Tourist information: Barcelona

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Barcelona is Spain's second largest city, with a population of nearly two million people, and the capital 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.

Catalonia and Barcelona has become one of the first tourist destination of Spain, it knows how to please the big majority : with a history among the oldest in Europe, a capital, Barcelona, which never sleeps and an inland full of charm not to forget beautiful beaches in La Costa Brava.
The variety of artistic treasures, the Romanesque churches and the great names in modern art and architecture , Dali, Gaudi, Miro, Picasso ...

Barcelona sited between the sea and the mountains, has found a formidable balance: a foot in the traditional things and the other in the avant-garde. Barcelona has the reputation of being the most cosmopolitan, modern and avant-garde city in Spain and it has renewed for the 1992 Olympic Games.

While in Barcelona take a little time to visit Catalonia like:

Costa Brava owes its name of "wild coast" to the uniqueness of the sudden encounter between mountain and sea.
Nature, climate and history, the picturesque of its ports and certain villages have been enough to have a world wide reputation.

Costa Dorada, in the south of Barcelona, it is the color of gold, luminous, being in the maritime littoral the reason of its name "Costa Dorada" (Golden Coast).

The headings in this chapter " Barcelona City Guide" will enable you to discover Barcelona attractions before your arrival.