Barcelona (located in northeast Spain) is one of the Mediterranean's most vibrant cities, with a strong independent spirit due in part to its Catalonian identity with street names, newspapers, radio programs and movies and all in Catalan. Catalan is spoken by some 11 million people mostly in eastern Spain and parts of France and Italy. While similar to Spanish, it has some French characteristics. Host of the 1992 Summer Olympics, Barcelona is a tourist friendly destination with excellent public transportation and polite and helpful citizens.

Passeig de Garcia: This street and surrounding ones offer great shopping, antique stores and unique interior design outlets.

Museo Picasso: Barcelona's top attraction. Dedicated to Pablo Picasso, who lived in the city from 1895 to 1904.

Mercat do la Boqueria: A popular market since the 1830's and great place to grab some paella, rice and wine for lunch.

L'Eixample: Innovative neighborhood built between 1860 and 1920 contains celebrated modernist architecture, some of which was designed by Antoni Gaudi, one of Spain's most unique and flamboyant architects.

La Rambla: 1 1/2 mile long area of shops, newspapers stands, flower shops, the epitome of Barcelona, a must experience to best embrace the essence of the city.

Cheap Flights to Barcelona: The spring, fall and winter months are the best times to visit Barcelona, since the the weather is comfortable, tourist crowds are smaller and travel prices are cheaper. The summer months can get pretty hot, temperatures in the 90's, but viable nonetheless.