There is no superior starting place for your travel to Spain than the grand and enchanting streets of Barcelona. There is never a dull moment in this city that literally never sleeps, especially in the summer months. Barcelona is studded with the unmistakable modernism of Antoni Gaudi, who single handedly landed the city on the architectural map. A stroll down the grand avenue Passeig de Gracia will take you directly in front of both Casa Batllo and Casa Mila, which are incredible feats of art and design and fully accessible to the public. Make reservations to have cocktails and watch the sun set on the Alice In Wonderland like rooftop of Casa Mila only available for the summer season. Wind your way through the narrow passages of the Gothic Quarter, the oldest part of town, until you find the overwhelming and unmistakable Gothic Cathedral just remember to watch your pockets.

Just an hour north of Barcelona in the town of Figueres is Northern Spain most interesting and unique museum. The Dali museum is so extraordinary because it was designed and constructed by the artist himself and the collection of his works is unsurpassed anywhere else in the world. The coastline north of Barcelona, extending to the French border, is known as the Costa Brava and is one of the Mediterranean most exclusive and beautiful vacation destinations. Additionally, Catalonia countryside is spotted with superb Spanish wine vineyards and olive groves. Once you fall in love with Barcelona, it will be extremely difficult to leave; however, there are a few other gems in the north to explore in order to have really traveled Spain.

As a port city for the Romans, Barcelona early residents settled in over 2000 years ago but outside the museums you will find little evidence of the city Roman past. For a brief time, in the 400, the city became a Visigoth capital under King Ataulf. By the 19th century, during the rise of Art Nouveau architecture and modern town planning, Barcelona experienced a rapid increase in population.

While in the Gothic Quarter you can see building of the middle ages, it is Barcelona Art Nouveau architecture that enhances the city uniqueness.

For those who are planning to visit Barcelona taking a long break will be the right option so that you would not miss anything. One could easily spend 2 or 3 weeks in Barcelona and still not give the city its proper due.