Gaudi defaces another building in Barcelona

The second largest city in Spain and the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona attracts a never-ending stream of tourists. It is one of the few places in Spain where English is widely spoken.

Barcelona is home to the world's most photographed construction site - the La Sagrada Família - a cathedral that sprang into existence in 1882 and is the legacy of art nouveau architect Antoni Gaudi. Many of Gaudi's surreal creations dot the city.

Stretching down to the waterfront and cutting through the city's atmospheric old centre is the pedestrian boulevard Las Ramblas. Hosting a melee of colourful markets, cafes and street performers, La Ramblas is a playground for tourists and pickpockets alike. Nearby, the Mercat de la Boqueria is a wonderful indoor marketplace where fresh produce and Spanish delicacies can be ogled and gobbled.

Barcelona is famous for its nightlife, with cosmopolitan restaurants and bars concentrated around the Port Olímpic and La Ribera areas, and party-'til-you drop nightclubs found in the stylish gay-friendly district of Sitges.

Barcelona's museums are also world-class. The Museu Picasso consists of four medieval mansions crammed with Pablo's famed scribbles, while the Fundació Joan Miró houses an extensive collection of the Catalan artist's work. Probably the most visited museum in the city is the Museu del Futbol Club Barcelona, a veritable shrine to one of Europe's top football clubs, located at their hallowed Camp Nou stadium.