Leisure & Culture

There's no doubt that the Catalan people are extremely proud of their language and the history it represents. Catalan is thriving and you'll come across it everywhere in Barcelona, making it worth your while checking out this article about its difficult past and modern-day position in Spain.

One of the region's best exports, a drop of Cava is a must for anyone wanting to experience all that Catalonia has to offer. Here we offer a guide to the best bars and tours of this sparkling sensation.

Designed by Lluis Domenech i Montaner, the series of buildings that made up this complex are considered some of his best work. A functioning hospital until 2009, it has attracted many visitors purely because of the splendor of its Modernista architecture.

Often overlooked by visitors to Barcelona, the Museum of Catalan History offers an interesting perspective on the events and influences that helped make the region what it is today. From the sea to the industrial revolution to the Franco dictatorship, the museum's hands-on exhibits and multimedia presentations leave no stone uncovered.

Within easy reach of Barcelona, Montserrat, the mountain at the heart of Catalonia, offers an excellent day trip from the city. A visit to Montserrat monastery and a walk among its steep crags is an unforgettable experience.

Barcelona has a huge amount of choice when it comes to shopping so whatever your age, style or budget, you won’t have any problem finding something for you. Take a look at our guide so you can spend less time looking for the shops and more time in them!

Perched on the side of Montjuïc, the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC) contains 1,000 years of artistic treasure under one roof. It offers a rich tapestry of art forms and eras to satisfy the keenest art lover.

When the weather is hot, it can be difficult to think of what to eat. So here are a few recipes to keep you going when on holiday in Barcelona. The fresh and flavoursome ingredients that you can find here mean that the dishes can be simple, yet delicious.

Step back from the Costa Brava coastline to wander through Girona. Discover the mix of influences that has shaped this beautiful and historic city and explore the impressive attractions before relaxing by the river with drink or enjoying tapas in one of the squares.

Up on the hill of Montjuïc, sits an 18th-century castle overlooking Barcelona. Take in the views of the city and then stroll around this historic fortress which now hosts some of the city’s main calendar events.