Plaza España, Barcelona, Spain by Canaan

Travel & Accommodation

As with most trips, the lion’s share of your budget will probably go on flights, airport transfers and accommodation, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Whenever I am planning a trip, my first task is to check out what I have in terms of air miles and rewards cards. If I can get  flight for free, or at least for a discounted price, then that frees up money to spend once I reach my destination!

When it comes to hotel accommodation in Barcelona prices are based on style rather than location, so if you are happy to choose more basic accommodation then it is possible to find something fairly central for a reasonable price. One great tip is to select a hotel which usually caters to business travellers, if you stay here over the weekend or during a holiday than you will get a cheaper rate.

If you are looking for absolute rock bottom pricing then Barcelona also has its fair share of hostels if you are happy to sleep dormitory style and share a bathroom with several strangers.

Finding Low Cost Activities

One of the main things that people always connect with Barcelona is the arts, and culture in general. When we hear ‘culture’ we often think it is going to be expensive, but that is not always the case! One of the most famous sights in Barcelona is Las Ramblas. Perhaps the most famous street in all of Spain, this 1.2km long boulevard runs directly through the heart of the city.

Las Ramblas, Barcelona, Spain by Oh-Barcelona.com

Not only is Las Ramblas a bustling shopping area, but you will be able to see the famous ‘living statues’ and other forms of street entertainment. The living statues are often painted from head to toe in silver, gold, bronze or stone effects. You will be astounded at how still they are, with the best barely breathing or moving their eyes – until that is a tourist drops a coin in their hat or bucket, then they will come to life and offer performances ranging from mime and dance to music and singing. This is fantastic entertainment for just a few euros!

In addition to the lively entertainment offered on Las Ramblas, you will find that many of the museums and galleries are free to visit, or hold regular open days. Some of the places to check out include Museu Picasso which is free on the first Sunday of each month, Museu de la Xocolata (Chocolate Museum) which offers free admission on the first Monday of the month and the Centre de Cultura Contemprania de Barcelona which is free on the first Wednesday of the month. As you can see, it is certainly better to visit Barcelona early in the month!

Another famous tourist attraction is the Magic Fountain at Montjuic, which offers a breathtaking display of colour, lights, music and movement. The Magic Fountain has shows scheduled Thursday through Sunday all year round and is a must see when visiting Barcelona.

Magic Fountain at Montjuic, Barcelona, Spain by Iván Melenchón Serrano

In conclusion, I think that it is clear that a budget trip to Barcelona is certainly possible. Once you have secured flights and accommodation, there are plenty of free activities to enjoy. I have listed enough free activities to keep you busy for 5 days in this article alone, which will free up your cash for more expensive activities such as Barcelona Zoo or Camp Nou Stadium. Barcelona is beautiful and now you can enjoy it without breaking the bank.

Tim Baker is a writer who loves travelling around the world spending as little as possible by taking advantage of Avios shopping rewards and other programs.

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Bordeaux, SW France

Enter the mediaeval turreted gates of Bordeaux and explore the wonderful Parisian-style architecture and winding streets lined with small shops, cafés and historic attractions. Discover the Grosse Cloche, a massive bell hanging in the 13^th century Saint-Eloi Gateway above the Astronomical Clock. Stroll the waterfront beside the broad Garonne River, and see the grand buildings on the Place du Palais, cleverly reflected in the Mirror d’Eau water feature.

In contrast, take a tour into the surrounding countryside of Aquitaine and sample full-bodied Bordeaux wines at their famous vineyards.

Grosse Cloche de Bordeaux, France by Grand Parc Bordeaux

Munich, Bavaria

Even if you miss Oktoberfest in Munich, which confusingly is now held in September, the city still makes a splendid place to visit. Take a guided tour of the attractions, including the splendid Gothic Neues Rathaus on Marienplatz. Churches, museums, shopping, parks and palaces will fill your day, and if you find yourself in the English Gardens, watch the brave river surfers riding the manmade wave beneath the bridge on the River Eisbach. In the evening, join the lively Bavarian entertainment and bratwurst cuisine at the local Brauhaus.

Bad Gasteim, Austria

A visit to Bad Gasteim in the low non-ski season means first class hotel rooms are cheap, the crowds are gone and you are left to enjoy the delights of this beautiful Alpine valley. Divided by a rushing waterfall, the town has beautiful Belle Époque architecture left over from its days as a popular spa town. Small shops, gorgeous scenery and live music from bands almost every evening add to the charm of your stay.

