5 - Barcelona, Spain

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Seven properties built by the architect Antoni Gaudí (1852-1926) in or near Barcelona testify to Gaudí's exceptional creative contribution to the development of architecture and building technology in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These monuments represent an eclectic, as well as a very personal, style which was given free reign in the design of gardens, sculpture and all decorative arts, as well as architecture. The seven buildings are: Casa Vicens; Gaudí's work on the Nativity façade and Crypt of La Sagrada Familia; Casa Batlló; Crypt in Colonia Güell. The works became part of the Unesco list in 1984 and was extended in 2005. However, Barcelona is a city of diverse and varied gems. Admire the view of the city port from the high castell fort on Montjuïc hill or over the city from the height of Güell park, or climb the Sagrada Familia's tower's 400 steps of the to get the best of the city and its surroundings, or stroll along the famous Ramblas avenues, go up to the Passeo de Gracia lined with modernist buildings, take a walk around the port and the marina, laze on the beach, have a dip in the sea at the Barceloneta, eat some of the city's best tapas at the Boqueria market. But Barcelona is also one of the best party cities in Europe, so make sure you get bags of sleep before making the trip, especially if you go during the summer for the renowned Sonar Festival. But Barcelona is at its best in the spring time because it's not too hot, but hot enough to sunbathe and swim, and tourists stay at a minimum, whereas in the summer, authentic Barcelona tends to close down and most of the locals go away for the vacation. Try partying at the Razzmatazz or the Apollo for high-profile events or smaller places like the Moog and some of the Gotico area's bars. The best thing to do is get to know the locals and follow them on their party roundtrip!

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