The main tourisitc sights of Barcelona

Aside from the classic tourist sites, Barcelona has some amazing lesser known places to visit. For a helping hand on where to find them, head to www.porktie.com - a cool guide to some of the best places to visit and things to do in Barcelona.

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Plaça de Catalunya > The city's nerve centre

This huge square, with its central area peopled with strollers, street musicians and pigeons, is Barcelona's nerve centre, not just because of its shops and financial buildings, but because the city's main thoroughfares radiate from here. These include the world-famous Rambla which extends to the sea. Five minutes walk from the square you'll find the Palau de la Música, a stunning jewel of the modernista era which is a World Heritage Site and a must-see landmark. Remember that the tourist information office and the tempting gift shop, BCN Original, are located in the basement of the square. As you head down La Rambla, you'll find the Museu de l'Erótica, a private collection of erotic art and artefacts.

Casa Batlló > The splendour of Modernisme

The Passeig de Gràcia links the Plaça de Catalunya with the old village of Gràcia (from which it gets its name). Since the construction of the Eixample, important urban planning project designed by Cerdà in the 19th century, it has been a district of the city. Along the so-called "block of discord" lie the three masterworks of Modernista Architecture, the Casa Lleó Morera, by Domènech i Montaner; the Casa Amatller, by Puig i Cadafalch; and the Casa Batlló, by Antoni Gaudí. The opportunity to contemplate them side by side gives the spectator an idea of the variety of styles and the wealth of decoration deployed by the imagination of the period. Nearby is the Fundació Antoni Tàpies, housed in another interesting building of early Modernisme that the artist himself crowned with an extremely original wire sculpture. Inside, you can discover the creative trajectory of Tàpies, one of the greatest exponents of contemporary art.

Casa Milà > The Triumph of the Curve in Gaudí's Architecture

The Casa Milà, better known as "La Pedrera", was built by Gaudí between 1906 and 1910. In this mature work, the original architect stamps the movement of waves on the imposing stone façade, highlighted by wrought iron balconies, each of which is different from the others. The interior of this house, declared Patrimony of Humanity, is full of surprises: the "Espai Gaudí" of the attic which contains an exhibition of all of Gaudí's work, the impressive roof terrace with its forest of chimneys covered with tile, and the re-creation of a flat of the period. The main floor has been remodeled as an exhibition hall and there is an auditorium in the basement. On the Passeig de Gràcia, pay special attention to two unique elements; the hexagonal shaped pavement tile which reproduces a design by Gaudí and the magnificent streetlamp-benches which line the entire avenue.

Sagrada Família > Gaudí's dream

The Sagrada Familia is the only cathedral in the world which is still under construction. It is only funded by churchgoers and devotees, and through ticket revenue from visitors like you. It is Gaudí's dream, to which he devoted much of his life. At the time of his death in 1926, only one of the towers had been completed. The continuation of Gaudí's project has become an unmistakable symbol of the Barcelona, not just because of its spectacular size, but because it also reveals the spirit of a city which always been committed to building its future. Walk from here up the Avinguda Gaudí, a pedestrian boulevard which leads to the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, another of Barcelona's modernista buildings.

Park Güell > Gaudí's architecture in garden form

This park, a world Heritage Site, is named after Gaudí's great patron, Count Eusebi Güell. Although initially planned as a residencial garden city in the English style (hence the name "Park"), the initiative was unsuccessful and only one showhouse was built, like the one which was Gaudí's home and today houses the museum devoted to the architect. Finally, Güell donated the park to the Municipal Council in 1923 and since then it has belonged to the municipality and been a unique public park enjoying a prime location. Nowhere else so successfully integrates Gaudí's work into nature: his main source of inspiration.

Tibidabo - The best panoramic view of Barcelona

A romantic tram ride to Barcelona's great observation deck It's easy to get to the top of Tibidabo and enjoy an impressive view of the city as it stretches down to the sea. Two charming means of transport await you: the Tramvia Blau, or blue tram, a much-loved jewel of the past which is still running, and the Funicular, which connects with the former and covers the final steep stretch up the mountain. Once at the top, besides the breathtaking views, the Amusement Park has many surprises in store, from the tradicional to the hi-tech. Tibidabo has also been called the "Sensations Park", and with good reason.

Monestir de Pedralbes > A Gothic jewel in the residencial district

Uptown, far from the bustle and noise, we find a magnificent Gothic enclave of extraordinary beauty: Pedralbes Monastery. Founded by Queen Elisenda de Montcada in 1326, ¡t is one of the finest examples of Catalan Gothic art. Although a small community of nuns from the Order of St Clare still l¡ves in one wing of the monastery, most of the building is now a museum which is open to visitors. Since 1993, works from the Thyssen Collection have been on view in this imposing setting: they include paintings by Fra Angelico, Rubens, Canaletto and other great masters.

MACBA - CCCB > Contemporary art and culture in the old town

If there's a place in Barcelona where contrast gains both strength and harmony, that place is the Raval district which is home to the Museu d'Art Contemporani (MACBA) and the former poorhouse which was converted into the Centre de Cultura Contemporània (CCCB). The white, luminous structure of the museum, designed by Richard Meier, will come as a surprise after you have been walking through the narrow streets of the neighbourhood. Next door to the museum, the CCCB, a cultura¡ centre dedicated to the theme of the city and urban phenomenon, organizes excellent exhibitions, and is a perfect example of architectural renewal. It's a must see.

