Barcelona is a huge city, with a population of over half a million people, and the capital of Catalonia – a province of Spain. The city is a strange mixture of things – having been under Roman, then Frank law before declaring its independence. The city gained international attention when it hosted the 1992 Olympic Games, which brought a massive upturn in the tourist industry. This had a modernising effect on Barcelona which can still be seen in the intensive focus on modern design permeating all aspects of life from public buildings to park benches.

Whilst being a city comprised of stunning architecture, featuring some of the most famous buildings in the world, the real heart of Barcelona is in the food, drink and artistic cultures. The selection of seafood is fantastic, and a wide range of local dishes and meals make visiting Catalan restaurants a must. The markets as well are fantastic places to pick up cheap, amazing food as well as trinkets and souvenirs, and are worth a look in their own right. Many famous artists lived in Barcelona – including Pablo Picasso – who has many museums and galleries dedicated to his work in the city. With so much to see, it can be difficult to find tours of Barcelona that really capture the spirit of this great city. Check out our guide to the top tours of Barcelona to find out more!