There is little doubt that Spain is home to riveting, historical and glorious cities such as Madrid, Sevilla and Granada. But if there's time to visit only one city, then Barcelona should be it. Located on Spain's Mediterranean coast, Barcelona offers everything an inquisitive and world traveler could ever want: a rich history, incomparable architecture, vast collections of art, warm and inviting locals and on lazy summer days, a relaxing day at the beach. After it hosted the Olympic Summer Games in 1992, Barcelona was finally given the credit it has long deserved and was established (or affirmed) as one of the world's leading cosmopolitan cities. The extensive waterfront that was designed for the games only added to an already inviting and alluring city, where a unique mixture of Art Nouveau, Gothic and Moorish architectural styles take visitors from one century to the next in an unforgettable and flawless manner. From immortalized locals like Antonio Gaudi and Pablo Picasso, to equally interesting yet lesser-known citizens, the characters that emerge from Barcelona will draw you back time and again. Any visitor’s starting point should be La Rambla, the city’s beloved boulevard, which is lined with restaurants, shops and cafes. As you take a leisurely stroll down this pedestrian-laden promenade, revel in the faces, the feeling and the ambiance. It is surely a sight you will not soon forget.

Barcelona Travel Guides
 Frommer's Barcelona
 Lonely Planet Barcelona
 Let's Go Barcelona
 Fodors Barcelona