Ten reasons to visit Barcelona

Barcelona is one of the busiest ports of the Mediterranean and an amazing city filled with famous Catalan creativity. The waterfront renovations for the 1992 Olympics further increased the charm of a city.

The buildings preserved from Barri Gotic are a living reminder of Barcelona's 14th and 15th centuries. The heart of the city is the cathedral, but many other attractions are there too. To the east of the old center is the old district of Ribera, with its medieval palaces and the Picasso Museum.

The Parc de Montjuic is a green oasis that is also worth a visit, as well as the northern area including the cosmopolitan district of Gràcia.

Must see places:

1.Museum of Contemporary Art
Located in El Raval is a mecca of contemporary art in Barcelona boasting a collection of more than 2,000 works of art. The majority of the works are of Spanish artists from the second half of the 20^th century.

(Www.macba.es)

2.National Art Museum of Catalunya
Housed in the magnificent Palau Nacional, this museum has an important collection of medieval art. The museums main attractions are Roman frescoes of the 11th and 12th centuries removed from churches in the Pyrenees Mountains. The museum has guided walking trails and disability access. (Www.mnac.cat)

3.La Boqueria Market
Located on Las Ramblas and is the most famous market in Barcelona with an array of fruits, vegetables and freshly caught fish.

4.Montcada Street
This authentic medieval street has a number of buildings built of the 17th century. In addition to the Picasso Museum, here is the Disney Center, a small museum of industrial design, architecture, visual communication and fashion.

5.Ciutadella Park
Built on the site of an ancient citadel, the park offers Barcelona a retreat from the bustle of the city with cultural and leisure activities. The zoo with daily dolphin shows for children is located there. The universal exposition in 1888 took place in this park.

6.Montjuic
The Montjuic hill offers spectacular views of Barcelona and located nearby is the Poble Espanyol where all types of Spanish architecture can be admired.

7.Gràcia
Despite being part of Barcelona for more than a hundred years, Gràcia has not lost its identity. Located north of the city is a maze of winding streets and interesting buildings. At night the neighborhood is full of Barcelonans who come out to enjoy its lively bars and restaurants.

8.The Aquarium
With 21 tanks and 400 marine species, this is one of the largest aquariums in Europe. Visitors can meet the sharks face to face, a place of guaranteed fun for both adults and children.

9.Catalana Music Palace
This magnificent concert hall is illuminated by natural light, thanks to the stunning stained glass windows of its huge glass dome, making it a modern jewel and the best place in town to hear music. (Www.palaumusica.org)

10.Sardana
The sardana is the regional dance of Catalonia, performed with the Cobla rhythm which is a band with metal and wood instruments. To view and dance, visit to the de la Seu square anytime of the year.