)

Barcelona is most famous for the fantastical architecture of Antonio Gaudi, whose building are scattered all around the centre of the city. The most famous and impressive can be seen along Passieg De Gracia where you will find La Pedrera and Casa Batlló . Or head to the Parc Guell which is a gorgeous parc designed by the man himself. However the most impressive of Gaudi´s works is arguably the Sagrada Familia, the huge, still unfinished temple You can’t fail to be humbled by such an imposing and ambitious project, the detail on the exterior walls is just staggering, but beware, if you are scared of heights don’t be tempted to climb to the top of the turrets.

- Museum of Modern Art (http://www.macba.cat)

Speaks for itself, with permanent Picasso and Dali exhibitions and forever changing it is worth checking the website or a local tour guide for information on what they have on at the time.

- Parc Ciutadella (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parc_de_la_Ciutadella)

The Zoo in Parc Ciutadella, the zoo is large and will provide a days easy entertainment for kids and adults. Or there is the aquarium which is the largest in Europe and is always fun. But if wildlife isn't your thing then a romantic stroll through here is always nice.

- Barcelona FC, Nou Camp (http://www.fcbarcelona.com/)

In few places in the world will you find a city whose existence is so closely related to its football team as you will in Barcelona. Every other weekend when FC Barcelona play at home in their 98,000 seater stadium, Nou Camp Stadium. Come when there is no game and you can wander down to the club's official museum and souvenir shop as well as taking a guided tour of the stadium's facilities.

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PLACES TO EAT

Barcelona has great food, there is no doubt about it. You can get anything you want from international food to Catalan favourites, tapas to seafood platters.

- Euskal Etxea (http://euskaletxeak.org/)

A Basque cultural centre and the best of the city's many pintxo bars. Help yourself to dainty jamón serrano croissants, chicken tempura with saffron mayonnaise, melted provolone with mango and crispy ham, or a mini-brochette of pork.

- Cinc Sentits (http://www.cincsentits.com/en/)

Talented Canadian-Catalan chef Jordi Artal shows respect for local classics, while adding a personal touch in dishes such as a Palamós prawn in ajoblanco with cherries and an ice-cream made from their stones. To finish, save room for the artisanal Catalan cheeses or the 'false egg' with white chocolate around a passionfruit yolk.

- Botafumeiro (http://tiny.cc/5g36r)

The speciality at this vast Galician restaurant is seafood in every shape and form, served with military precision by a fleet of nautically clad waiters. The sole cooked in cava with prawns is superb, as are more humble dishes such as a cabbage and pork broth typical of the region. The platter of seafood is an excellent introduction to the various molluscs of the Spanish coastline. It can be hard to get a table at peak times, but the kitchen is open all day.

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PLACES TO STAY

- Hotel Arts Hotel Barcelona (http://www.hotelartsbarcelona.com/)

Hotel Arts Barcelona is one of the most popular 5 Star Luxury Hotels in the city. Owned by the Palace Carlton group it offers you modern and high quality accommodation right on the sea front.

- Grand Marina Hotel (http://www.grandmarinahotel.com/)

Based near the Port Vell area of Barcelona this hotel is ideally placed for easy access to the heart of Barcelona city centre. This hotel offers great views of the marina area and the hotel customer service is first class.

- Le Meridien (http://www.starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien)

Based on the Ramblas you couldn't get more central a location in Barcelona.

- Mediterranean Youth Hostel (http://tiny.cc/uuglp)

The coolest hostel in Barcelona center! Completely reformed in 2009, everything is new. Our Hostel is located in the centre of Barcelona next to Plaza Catalunya, Ramblas and Gaudi buildings in a peaceful area.