Barcelona is a magnificent city by the Mediterranean sea. Barcelona's history and ambiance, like most coastal locations, is affected by the sea. For centuries, the harbor has been the scene of seafarers and townspeople full of life going about the traditional business that takes place at any seaport. But, at one time Port Vell Barcelona, was used and let to deteriorate for several the generations. The port's warehouses became empty, its railroad tracks became rusted, and weather beaten, its industrial structures became quiet.

Providentially, like so many coastal places such as San Francisco or Boston, Barcelona took hold of the prospect to rejuvenate its harbor district. In an impressive urban renewal program that lasted several years, the wharf was transformed into a yacht basin, the crumbling structures became retail shops, ans a motion picture complex and an aquarium grew from almost nowhere. Its rail lines were turned into trendy walkways available to the many countless visitors that now flood the district every year. A coastal highway was moved underground to enable guests, tourists, and visitors to walk safely from an exciting section of the harbor lands to another.

I've been describing the Maremagnum. It's a main attraction in Barcelona. This Mediterranean complex has a new wooden foot bridge that is more than just a walkway over space and water. It is itself a thing of beauty. It is a creative and practical association between the Rambla de Mar and many of the shops, theaters and eateries that dot the district. Behind the bridge lies the IMAX complex and the outstanding aquarium. Like in many larger cities, IMAX offers an enormous 3-D screen, however there is also giant plasma screen using the same technology.

The complex also boasts an Omnimax. Park visitors can take advantage of any of the three movies playing continuously. There are discount passes available that will get you into all three events. The aquarium is the biggest attraction in the area. Its popularity is well deserved. There are eight thousand sea animals, including twelve sharks. This one and a half million-gallon facility will please animal lovers of any age. One section has a 262ft long observation passageway where the glass walls reveal hundreds of native deep-sea species, as well as the sharks.

Travel south of the Maremagnum and you'll see the Adana building. It was erected in 1902 and was Spanish Customs House. Now providing an outstanding sight for visitors looking for turn of the 20th century architecture in Barcelona. Nearby, alongside the pier, is Barcelona's World Trade Center. Even the sea sights will interest numerous holidaymakers. The chic yacht basin as well as sailing ships that are charming to see. Then take a stroll up the road a short way and spend some time viewing the Monument a Colon (Columbus Monument). Columbus is memorialized a top a 197ft column looking out to sea. Then you may have an afternoon sunbathing, dining, or seeing a show. Cycle, rollerblading, or simply wander through the sights with a cool drink. Rest a while at any of the numerous bars in the Port Vell district.

It's all easy to locate. It's just walk eastward until you see a very large expanse of blue-green water topped off by an azure sky. Alternatively, you could take the subway to Drassanes Station.