Barcelona is a city shaped by heritage, pride and innovation. When you look at most cities along the Mediterranean coast, Barcelona is unique because it is Mediterranean and cosmopolitan. While exuding the bohemian spirit of an old commercial port, simultaneously Barcelona evinces a sense of trendy international glamour absent in most cities along the Mediterranean coast. Beginning 1975, the Municipality of Barcelona has executed a process of re-generation and transformation and carried it into 1992 Olympics.

These projects have been extremely well executed and continue to re-develop and brighten up more districts without compromising the city’s original charm. The effort of t he Municipality of Barcelona stands out as an encouraging example of urban renewal, worthy of emulation in other parts of the world. Connoisseurs of Architecture will find some of the most striking examples of Modernist architecture while in Barcelona. The Palau de la Musica Catalana is the most striking of all these (took 3 years to build and 30 artisans were involved – presently over 100 years old). In the London squares, it is customary to have bronze statues of honorable men, but colourful public artworks and sculptures are the choice of Barcelona.

There is so much to see in Barcelona. Two or even 4 days may seem too short. The Mercat de la Boqueria off La Rambla de Sant Josep – mostly the jewel of Barcelona’s municipal food markets network. It sparkles in colors and the locals and tourists mingle alike among an array of fresh products from fruits to charcuterie. The Park Guell, the Olympic Park adorned with seafront sculptures, the charming district of Barceloneta with its array of great little fish restaurants, the large Catedral, the Palau Guell and a number of small squares, restaurants, museums and beaches. That is Barcelona beckoning you.