Barcelona is the major Spanish Mediterranean city, a window to Europe which has become a cultural reference point for the whole world. The city, which displays a wealth of modernist architecture alongside its rich Roman and medieval heritage, has constantly reinvented itself, adapting over the years to continue to offer an overwhelming choice of art and entertainment at the cutting edge of modern cultural trends. It has played host to great events such as the World Exhibition, and its most recent major renovation for the 1992 Olympics placed it, once again, firmly at the forefront as the model of a modern and integrated city.  The city of Gaudi, home to Gothic art and innovative architects and visionary town planners is a destination favoured by tourists. Good weather, local cuisine and a lively Spanish atmosphere add zest to the travellers' visit.

Location
Located in northeastern Spain, Barcelona stretches between sea and mountains. The city is set on the shores of the Mediterranean, about 120 kilometres south of the Pyrenees and the border with France, on a plane bounded by the sea to the east, the coastal mountain range (Sierra de Collserola) to the west, the river Llobregat to the south and the river Besos to the north. It is capital of the province of Barcelona which is part of the Autonomous Community of Catalonia, and, after Madrid, is Spain's second largest city in terms of population.

Population
1,595,110

Tourism
Barcelona has many tourist service offices located in strategic points around the city:
-Plaça de Catalunya. Pl. de Catalunya, 17
-Estacion de Sants. Pl. Països Catalans, s/n
-Infopista Montseny. Montseny-Sud service area, Km 117, Autopista AP-7/E-15
-Monument a Colom information kiosk. Portal de la Pau, s/n
-Plaça de Sant Jaume. Ciutat, 2
-Airport Terminals A y B
-La Rambla. La Rambla, 115
There are information booths at main tourist monuments and temporary offices in the cruise terminals. A personalised tourist information service is also available by phone (+34 932 85 38 34) or e-mail (info@barcelonaturisme.com).

The web site BCN Shop (http://bcnshop.barcelonaturisme.com) provides a useful guide to travel and entrance tickets for transport, monuments, museums and shows, including special discount offers such as the Art Ticket (a season ticket covering a number of museums) and the Barcelona Card (discounts for museum entrance and transport).