Barcelona, the capital of Spain is a place frequented by those wanting a short weekend getaway and for the longer holidays. Its accessibility from most places in Europe and the variety of cultures, cuisines and activities means that it is a city with almost endless entertainments and distractions. Whether you are going on a budget with low cost air lines and hostels or travelling in style Barcelona caters for most budgets. With an inherent sense of culture, with art galleries, museums, architectural history, or the simple pleasure of relaxing on a beach, it is all on offer in this city. The tourist board of Barcelona and Spain has encouraged the tourist industry in this town to cater for the whole market of visitors from the lone traveller, small families to couples romantic breaks. As such the choice of accommodation, eating out and activities is diverse. Visiting the second largest city in Spain and visiting all the places you want to see may be challenging, that is why car hire may be a consideration for those wanting to get about, or simply with small children unlikely to cope with wandering round all day. Straight from Barcelona airport you can pick up your hire car from such companies as Hertz, Argus Car Hire and Any Car Hire.
Barcelona Airport information
Barcelona Airport (BCN) is located 13 miles south west of the city. It’s the second largest in the country, after Madrid-Barajas Airport, and is composed of three terminals. Flights are mainly to destinations within Europe and North Africa but there are a number to North America, Latin America and Southeast Asia. ATMs can found in terminals A and B as can Bureau de change. Both terminals A and B provide a good selection of shopping facilities as well as a range of food outlets, from fast food joints to sit down restaurants. If you lose your luggage,there is a lost and found office located in the Bloque Técnico building. Six VIP lounges are located throughout all three terminals and Terminal B provides facilities for business travelers. If you want cheap car hire in Barcelona, you’ll be able to book a car from the airport. Barcelona Airport provides escalators, elevators, and ramps for people with disabilities as well as toilets, adapted telephones and wheelchairs on request.
Places to visit around Barcelona
A fantastic place to begin in order to better understand Barcelona’s rich heritage is its old quarter. In its winding streets, you can marvel at structures dating as far back as the Roman era. Barcelona is also home to somewhat more contemporary architecture, in particular, the unfinished La Sagrada Familia which was designed by Antoni Gaudi and begun in 1882. Fans of this architect should also visit Casa Mila, Park Guell and Palau Guell, all of which have been recognized as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Another important landmark is the rebuilt Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona Pavilion, which was created originally for the International Exposition for Germany.
Barcelona is host to a multitude of museums which span a large number of eras. From the National Museum of Art of Catalonia and the Picasso Museum, to the Cosmocaixa and Erotic Museum, there’s truly something to amuse and educate everybody! The city also has a fantastic range of parks. Montjuïc is the largest, and provides a great view of the harbor. At the top of this large hill, visitors can explore Citadel park, an impressive green space, along with the remaining fortifications of several historic fortresses and castles. Along with the Citadel you can find the Cascadam, a majestic fountain built in the 19th century, a lake, a zoo and several museums.
Barcelona’s beaches have been recognized by National Geographic affording the city the label of ‘the best beach city in the world’. Barcelona is home to eight sandy beaches, perfect places to relax and fully enjoy the beautiful weather. Barcelona beach is particularly popular, and not only can you enjoy the sand and sea but also an array of restaurants, bars and night clubs. There is an abundance of places to car hire in Barcelona; to fully appreciate the city, this is highly recommended.
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