Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is a capital of Catalonia, and after Madrid that is the 2nd biggest city in Spain. It is very Populous city about 16,21537 people live in this city. The area of this city is 101 km2 about 39 Square mile. After pairs, London, Ruhr, Madrid and Milan it is the sixth Most Popular urban area in Europe. Barcelona is a metropolitan area because here's live more than 5 million people. It is located on the Mediterranean coast between the mouths of the rivers Llobregat and Besòs and is bounded to the west by the Serra de Collserola ridge (512 m/1,680 ft).

Barcelona is Spain's second largest city, with a population of nearly one and half million people (nearly five million in metropolitan area), and the capital and largest city of Catalonia. The city, located directly on the northeastern Mediterranean coast of Spain, has a rich history dating back at least 2,000 years when it gained prominence as a Roman town under its old name, Barcino.

In 1992, Barcelona gained international recognition by hosting the Olympic games which brought a massive uptick to the tourism industry in the city. This had the effect of changing the city in ways that are still felt today with neighborhoods renovated (and in some cases leveled) and the intense focus of modern design permeating all aspects of life in Barcelona from public buildings to something as simple as a park bench or an event poster. For visitors, this has translated in to the very modern, yet incredibly old city you see now in the 21st century where the new elements work to both preserve and celebrate the ancient.

This beautiful city is full of what European cities are known for (outdoor markets, restaurants, shops, museums and churches) and is fantastic for walking with an extensive and reliable Metro system for more far-flung destinations. The core center of town, focused around the Ciutat Vella provides days of enjoyment for those looking to experience the life of Barcelona while the beaches the city was built upon provide sun and relaxation during the long periods of agreeably warm weather.

When to visit

August is probably the busiest time in Barcelona; at the same time about 10% of shops and restaurants can be found closed from mid-August to early September, when the owners go on vacations. You'll find cheap accommodation and a much quieter city as a vast majority of Spaniards go on vacation in August. Business is low, people from Barcelona tend to be on vacation, hotels that remain open but don't have their business customers tend to lower prices and make offers. However there will still be plenty of tourists. Barcelona has decent enough beaches but the locals will really appreciate it if visitors do not consider it a beach resort and don't wear beachwear when visiting churches, restaurants, etc.

Barcelona is great off-season and is a lovely city even in winter months of January and February as long as the possibility of rain is low. Given the high humidity, 19-23°C is considered comfortable weather, which is normally the temperature between April and June and between late September-November. This is the best time to visit the city. Anything warmer than this can feel too hot.

About Hotel

Urquinaona Hotel Barcelona

Ronda Sant Pere 24, Barcelona, Spain

Per day $50

1-star hotel in Barcelona city centre, near Plaça Catalunya and Las Ramblas, Urquinaona Square and Gran Via.

Hotel Urquinaona Barcelona offers a prime location in the centre of Barcelona, near the well-known Urquinaona and Catalunya Squares and Gran Via Street. It is perfectly nestled in a lively area that offers excellent cultural activities, as well as good transport links to visit all the main highlights of the city. La Rambla, Passeig de Gracia, Rambla de Catalunya, Gothic Quarter and Portal de l’Angel are located within a short walk from the hotel.

The Urquinaona Hotel Barcelona is one of the best located hotels in its category in Barcelona. The entire building, which dates from the second part of the 19th century, was restructured in a beautiful pre-modernism style, typical of that time in the district of L’Eixample.

The 18 comfortable and welcoming rooms of the Urquinaona Hotel in Barcelona are equipped with all the standard conveniences to ensure guests a pleasant stay. Room facilities include air-conditioning, a plasma TV, telephone, fridge, safe box and a private bathroom. There is a restaurant and coffee bar in the building next door.