Just outside the town there are opportunities for lakeside strolls, walks through alpine meadows, bread making on the farm, guided walking tours around Dorfgasteim, hot springs and cheese making demonstrations. The nearby archery course is great fun, shooting life-size target animals along a beautiful footpath enhanced by its woodland setting and banks of edelweiss.

Bad Gasteim, Austria by Dergreg:

Lake Maggiore, Italy

Make your luxury holiday base in Locarno, a lively city at the north end of Lake Maggiore, just inside the Swiss border. Explore the castle, walk in the foothills of the Alps and pop across the border into Italy.

In the heat of summer, nothing beats a day trip on the famous Vigezzina and Centovallina Railway, returning via a cruise on Lake Maggiore. Catch the slow but scenic train to Domodossola, then the Express train through the Italian countryside to Stresa, on the shores of Lake Maggiore.

Enjoy lunch overlooking the lake in Stresa, or perhaps explore the beautiful furnished palazzo and tiered gardens at Isola Bella before boarding the lake ferry. Sit at the stern and see an endless parade of old villas, churches, chateaux and gardens as the ferry zigzags its way back up the lake, calling in at countless picturesque lakeside villages. Three hours later you will find yourself back in Locarno, just in time for dinner!

Isola dei Pescatori, Borromean Islands, Lago Maggiore, Italy by kkmarais

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is a wonderful city where you can combine cultural attractions and museums with time at the beach. With 2000 years of history, the Old Town with its cathedral and famous pedestrianized Las Ramblas is a great place to start. The unfinished Sagrada Familia is well worth a visit, the pièce de résistance of architect Antoni Gaudi, who was responsible for many other masterpieces around the city. Base yourself in a hotel overlooking the port and beach at Barceloneta for the best of both worlds!

Josh writes for No.1 Traveller a luxury travel company based in the UK. They operate airport lounges at Heathrow, Stansted, Gatwick and Birmingham airports.

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Siam water park, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain by stephen jones

One of them is the Siam water park. It is found in the Adeje region (Tenerife) and has the popular tower of power. This tower has a notably long slide which ends with a tunnel passing through a shark tank. You should however not be worried as people are protected from the sharks. In addition to this, there is the vertical slide dubbed the dragon on which one slides at a great speed. For the ones who love surfing, the large pool waves with sandy beaches are sure to catch your attention. Simply, there is something for the whole family.

The Tropical Islands in Germany is another great water park in Europe. It has great indoor pools which are large enough to accommodate about 8,000 people. There are many slides in this place and it is up to you to choose the one you want. Presence of an indoor pool means that the family gets to have a wonderful time irrespective of the environment outside. This place has tropical pools and beaches to make the time spent here simply amazing.

Tropical Islands, Germany by Thomas Kamann

When looking at the great parks in Europe, there is one which cannot be overlooked. This is the Alpamare water park ideally located near the shores of Lake Zurich. This park offers both indoor and outdoor pools to families. It is the largest covered park in Europe. Therefore, you can be sure that the children will have ample space to play in and have fun. The area is more than enough and there is no congestion as it is the case with other water parks in other different locations. To make the experience even more wonderful, there is the underwater music in the outdoor pool.

To add onto the options of wonderful places to have fun with the family, there is the Aquariaz water park in France. It happens to be one of the newest family destinations. It is also the highest but not the biggest. Within this park, any type of slide that comes to your mind is readily available. Notably, the place is open throughout the year including the winter season. Without a doubt, it is one of the best places for families during the summer break. However, if one wants to come with the family to Europe and have a wonderful time, you should first consider going for the passport applications.

These popular locations have been presented by Ellen Nicola who has vast experience of the travel industry. She has worked in this industry for about 20 years. She has also been involved with expanding of online information on travel since the inception of the World Wide Web.

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Once you have answered these and other important questions and determined what works for your needs, it will be easier to plan the ideal getaway. But if you have budget constraints, then your options will also be different. Mind you, it is still possible to go on the holiday of your dreams, even if you are counting your money carefully.

So, what are your options if you are on a budget? For one, cheap package holidays abound if you know what you want. There are many advantages to going on a packaged holiday. Below are some benefits you can get from booking a packaged holiday:

Lower cost

This could be seen as the primary benefit of packaged holidays. Compared to DIY, or do-it-yourself, holidays where you book everything (flights, accommodations, transfers, tours) separately, you can get all-in-one deals with a packaged holiday. This would include your flights, accommodations, and most other expenditures. Since it is sold in bulk, it is guaranteed to be cheaper.