MNAC > The world's finest collection of Romanesque art

The Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya is one of the most important museums in Catalonia. The MNAC is a must-see and brings together one of the most important museum collections of Romanesque art in the world. The museum also has outstanding collections of Gothic, Renaissance and baroque art. As if that wasn't enough, there is always an extremely interesting temporary exhibition to see. From the Palau Nacional building, which is the museum's headquarters, built for the 1929 International Exhibition, you can enjoy one of the most glorious views of the city, with the trade fair precinct and the Magic Fountain in the foreground, which offers a night-time sound and light show.

Poble espanyol > Full-scale recreation of traditional architecture

This unique attraction invites you to take a peaceful and relaxing stroll through the streets and squares of an authentic Spanish "town". Built in 1929 for the International Exhibition of the same year, ¡t is now one of the city's main leisure venues with a wide variety of bars, shops and many craft workshops. A wonderful opportunity to see how glass, wood and clay are transformes into delicate craftwork. The Poble Espanyol often hosts entertainments, festivals and concerts. Nearby -as you head down towards Plaça Espanya- you'll find the german pavilion designed for the 1929 exhibition by Mies van der Rohe. It's well worth a visit.

Fundacion Joan Miró > Contemporary art and Mediterranean architecture

This stop is a must if you don't want to miss one of Barcelona's foremost museums. The Fundació Joan Miró and the Centre for Contemporary Art Studies opened to the public in 1975 and, since then, they have been one of the cornerstones of the city's cultural life. Besides housing the permanent collection by this world-renowned Catalan artist who knew how to create his own poetic universe and cultivate a broad spectrum of genres -painting, sculpture, ceramics, tapestries, etc.-, the Fundació is fully involved in promoting the contemporary arts. The white, gleaming building itself is as interesting as its contents. It was designed by Miró's great friend, the architect Josep Lluís Sert, who created a building with a markedly Mediterranean character.

Telefèric > A bird's eye view of the city and harbour

If you love heights and panoramic views, the Montjuîc cable car provides a magnificent opportunity to enjoy your visit. The cable-car station is located opposite the modern funicular station which links this area of the park to the central Avinguda Paral·lel. This unique means of transport comprises a series of red cabins running on a cable which can carry up to four people to the castle at the top of the mountain. A stop midway provides access to the "Mirador del Alcalde", an attractive, landscaped observation deck which commands views of the harbour. The journey is well worth it, particularly on clear days. And, in the summer, if you feel like a swim while enjoying spectacular views of Barcelona, visit the swimming pool on Montjuîc.

Port Vell > Barcelona's most lively and relaxing area

The Port Vell, meaning old port, is precisely that: the oldest part of Barcelona harbour, today fully refurbished and modernized. We are in the major leisure complex, the Maremagnum, the ideal place to spend some free time by the sea, close to the city centre. It's got everything: restaurants, shops, cinemas, night-time bars, pavement cafés, etc. One of the highlights is L'Aquàrium, which takes you on a fascinating journey to the bottom of the sea which you simply shouldn't miss. A walk through the glass tunnel beneath the shark pool is a truly magic moment. From this stop you can also board the modern Catamaran Orsom and take a pleasant cruise around this unique area.

Port Olímpic > The seafront legacy of the 1992 Olympics

The greatest urban transformation brought about by the 1992 Olympic Games took place in this area, with the construction of the Port Olímpic and the regeneration of its surroundings. The new marina was used for the sailing competitions, and the blocks of flats which housed the athletes and other competitors are located nearby. Today, the legacy of the Games is a modern residential neighbourhood facing the sea, with reclaimed beaches suitable for swimming and public use. The marina, which has over 700 berths, has become the focus of a major leisure and dining complex, a place where you can enjoy water sports or just take a stroll along the shore. The Casino de Barcelona is located on the ground floor of one of the towers flanking the entrance to the Port Olímpic. Try your luck and take away an even more rewarding souvenir.

Parc de la Ciutadella - Zoo > green area with a whole host of attractions

The Parc de la Ciutadella stands on the site of a military fortress and was built for the Universal Exhibition of 1888. It transcends the mere concept of a park as a showcase for plant life and a place for taking a walk, although there is no question that it fulfils these functions. Inside lies the Barcelona Zoo with more than 7,000 animals of 400 different species from around the world. In addition to the unmissable visit to the zoo, a walk through the park has a whole host of surprises in store: the spectacular waterfall and navigable lake; the white and glass structure of the Hivernacle, together with the cooling and shady Umbracle; or the Museu de Ciències Naturals (Museu de Geologia and Museu de Zoologia). The park is also the site of the Catalan Parliament. As you can see, the Ciutadella is much more than a green area.

Barri Gòtic > The touristic heart of the city

It all started here. Barcelona's two thousand years of history has its origins in the area known today as the Gothic Quarter which was built on the old Roman town. Parts of the city walls and Roman city can still be seen today. Remains of the latter are on view in the basements of the Museu d'Història de la Ciutat. The Cathedral is the focus of religious l¡fe, and the historic and political core of the city is to be found in the Plaça Sant Jaume, where the Palau de la Generalitat (seat of the Catalan government) and City Hall stand. On the ground floor of City Hall you'll find a tourist information office and the BCN Original gift shop. There's no better way to get to know the area than to take one of the Barcelona Walking Tours which depart from the tourist information office in Plaça de Catalunya. You will be captivated by the streets and squares of this historic neighbourhood.