Barcelona even beat out established favourites such as Venice, Florence and San Francisco.

(TRAVPR.COM) SPAIN - May 28th, 2013 - Barcelona, the capital city of the catalonia region of Spain, was recently voted the world's 5th best destination to visit by Tripadvisor®, reports Sitges Hills Villas.

It’s easy to see why Barcelona is so highly rated. The city is alive and vibrant with a beautiful blend of traditional, post-modern, modern and cultural mixes, laced with artistic, archaeological, architectural and historical features that simply must be seen to be believed. Barcelona even has miles of golden sand Mediterranean beaches just a short stroll from the city centre.

There is so much to see and do in the city, for people of all ages and backgrounds. Some of the best attractions in the city include:

La Rambla

This is the ideal place for a stroll. The neighborhood boasts some of the best boulevards in the world, especially if you love shopping. You will be treated to lanes full of statues, shops, artists, dancers, musicians, fortune tellers and many more tourists to interact with. The vibrant La Boqueria market in particular is a must-visit. The Joan Miro mosaic and the cafe lines are also places you should take some time to check out. You can chill by a roadside cafe or restaurant sipping your favourite drink as you watch the days and lives of the people of Barcelona.

Gaudi's Grand Designs

One of the most renowned spots in Barcelona is Gaudi's Grand Designs. Art lovers are bound to get a mighty kick out of this one. What seems like an abstract form of melted art made from concrete is actually a picturesque representation of the life of Christ in sculpted form. The area around the attraction also comes with other interesting places to visit, including Park Güell, a beautiful city garden. Also worth a visit, especially if you're a fan of live music, are the Hansel and Gretel fairy tale opera house and the famous La Pedrera rooftop, the latter a magical spot at nighttime in particular when you can hear some excellent jazz.

When you're done feasting on the music, check out some of the many observatory points in the area, where you can look out at the breath-taking scenery of one of Europe's most unique skylines.

Concerts

Further proof that music lovers will be at home in Barcelona! With concerts at the Apollo and Razzmatazz, Gran Theatre del Liceu and the L'Auditori, anyone with a penchant for a catchy tune will find themselves well pleased with the offerings of the city. You'll get to enjoy live shows, jazz concerts and music from all over the world. The Palau de la Música Catalana is a buzz of music and performance, all wrapped up in beautiful architectural designs.

Barcelona also host a number of notable music events each year, including the Festival Internacional de Jazz de Barcelona and the Primavera Sound.

Picasso's Life

Why not view the city through the eyes of the renowned artist Pablo Picasso? Explore the landmarks and destinations that shaped his youth and inspired such genius. These places include Calle Reina Cristina, 3 Carrer de la Mercè, Els Quatre Gats and Museu Picasso.

Fresh Sea Food

Barcelona could well be known as the oyster capital of the world. There are many restaurants offering fresh sea food in a wide range of preparations. Some specific restaurants worth experiencing for sea food delights include Rias de Galicia, Cal Pep, La Mar Salada, Can Sole and many more.

The above are but a few recommendations of things to see and do in Barcelona. As noted, there are countless spots worth exploring for visitors of all ages and tastes. We haven't even touched on the nightlife, which deserves a whole article in itself. Furthermore, there are the famous beaches and marine activities to keep you busy during your stay.

Barceloneta Beach

This hip urban beach is just a 15-minute stroll from the city centre. It’s an ideal venue for a cooling dip in the sea or a relaxing cocktail in a beach bar after a busy day shopping. The area also has some excellent and reasonably priced seafood restaurants. This is a must visit destination in Barcelona, particularly in the summer months.

-ENDS-

This Barcelona news update is courtesy of Sitges Hills Villas (www.SitgesHillsVillas.com) the leading provider of holiday villas in the popular beach resort of Sitges, just 30-minute drive south of Barcelona.

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