Barcelona is Spain’s second largest city and the capital of the autonomous Catalonian region of the country. The city’s role as the capital of this fiercely independent region of Spain provides it with a uniquely independent character, a character epitomised in the famous "festes", hundreds of which, go on around the region every week of the year. The closest word in English to translate "Festa" would be "Festival" but this is inadequate to describe the type of celebration that exists in Catalonia. "Festes" are ritual-like celebrations that have been passed down through generations of people for more than 700 years. They are organized by the people of a town for their own enjoyment, and not for any commercial interest. The most famous of these events is the Festes de la Mercè. Barcelona's main annual festival around the 24th of September, encompassing many events such as which group of 'castellers' can form the highest human tower, live music events, firework displays and processions involving wooden giants. All of this is accompanied by a heavy consumption of Cava, the national drink of Catalonia. Other such events include the Festes de Gràcia, the Festes de Sants and Sant Jordi. The vibrancy of these festes is indicative of why Barcelona is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations.

In addition to the exciting atmosphere Barcelona offers a range of historical and cultural sights, the best way to see the city’s sights is on the Bus Turístic, which links all of the Barcelona tourist sites you could possibly want to visit. It has three routes, including a northbound and a southbound line which leave from opposite sides of the Plaça de Catalunya. Earphone outlets near every seat let you choose among many languages and playback volumes. As you approach each significant location, you receive audio describing it. The hop-on/hop-off format lets you get-off risk-free at any interesting stop, see what interests you, then get back on any later bus at that or any other stop. 

Although the Bus Turístic is an excellent way to see Barcelona for the traveller craving culture and autonomy a trip to the local town of Figueres may be a more apt plan of action. The town’s main attraction is the world famous Salvador Dali museum, designed by the man himself and holding many of his most famous works in his hometown. A trip to Figueres is offered in many day trip packages from Barcelona, with the journey taking around 90 minutes on the train from Barcelona.

Barcelona represents a wonderfully idiosyncratic combination of the Mediterranean lifestyle and the vibrant Catalonian culture, combining such diverse features as the largest port in the Mediterranean and the beautiful La Rambla boulevard. Holidays to this destination are pleasingly affordable, with cheap flights to Barcelona available from low-cost airlines such as Monarch.