Cheap package holidays to Disneyland Paris are a great way to relax / Photo by Jeremy Thompson

Aside from this, you know from the beginning how much the trip will be. The cost and all inclusions will be listed down, and you can see for yourself what the price is. All you need to worry about is pocket money and money for small expenses and souvenirs.

No need to worry about other details

Since a packaged deal includes almost everything you need for your trip, you don’t have to spend time haggling with tour operators or trying to find good deals online for hotels and car rentals. Keep in mind, however, that packaged deals are often more limited than DIY holidays. Although you pay less, you also have fewer options when it comes to destinations. However, packaged deals often specialize in popular destinations in Spain, Italy, and France – so if you’ve always wanted to go to Disneyland Paris and never had the chance, now is the time to choose a packaged deal.

Numerous facilities

You can still travel in comfort and style even with a packaged deal. No need to lug your huge backpack around and suffer stomach aches from mediocre food. There are various package holidays that include numerous facilities and amenities in the cost, such as swimming pools, restaurants, bars, children’s clubs, and other outdoor activities such as trekking, kayaking, biking, or tennis.

If you will be going to the destination for the first time or would like to have a hassle-free and organised holiday, then package holidays are for you. Even the more sporty travellers can have fun with a package holiday. It really depends on the choice you make, so do research on the destination before you opt for this type of deal.

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The Main Attractions of Girona, Spain

Girona is a major tourist destination for travellers from all over Europe and a lovely day trip from Barcelona. Take the train from Barcelona and enjoy the lovely Catalan scenery on your way. Old town Girona sits atop a steep hill of the Capuchins and is beside the river, while the modern city is located in the plains. The architecture influenced by various cultural influences over hundreds of years will astonish and amaze.

The Cathedral

Girona’s Cathedral was used by the Moors in ancient times as a mosque. The Girona Cathedral is located in the heart of the city and you must walk up a large staircase to reach the entrance. The original cathedral was originally built on the same site as the present Girona Cathedral. It has a magnificent approach of 86 steps and contains beautiful chapels and gorgeous interior decorations designed by renowned Valencian Pere Bernec. The sheer size of the structure will leave you in awe. Be sure to take the audio tour to learn about the history of the cathedral and its collection of treasures.

Girona Cathedral, Spain by Craig Wyzik

The Old Fortifications

The Old Fortifications are located in the Old City of Girona and can be reached by foot once you are in Girona. Wear some hiking shoes, because you will have to walk up a steep hill to reach them. These fortifications are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Girona. They were originally built for the protection of the city from invaders hundreds of years ago. The city walls were originally built by the Romans around 1^st century BC. The walls were rebuilt around 14^th century with the original Roman walls used for foundations. From the start of the 16^th century, the wall was eventually absorbed into the city of Girona. You can walk the entire expanse of the walls and climb the lookout towers to see the 360 degree views of Girona and the beautiful countryside. Wander the alleyways to see the monks wander around the historic old town and the exquisite wrought ironworks, archways, and brightly coloured antique doors.

Tossa de Mar near Girona, Spain by Freebird

Visit the Beaches

Take a trip from Girona to the beaches which are known for their lush beauty and gorgeous turquoise waters. The village of Tossa de Mar is another medieval marvel with amazing turreted towers and protective walls. It is a stone’s throw from Girona and is located on the coast. You can reach this destination by car or from the airport located northwest of the village. You can see the village fisherman out on their fishing boats bringing in the day’s fresh catch. The main beach in this area is Platja Gran featuring an otherworldly blend of golden pebbles and sand which sparkle in the sunlight. For a quiet beach picnic, visit the Platja del Reig and the Platja Mar Menuda which have a much more secluded and quiet atmosphere.

About the Author: Alyssa is the author of this article, she is the chief writer of the Discount Attractions website, visit this site for getting discounts on Los Angeles attractions.

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Check out our top picks for combining city breaks with beach holidays.

