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There are many historic cities in Europe that are waiting to reveal their delights to you and be explored, Spain is a popular country to visit, particularly Barcelona. The most populated city in Catalonia, it always fascinates due to the exciting atmosphere and the ability to satisfy all kinds of visitors. Amble around the Roman remains before stopping off for some gourmet coffee in one of the alfresco cafes in the Gothic city and then venture further to discover even more picturesque walking routes in the area.

Barcelona attracts many great painters and sculptors and many of them chose to make the city their home, even if just for a short while. Their presence in the city is still evident by the beautiful architecture and museums with an array of interesting displays. The likes of Tapies and Pablo Picasso have their art on show in museums of their own and if you're really interested it would take a very long time to see everything there is to see of their work.

You can be guaranteed to find accommodation every day of the year in Barcelona as there's a huge choice available. The Picasso Museum is a revelation not to be missed as the artist's brilliance shines through in over three and a half thousand works by the famous artist, or visit Camp Nou, the home of the best football team ever, FC Barcelona, and the largest stadium in Europe.

Originally promoted by the Catalan publisher Joseph Bocabella whose aim was to attain Catholic Church achievements through the guard of St. Joseph, the building of the Sagrada Familia was a mammoth task that eventually fell into the hands of Gaudi when he was just 31 years old. Since the conception of the project more than 125 years ago it has relied upon privately donated funds to carry on with the project, these days' visitors' entrance fees are also used to pay for the work on top of the donations.

Batllo is just one impressive building designed by Antoni Gaudi and can be found on the Passeig de Gracia, if you only get the chance to see 2 of his creations then it should be this and La Pedrera. The exterior of Casa Batllo is fashioned to resemble skulls and bones; the skulls are actually balconies, whilst the bones are supporting pillars. When you see the interior you realize the attention to detail Gaudi spent on his designs and every little bit has been given a lot of thought. An installation that even Gaudi himself will approve of is the famous 'Golden Fish'. Commissioned for the 1992 Olympics, the fishy sculpture and Hotel Arts were both designed by American Frank O. Gehry, one of the most artistic and imaginative architects whose focus is on open spaces, materials and shapes that result in producing extraordinary, energetic art.

In addition to architecture Barcelona is also prominent for its talent to party and this is reflected in the amount of clubs and lounges around the city that cater for practically every theme going. The areas of the Barri Gothic and Las Ramblas are the local haunts of most of the younger generation as they're central and easy to get to as it's not far to walk around from one district to another. With a vivacious ambiance that appeals to tourists as well as locals the area is full of fashionable clubs and dining spots, and also a great variety of chic venues that are loved by the locals and foreigners alike.

Expect clubs to stay open until 5 at the earliest or even as late as 7 in the mornings, if you are looking to stay out really late then the PR crews are always around giving out fliers for clubs that stay open until the afternoon. Get your head down at your city centre apartment or hotel for a few hours and you'll be refreshed enough to start over again. For a taste of local culture then find a traditional local bar where the locals sit and play dominoes and chat to anyone who walks through the door, you're guaranteed to meet people and not get into any trouble.

Put some fun back into your life by taking a few short city breaks to European destinations. There's now a well-established network of regional airlines and travel agents that can find you good deals on accommodation and flights – what better way to bring some excitement back and break up a dreary working week? The main advantage to taking short breaks over an annual 2 week holiday is the price, 3 or 4 short breaks to different countries is much more affordable than a fortnights vacation.

Rental apartments in Barcelona can be booked very easily over the internet, check out studio flats, and 1, 2, or 3 bed roomed apartments online with lounge areas, all the mod cons, and extras thrown in including WIFI internet access and satellite television. You'll find the apartment rental market in Barcelona to be particularly well organised so don't put up with any old place to stay, do some checking out and get yourself booked into something nice and affordable.