Barcelona

Barcelona is one of the Olympic Games' many success stories, after its ongoing transformation from a relatively industrial city in northern Spain, into a vibrant, cultural, tourist hotspot was confirmed by hosting the Games in 1992.

It marked the final regeneration of the city, which has become one of the trendiest, most exciting and romantic cities to visit in Europe.

With the hustle and bustle of the La Rambla, the pumping artery of the city which takes fun-lovers from the sea-front to the urban heart of Barcelona, the Catalan capital justifies its party city status in the summer with fiestas and festivals.

Barcelona is not short of spectacular architecture, ranging from the gothic neighbourhoods of the Ribera and Raval to the artistic artefact of the Sagrada Familia.

Barcelona is also culturally important and can make the bold boast that it is the only city in the world with five World Heritage Sites.