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For a glimpse into the history of Barcelona you absolutely must spend some time in Ciutat Vella. This area of the city is the oldest part and is home to many of the most famous and significant monuments and historical attractions. A great example of this is Santa Maria del Mar, a wonderful church dating back to 1329 when its construction began. The exterior is not as ornate as some other churches, but once you get inside all of this is forgotten because the interior is exceptionally beautiful without being too ornate or fancy. It is true to its roots as a church dedicated to Saint Mary of the Sea and those whose lives centred on working in and around the sea.
As you leave the church, take a stroll along Passeig del Born. This is one of the oldest streets in the city, a place where knights engaged in elaborate jousting contests during the Middle Ages and where extravagant fairs and marches occurred as well. The street lead to the Mercat del Born, a once thriving marketplace that is currently undergoing a resurgence thanks to some significant archaeological finds in the area.
Along the waterfront and harbour areas of Barcelona you will find some wonderful beach areas as well as a huge array of restaurants, cafes, clubs, and bars. Visitors can watch working fishermen bring in their daily catch to the marketplace and then spend the day strolling the harbour front shops and sights. When evening rolls around you can eat in one of the many excellent restaurants and finish up with some of the bustling nightlife opportunities, thanks to popular clubs such as the Baja Beach Club and Danzantoria.
The busiest time to visit Barcelona is generally from mid-August to mid-September, the high season for tourism. This is also the time of the year when local residents typically go on vacation, which means that despite the larger numbers of people it is relatively easy to find reasonably priced accommodations. If you prefer a less crowded time of year, consider January and February when the weather is pleasant but the tourists are sparse.
If you want to experience traditional Barcelona then make plans to visit during the Festes de la Merce at the end of September. This is the biggest annual festival in the city, featuring a whole host of activities, entertainment, and cultural fun. If you go, plan to enjoy plenty of nightlife and interact closely with the local residents who are anxious to celebrate and have fun during this time.
You cannot visit Barcelona without spending some time on La Rambla, perhaps the most well known boulevard in all of Spain. Along this scenic and interesting street you will find plenty of shops, vendors selling local produce, fresh flowers, delicious food, and a diverse array of street performers. When night falls La Rambla becomes a bustling and lively centre of nightlife for locals and tourists alike. Things get especially festive after Barca, the dominant football club, posts a winning game.
Travel to and from Barcelona is easy and convenient via Barcelona International Airport. Most major international carriers serve this airport, and it is easy to get from the airport into the city proper. There are plenty of taxis (although they tend to be expensive) as well as the suburban train RENFE and the very efficient and comfortable Aerobus transit system.
Wiki:- Barcelona
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