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BARCELONA

One of the city’s most famous icons is Spanish Catalan architect Anton Gaudi, whose distinctively stylised buildings and public spaces have come to define the bohemian spirit of Barcelona, some becoming landmarks and protected sites, like the iconic Park Güell. Get up close to Picasso’s early period at the Picasso Museum, permanent home to hundreds of his original works, or view the many surrealist masterpieces at the Joan Miró Foundation (Fundació Joan Miró), named after the featured artist.

Off the beaten path is Montjuïc; perched on a hill overlooking Barcelona’s harbour, it is a lush corner of the city perfect for enjoying leisurely strolls, a bracing uphill hike or scenic cable car ride. With its own cultural centres and a beautiful botanical garden, it also boasts the 1992 Olympic Stadium, a site that contributes to Barcelona’s continuing popularity.

Once settling down for a meal you might want to try the local fare first. Being a coastal city, seafood is a favourite of the Catalonian palate, with dishes like Fideua and Mariscada featuring mussels, shrimp and crawfish. And be sure to try sarsuela (made with fish and shellfish) and conill amb cargols (rabbit and snails), which you may find at Cinc Sentits, a local restaurant that has distinguished itself as a prime destination for enjoying authentic Catalan cuisine.

The city hosts an array of exciting festivals, and though they occur throughout the year, most take place during the summer months. From seasonal street festivals to international musical concerts, they take place across the city making it pulse with energy and colour. Sant Joan, a June event, is considered the biggest of the year, while in July Montjuïc de Nit is one of the more avant-garde and creative with 60 second film festivals, art exhibitions and free admittance to museums all night.