Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, an autonomous state in Spain’s northeast, where you can experience this region’s unique culture in a lively and cosmopolitan city. Situated on the Mediterranean coast, here, it’s possible to combine a trip to a modern and bustling city with a relaxed beach break while discovering some of the country’s best museums and galleries.

In the centre of the city, the skyline is dominated by the iconic La Sagrada Familia, a still-unfinished church designed by Antoni Gaudí in the late-nineteenth century. To see more of Gaudi’s unique vision, head to Park Güell in the north of the city, where you’ll be granted a stunning view of the narrow streets of the city centre. If you're hankering for modern Catalan art and sculpture, the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art is the place to go, which offers a collection spanning 5,000 works.

As the sun goes down, enjoy authentic paella or tapas alongside a local Catalonian wine in the Gothic district of the city, the Barri Gòtic. Afterwards, the best sunset views are achieved by getting the cable car up the Montjuïc Mountain, where you can relax beside a 17th-century fortress. Further out of the city, Tibidabo Mountain offers a breathtaking vista over the city and the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the charming sight of a small amusement park - where else in the world can you ride a rollercoaster 500 m above sea level?