In the seaport city of Barcelona, capital of the Catalonia autonomous region, in northeast Spain

 Barcelona is a seaside city with boundless culture, fabled architecture and a world-classdining scene.

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(in the capital of the Catalonia autonomous region, in northeast Spain) The seaport city of Barcelona, Spain’s largest port and second largest city (after Madrid), is the country’s principal industrial and commercial center, as well as a major cultural and educational center. It was allegdly founded in the 3rd century BCE by the Carthaginians or the Phoenicians, and it was later ruled by the Romans and Visigoths. It was captured by the Moors around 715 CE, but it was retaken by the Franks under Charlemagne in 801 and made the capital of the Spanish March (Catalonia). After Catalonia united with Aragon in 1137, Barcelona became a flourishing commercial center and the rival of Italian ports. In the 19th century it was a cauldron for radical social movements and Catalan separatism. It was the loyalist capital in 1937–39 during the Spanish Civil War; its capture by Francisco Franco brought the collapse of Catalan resistance and Catalonia’s reintegration into Spain. Modern Barcelona is known for its handsome architecture, including buildings by Antoni Gaudí.

+ When it comes to history, art, and architecture, Barcelona delivers. There is Gaudí’s iconic Basílica de la Sagrada Familia, the Picasso Museum, and the Gothic Quarter. Yet, look beyond the landmarks and busy mercados (markets) and you will notice how nature steals the show (the city is literally surrounded by it.) On one side there are gorgeous sandy beaches that give the neighboring Balearic Islands a run for their money, and on the other, the Serra de Collserola mountains, home to Parc de Collserola (one of the biggest city parks in the world}. It may be the reason bike culture is big here: Numerous bike lanes make it easy to get around the Catalan capital. Spend a low-key afternoon cruising the revamped La Rambla (you will want to walk your bike once you hit the pedestrian-only drag) and stop for tapas and sangria.

+ Barcelona is famous for its Modernista architecture, including the iconic buildings of Antoni Gaudí. His masterpiece is the mighty cathedral La Sagrada Família (depicted here), which remains a work in progress close to a century after its creator’s death. It’s a bizarre combination of crazy and classic Gothic touches intersect with eccentric experimental flourishes and improbable angles. Even half completed, it is a modern-day wonder.Of course, there is much more to the Catalonian capital than its most famous church. Barcelona heaves with restaurants, art museums, and history-steeped neighborhoods ⁠(not to mention its incredible beaches).

+ The city borders on the municipalities of Santa Coloma de Gramenet and Sant Adrià de Besòs to the north; the Mediterranean Sea to the east; El Prat de Llobregat and L'Hospitalet de Llobregat to the south; and Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Sant Just Desvern, Esplugues de Llobregat, Sant Cugat del Vallès, and Montcada i Reixac to the west.