Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is one of my favorite cities in Europe, definitely an underrated spot on the continent. Lots of interesting modern and post-modern art dots the city, making it a feast to the eye. Picasso's influence abounds here. But they have taken the time to preserve their medieval heritage, as they have one of the largest Gothic neighborhoods in all of Europe. Nearby is the famous La Rambla, which is the city's main tourist drag. Lots of expensive, bad fixed price restaurants in that area, also be very careful for pick-pockets there.

I was in Barcelona late Sept. 2009 and was impacted by how densely populated and diverse it was. My hotel was on the Placa Universitat between the Gothic Quarter and Eixample, so smack in the middle. The streets were packed till the wee hours--it was La Merce festivities so you can imagine. It's a young and energetic city. I noticed a diligent but futile effort of keeping the streets clean. Barca's rich in beautiful architecture. It's people come across as aloof, artsy, and lively. The city is a social, cultural, historical and architectural confluence not to be missed.

Barcelona is a very beautiful city. It has Spanish charm as well as being easily accessible to tourists, well signposted with plenty of restaurants, bars and fast food outlets. I would recommend it to anyone for a short break or holiday.

TOrnem-hi! Barcelona no és Espanya!!!

Com a mínim resalten que BCN va ser el centre del moviment anarquista durant la guerra civil...

The heart of the Catalan culture and the capital of the Mediterranean coast, Barcelona is a vibrant and busy place. It was an anarchist stronghold before and during the Civil War, and I have wondered about the descendants of the anarchists in Barcelona. What do they do and what do they think?

This city has it all: history, style, modernism, bohemian air, friendly locals. As with many other European cities, Barcelona could really use an anti-smoking campaign. Note: Barcelona is also home to the music festival Primavera Sound - anyone interested in indi music should not miss this festival.

It is a fun city and probably the most international city in Spain. People going for a trip to Europe can't miss this city. Nice beaches with bars (called chiringuitos) by the Mediterranean sea. A lot of nice museums and all the Gaudi's works of art everywhere. Don't forget to visit the Sagrada Familia and the park Guell. The drawback is that, as the rest of Europe is becoming really expensive. A beer can cost up to $15

It has it all, killer architecture, a beach, great food, cute people, history, modernity, clubs, shopping...a must!

Once the very center of genuine civilization (1936-1939), Barcelona has many great historical places to visit (and  it's not quite as culturally dead as New York City) but gentrification has taken its toll.

Beautiful is beautiful,but also noisy and polluted. Great Gaudi and transports!

Barcelona is AMAZING!!! I just spent four days out there and the place is just beautiful.  What makes this city so beautiful and unique is the lovely historical architecture, beaches, food, Port Aventura and most of all the nice hotels that overlook the sea.I'm most definitely going back there and I would advise people to go here to get a real taste of Spain.

Eat tappas (late at night), drink sangria, visit anything by Gaudi (especially Casa Batllo), enjoy the fabulous shopping.  I enjoyed every moment of my 5-day trip there.

Loved Barcelona, had a very traumatic experience with the police. The Olympic Village has its own port security which has an appalling reputation. I would avoid this area, especially at night.

Definately the Capital of Europe and the Mediterranean! It is a great city full of life. Spaniards know how to have fun. Come here and you will not be disappointed. Many people whine about their purses got stolen or something like that, but that can happen in any big city and its just a matter of bad luck, so don't judge a whole city just on bad experience.

One of the best cities in Europe. It has something for everyone. Its very clean for such a big city and people there are great!

Most amazing city I've ever seen. What an experience. Recommend this city for everyone to visit.

Hippest place to be...so much going on and a wonderfully clean and artistic city.

Big, overwhelming at times, but easy enough to navigate. The beaches are better outside of the city, but the food and night-life are worth it.

i had so much fun there... gaudì's architechture is amazing!!! (i liked the sagrada familia the least). even the more recent buildings are beautiful, such a pretty city!!!!!!

A beutiful city, many things to do. People were moderately friendly, but diffently not as friendly as people in Seville and Toledo. We got a great deal at the Hotel Americana. The staff spoke execellent English and were very helpful. The room was absolutely beutiful and clean. We were in town when at the same time a large antiwar protest broke out. Being Americans we were reluctant to venture out to find something for dinner. The staff ordered a pizza from pizza hut for us.

An amazing place. Very very vibrant and always a buzz right through the city. The Barcelonians/Catalans were great. Deserves more than 5 stars.

The craziest city that I've ever visited with a lot things to do. The biggest attraction is the Sagrada Família Cathedral.

I've heard mixed reviews from friends of mine who have been here, but I can't say enough about my five days in Barcelona. I went there alone on a whim, not knowing what to expect. I didn't want to leave... everything was so incredible! Gaudi's architecture, La Sagrada Familia church, the city parks, Parc Guell, the port area on the Mediterranian Sea.... amazing. It got to the point where I decided to challenge the city to show me something that wasn't beautiful, so I got on the subway and got off at a random stop. I came up the subway stairs to find a massive fountain and a huge cobblestone plaza. Visit Barcelona sometime in your life. You won't be disappointed.

Beautiful city. I found it friendly and easy to find my way around.

A beautiful city with lots to do. I loved the Gaudi cathedral.

really interesting city, especially its architecture (the "sagrada familia" cathedral, and bofill's buildings, and all built for the 1992 olympics). Like the rest of spanish main cities, crazy nights, and a little bit crazy people :)

Barcelona is my second favorite city in Europe, right after Prague. First of all, the women are absolutely beautiful, so even something as simple as sitting on a bench in the park is an enjoyable activity. The prices are relatively reasonable for Western Europe, and there is a lot to see and do. I especially enjoyed the Picasso Museum - it blew me away to see how talented that guy was even as a young teenager.