Barcelona | Spain

A popular choice for combining a metropolitan city feel with Catalonian sunshine, Barcelona offers everything from golden sands and great food to city living and culture. Every summer, millions of sun-worshippers flock to Barcelona’s beaches to soak up some Mediterranean sun with Platja de la Nova Icaria proving the most popular, probably due to its accompanying beach bars. For a calmer experience, sink your toes into the sands at the Port Olimpic Marina or if you’re into bathing au naturel, try the nudist beach at Platja de la Mar Bella.

For a break from the sands soak up some culture; visit the La Sagrada church, an intricately detailed building that is still being built 100 years after it was started. Head to bustling Las Ramblas for thriving streets, packed full of street artists and tarot readers, as well as La Boqueria food market. If you want to break free from the tourist areas, hire a car and head to Carrer de la Riera Baixa and explore quirky vintage shops and great bars.

Barceloneta beach, Barcelona, Spain by Jose Manuel Mota

Dubrovnik | Croatia

Dubrovnik is rapidly becoming as popular as Barcelona and it’s not hard to see why; urban tradition and seaside charm seem to go down pretty well with holidaymakers.
Protected by medieval walls the city’s white sandy beaches, marbled streets and impressive churches offer culture in abundance. If you’ve got bags of energy slip into a kayak (see https://www.adriatickayaktours.com) and take a tour of the city walls, or enjoy unrivalled views whilst the Adriatic laps at your feet on the beach.

Dubrovnik, Croatia by hozinja

Nice | France

If you fancy a holiday that resembles a postcard then the French city of Nice won’t disappoint. There are plenty of pebble beaches drenched in Mediterranean sun, as well as 15 private beaches complete with changing rooms and loungers along with bars and restaurants. When you’ve perfected your tan get lost amongst Nice’s winding streets and stumble across Roman ruins in the old town. Art buffs will be impressed by the works of Monet, Warhol and more in the city’s art museums and music lovers will adore getting in the groove as the sun goes down on this French delight.

Nice, France by dalbera

Venice | Italy

When most people think of Venice they picture winding alleys and canals filled with gondolas, but guess what? Venice has beaches too! In fact, more than half of the Adriatic side of Venice is made up of fine, sandy beaches, and the best part? These beaches are such a well-kept secret that whilst couples enjoy romantic gondola rides you can be enjoy the beach in privacy!

Be quick! Experts predict that this floating city will have sunk below sea level in just 70 years.

Venice, Italy by Michela Simoncini

So, whether you are a beach bum or a city slicker, it doesn’t matter. These European beauties combine it all and now all you need to do is pick one!

The post City Break Versus Beach Break: Combine the Two! appeared first on Europe Explored.

Pisa, Tuscany, Italy / Photo by Claire for Europe Explored

Italy

Home to Amalfi Coast, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Colosseum and famous lakes, Italy is a part of Southern Europe. Topping in every wish list of travelers, Italy brings in abundant scenic beauty just waiting to be explored. It has a lot to offer for everyone. Historical sites like Pantheon, San Giovanni, Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura and Colosseum are the top sites of Italy which can’t be missed. Italian food is popular with tourists and Outdoor cafes are as much liked. Other places that one can visit while in Rome are as follows:

• Vatican Museum
• Palazzo Pamphilj
• Fontana Di Trevi
• Fountain of the Four Rivers
• Protestant Cemetery
• Roman Forum

Spain

A member of the Economic Union, Spain is located on the Iberian Peninsula on Southwest of Europe. It is now also listed as the second most visited country in the world owing to its favorable climatic conditions, historical and cultural monuments and geographical position. Its tourism industry has rapidly grown over the last four decades to become the second largest in the world. The cities of Madrid, Barcelona and Seville are hugely popular and the most visited places of Spain.

Church on Mount Tibidabo, Barcelona, Spain by Ivan Mlinaric

Two of the major events that attract millions of visitors from across the world to Spain just to witness these festivals, and they are often seen as highlights of this country are ‘the San Fermin running of the bulls’ event held in Pamplona and ‘La Tomatina (Tomato) festival held in Buñol – Valencia. Besides these two major attractions tourists also enjoy the Seville (Also known as April Fair) and Malaga Fair, Barcelona Summer Festival and carnivals at Canary Islands and Cadiz. Spain has flamboyance, charm and energetic appeal, which makes you feel more lively and rejuvenated once you step on this land of splendour. When you visit Spain do chalk out time to definitely visit the following:

