Barcelona

The more recent of Gaudí's many projects to be opened to the public is the Casa Vicens. Built between 1883 and 1885 and declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2005, Casa Vicens was the first house designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. Located in the bohemian district of Gràcia, this bold project, commissioned as a summer house, combines elements of nature into a chaotic and yet peaceful retreat.

The Museu nacional d'art de Catalunya, MNAC for short, hosts many temporary exhibits through the year, but it is also known for for its Romanesque collection of mural paintings. Here you can also find pieces like Gaudi's furniture or illustration from Casas and other artists of the Catalan Modernism.

The park has evoked polarising opinions for its design and a whimsical combination of classical sculptures and modernist elements. A re-invention of a former steam-powered mill, it is worth a gander if you happen to be in the area.

Designed in 1792, this parc surrounds Torre Soberana, a 14th-century country house redecorated in the Arabesque style. Wander the garden's lavish maze and romantic gardens to discover sculptures of mythological figures and a hidden waterfall.

Flamenco originates in Andalusia, a region with a strong presence in Barcelona. Some of the world's best-known Flamenco dancers hail from here, and it's the perfect place to learn the basics of this much-loved cultural tradition. Numerous providers offer classes suitable for different groups and budgets.

Antoni Gaudi's ambitious project remains, as of today, unfinished, which by no means takes away from its popularity - at nearly 3 million yearly visitors, La Sagrada Familia is Spain's 2nd most visited monument. The masterpiece was crafted meticulously to embody the Christian faith through composition, sculpture, and individualistic, offbeat design. Guided and audio tours available.

Barcelona's most well-known street is unofficially not just one uninterrupted stretch but five (hence it being known as "Las Ramblas"), each containing attractions of their own. A pedestrian-only walkway runs through the street's central section, with street artists, souvenir vendors, bars and restaurants competing for visitor attention.

Another one of Gaudi's unconventional architectural creations, Casa Mila, also known as La Pedrera ("quarry", for its wacky appearance distantly resembling an actual quarry), is one of Barcelona's primary attractions. Entry tickets include a free audio guide.

Once Gaudi got his hands on this previously unremarkable building in Passeig de Gràcia, it was never to be simply passed by again. Fascinatingly idiosyncratic and almost beast-like on the outside, it continues to amaze from within with twisted lines and elements that could only be thought up by the genius of Gaudi.

The Picasso Museum has one of the most extensive art collections by the 20th century Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. The permanent collections contain more than 3,800 works, and this is one of the most popular and most visited museums in Barcelona.

Plaça Reial, a beautiful square and one of Barcelona's busiest, most vibrant spots (especially so at night), is known for its many outdoor venues, restaurants and nightclubs. During summer time it becomes an even more popular meeting place when open air concerts take place. Stroll around or sit down with a tasty drink at one of the bars and just enjoy the moment.