Barcelona is my first stop in Spain and a place I have dreamed of visiting for many years (probably since I watched the 1990 Olympic Games on TV). The thought of sun, tapas, latin music and sangria have always appealed and I was very excited about arriving here.

The heat was something I hadn’t anticipated!  We’ve been spent most evenings bar hopping (the nightlife has been amazing) but getting motivated in 35c heat each day (with a hangover) to get out and do anything has been a challenge.

Barcelona’s architectural treasures span 2000-plus years. Towering temple columns, ancient city walls and subterranean stone corridors provide a window into Roman-era Barcino. Fast forward a thousand years to the Middle Ages and we see 14th century cathedrals and the impressive Gothic quarter which was great to stroll around.

In other parts of town bloom the sculptural masterpieces of Modernisme, a mix of ingenious and whimsical creations by Gaudí and his Catalan architectural contemporaries. Barcelona has also long inspired artists, including Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró, whose works are in bold display in the city’s myriad museums (which I had planned and failed to visit).  I did manage to get to Parc Güell, which we searched for works by Gaudí – a really nice place to walk around.  Inspired by this, we attempted to visit the Cathedral but were declined entry due to ‘inappropriate clothing’ (you must have your shoulders covered).

Las Rambla is a tree-lined street in central Barcelona which connects Plaça de Catalunya in the centre with the Christopher Columbus Monument at Port Vell.  It’s extremely popular, crowded and renown for pick-picketers but was exhilarating to walk along on our first night out in Barcelona.  This is where we spent most of our time while in this city, beginning our evenings in the tapas bars and then moving on to clubs in the area.  In my defence, I could not get any accommodation on the last night I was in Barcelona so had no choice but to stay out and party all night! (I’m going to need a major detox after this trip).