• Alhambra Palace in Granada
• City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia
• Toledo in Madrid
• Tibidabo in Barcelona
• The Spanish Costas
• Park Guell in Barcelona
• Aqueduct of Segovia
• Ibiza island
• La Sagrada Familia Church in Barcelona
• Museo del Prado in Madrid
• Picos de Europa, Parque Nacional in Cantabria, Costa Verde
• Alcazar Seville

Alhambra Palace, Granada, Spain by jan zeschky

Ireland:

It is an island located on the North-west of continental Europe. It offers picturesque views and exotic locales that can keep you in awe when you see them. The capital city of Belfast and Dublin are a favorite among tourists, when they visit Ireland. Some of the highlights of this marvelous country that you cannot afford to miss when you travel here are as follows:

• Aran Islands
• Blarney Castle
• Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
• Cliffs of Moher
• Giant’s Causeway
• Christ Church Cathedral
• Dingle Peninsula
• The Céide Fields visitor centre
• Carrickfergus Castle
• Lough Neagh
• Dun Aengus
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral
• The Burren (A Karst landscape)
• Beara Peninsula
• Greencastle
• Phoenix Park
• Dublin Castle
• National Gallery of Ireland etc.

Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland, UK by Jim

The above listed are only some of the attractions of Europe for your ready reference and guidance only. Europe has much more to its glory than can be described here. This is a comprehensive and not an all inclusive list of the wonders of the royal retreat that you can experience, when you visit here.

About Author

Crystal is a travel blogger passionate about travelling and backpacking. She occasionally writes for Bank Holidays 2013, a Web site that shares information and dates of Bank Holidays in UK and Europe and US.

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The first event kicked off in 1994, and since then the festival has become globally known for its groundbreaking international line ups and club nights. The festival attracts a wide range of artists, including Orbital, Chemical Brothers, Kraftwerk, Kruder & Dorfmeister, Bjork, Pet Shop Boys and the Scissor Sisters.  Sonar is focused on modern and relevant music, world class venues and amazing atmosphere.  Fira Gran Via is one of the best clubs, a massive state-of-the-art exhibition centre in the centre of L’Hospitalet de Llobregat. Here the venue is split into three different areas, Sonar Park, Sonar Pub and Sonar Club. Safe to say that if you like electronic music, and you like raving, you’re gonna have a good time.

Sonar festival, Barcelona, Spain by Musictechnologygroup

Formed in 2002, Sonar has held over 24 events across the globe, in several formats in many different locations and cities   Barcelona is the main spot for Sonar Festival, due to its thriving music scene and warm weather, making it the perfect location for a dance music festival.  As well as Barcelona, you can catch Sonar parties in Lisbon, Hamburg, Tokyo, London, Rome, Sao Paulo, Burnos Aires and Washington DC.  The event keeps on getting larger every year, with 2013 looking to be the most exciting yet.  The line-up for the 2013 event will be advertised over the coming months.  Keep an eye out to see first who’s playing where and when.

Travelling to Sonar

Travelling to Sonar is simple. The venues are just a ten minute car ride from La Rambla.  Getting to Sonar after dark can be done by regular bus service from the city centre, organised by the festival promoters. Sonar Bus departs from Placa de les Drassanes and shuttles are scheduled Friday and Saturday from 8:30pm to 8am.

This multi cultural city has an amazing vibe about it, tick every box for music enthusiasts and travellers looking for warm weather and big parties.

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This attraction is on the unusual and wacky side and will appeal to all ages. It is a good way to get out of the heat of the day, as a lot of it is undercover, or to visit at night, when it is lit up. The highlight is the upside down house, which is a fictional history and full of quirky facts. It is surprising and fun and makes a change from a day at the beach.  The 4D rollercoaster and the 4D/5D theatre are unique and very popular with teenagers, as is the laser shooting game. The onsite grill is reasonably priced and the fajitas are highly recommended! The park is a good place to spend 4 or 5 hours and admittance fees are 24 euros adult.

The house of katmandu in Magaluf, Mallorca, Spain by Rafael Ortega Díaz

Caves of Drach

These caves are situated near Porto Cristo and are composed of beautiful rock and limestone formations, set against semiprecious agates. The stalactites and stalamites glisten in the wide expanse of underground caverns, four in total and the visitor to the caves can travel for more than a mile underground. At the end of the caves there is one of the largest underground lakes in the world. All this is set to music and illuminated with an artistic multicolored light show. The acoustic qualities of the caves lend an ethereal atmosphere to the experience.

Caves of Drach, Majorca, Spain by no

Cap de Formentor

This stunning bluff of cliffs, shaped over time by wind and waves, is named the “meeting point of the winds” and is a good example of the more natural side of Majorca. Standing on the cliffs, the wind will surround you and the waves below will be crashing onto the rocks. A nearby lighthouse will give stunning views of the sea and relaxation can be found on Formentor Beach. The area is a dramatic 20 min drive  from Port de Pollenca and is Majorca’s most northerly point. The Formentor Hotel is a good place to stay, with a mix of remoteness and classic luxury.

Cap de Formentor, Majorca, Spain by Sethaphopes

Serra de Tramuntana

This provides a chance to see the unspoilt Majorca, away from the tourists. The limestone mountains stretch along the entire northwest coast and are suitable for hiking, walking and day trips. The drive along them is twisty and turny, with lovely scenery, small villages and towns such as Valldemossa and Soller. Lush green gives way to bare rocks and The Canyon of Torrent leads down to the wild sea.

Serra de Tramuntana, Majorca, Spain by Pete Gonçalves

S’Albufera Wetlands

This area is free to visit and bikes can be hired locally to explore the open spaces and tracks. Many species of birds can be seen in spring and autumn, but it is also a good place to get out in the fresh air and have a walk around. Nature comes first here and the area is very eco-friendly. Food should be taken along and the bus from Porto Pollensa is a good way to get there.  Butterflies and Mediterranean birds are the main attractions here, alongside the chance to visit the largest wetlands of The Balaerics. These days you can get great rate holidays to the island of Majorca so now is perfect time to pack your bags and get to see these wonderful sights.

S’Albufera Wetlands, Majorca, Spain by Kiko Piris

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Photo by Mitchell

Spanish art is so distinct. It is characterised on experimented pictorial techniques and effects on light and textures. And this kind of exploratory trend finds its roots in painters such as Joaquin Mir and Casas who represent the predecessors of impressionists. Aside from this eccentric style, came the rise of avant –garde led by Pablo Picasso which made blares and hullabaloos. Later then, pop art, minimalism, modern art installations, and abstract expressionism crowded the European Art scene.

Barcelona, as Spain’s most cosmopolitan city and one of the Mediterranean’s busiest ports, also boasts in their arts competence, as shown in their numerous galleries and museums, amidst Europe’s heavy concentration on hi-tech and biomedical business. The racing heart of Barcelona never skipped a bit. Here’s the top 5 art museums/ galleries that Barcelona prides itself on:

1. Picasso Museum – This museum is located in Malaga City. It was inaugurated on the 27th of October 2003 by the King and Queen of Spain. And because Picasso’s works are too many to display, some are queued outside the museum’s narrow pedestrian for free public appreciation. Alongside the building are bookshops and cafés – all specialising in Picasso’s modern arts.
2. Joan Miro Foundation – This opened to the public on the 10^th of June, 1975. It has been dedicated to artists who saw the opportunity to promote and publicise their works. During when Spanish art was minimal, the Foundation conveyed a different yet refreshingly and dynamic concept of art.
3. Tàpies Foundation – This foundation is not only an avenue for arts but for education and research as well.  It seeks to protect and distribute all the museum’s significant documents and material, as well as its educational resources so it could help facilitate information about Antoni Tàpies’ contemporary works.
4. Mies Van der Rohe Pavillon – Exhibitions and lectures are hosted in this foundation. Aside from disseminating knowledge about its designer Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, it also features modern and contemporary architecture in general from either a historical or present-day point of view.
5. Catalan National Art Museum (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya) – It is the national museum of Catalan visual art. It is especially noteworthy for its outstanding collection of Romanesque church paintings, and Catalan arts which includes: 1) Romanesque art; 2) Gothic art; 3) Renaissance and Baroque art; and 4) Modern art.

These are just among the many art wonders of Barcelona where one can visit, enjoy, and relive once again the historical impression set by its artists. Let me quote Octavio Paz’ statement: “Art is an invention of aesthetics, which in turn is an invention of philosophers… What we call art is a game.”

Author Bio: Mitchell Zavich Zunia is a native of Pennsylvania, and had graduated at Robert Morris University with a degree in International Studies. She is a field photographer for a high- flying publication in Pittsburgh. Also, she’s the online content coordinator for www.allseminyakvillas.com. You may follow her on Twitter @MitchellZunia

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