The Rejuvenation Of Barcelona
Barcelona is one of Europe's most populated cities as a growing number of foreigners choose to work and live here along with a large student population, resulting in a broad range of nationalities which gives the city a contrasting cosmopolitan and ethnic atmosphere.
A lot of changes were initiated around the city when vast amounts of money were provided for its rejuvenation in preparation for the 1992 Olympic Games, before then the city was an industrial port that was slightly seedy and shabby. That was 20 years ago of course and things have only got better as the locals and the government constantly work on improving the environment and come up with some great initiatives that have improved the overall tone and smartened things up all around.
The city is now a fashionable destination for international and domestic travellers who arrive here eager to taste the many delights it has to offer, and curious to see why everyone is talking about the Catalonian capital. Appealing to all kinds of tastes, young creative professionals, both locals and Europeans, travel here in their droves to check out the place that saw the likes of Miró, Picasso, Gaudi and Dalí make it their home, and who contributed so much to Barcelona's distinctive look and individuality.
A major part of the funds was poured into the waterfront area, previously a run-down district with empty warehouses, dilapidated buildings and old railroad tracks running through it. The transformation has been spectacular as the government cleaned up the whole place and now it's a site of leisure and all kinds of activities. Port Olímpic has become a major piece of real estate and one of the most attractive areas of the city to visit with stylish restaurants and bars, leisure facilities and modern sculptures, and the marina itself is something to see as it projects out into the Mediterranean framed by colourful sailing boats and yachts. There's a feast of clubs in the Olympic yachting marina which is particularly nice to hang out at during the warmer summer months as most of the bars offer outdoor terraces.
The Communication Tower was designed by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava for the games and remains one of the city's most distinctive symbols. Located in the very center of the square at the Olympic Ring on Montjuic Hill, the 136m high tower was intended to be just for telecommunications but it's unusual shape and sheer size make it an elegant and striking piece of architecture that simply won't go unnoticed.
A lot of time and effort has also been spent on cleaning up the beaches around Barcelona and lots of visitors come for a combination of a city break with a few days at the beach. Barceloneta Beach runs all the way from the twin towers down to the sail-shaped W-Hotel and is the most popular with tourists as there's plenty to do - windsurfing and kite surfing, upmarket cocktail bars, restaurants and nightclubs. In recent years there's been further development to smarten the area up as locals turn their homes into rental apartments and holiday flats to earn some extra money.
Barcelona is a must see destination these days, the transformation it has gone through from its previous rundown condition to its present glory is magnificent and magical. City breaks entice tourists from all over the globe to enjoy the wonders of its streets and many sights and attractions. A wealth of chic hotels and stylish apartments in traditional and modern designs can be found located in all areas providing an exceptional base from which to explore whilst getting a feel for the daily Catalonian lifestyle.
A lot of changes were initiated around the city when vast amounts of money were provided for its rejuvenation in preparation for the 1992 Olympic Games, before then the city was an industrial port that was slightly seedy and shabby. That was 20 years ago of course and things have only got better as the locals and the government constantly work on improving the environment and come up with some great initiatives that have improved the overall tone and smartened things up all around.
The city is now a fashionable destination for international and domestic travellers who arrive here eager to taste the many delights it has to offer, and curious to see why everyone is talking about the Catalonian capital. Appealing to all kinds of tastes, young creative professionals, both locals and Europeans, travel here in their droves to check out the place that saw the likes of Miró, Picasso, Gaudi and Dalí make it their home, and who contributed so much to Barcelona's distinctive look and individuality.
A major part of the funds was poured into the waterfront area, previously a run-down district with empty warehouses, dilapidated buildings and old railroad tracks running through it. The transformation has been spectacular as the government cleaned up the whole place and now it's a site of leisure and all kinds of activities. Port Olímpic has become a major piece of real estate and one of the most attractive areas of the city to visit with stylish restaurants and bars, leisure facilities and modern sculptures, and the marina itself is something to see as it projects out into the Mediterranean framed by colourful sailing boats and yachts. There's a feast of clubs in the Olympic yachting marina which is particularly nice to hang out at during the warmer summer months as most of the bars offer outdoor terraces.
The Communication Tower was designed by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava for the games and remains one of the city's most distinctive symbols. Located in the very center of the square at the Olympic Ring on Montjuic Hill, the 136m high tower was intended to be just for telecommunications but it's unusual shape and sheer size make it an elegant and striking piece of architecture that simply won't go unnoticed.
A lot of time and effort has also been spent on cleaning up the beaches around Barcelona and lots of visitors come for a combination of a city break with a few days at the beach. Barceloneta Beach runs all the way from the twin towers down to the sail-shaped W-Hotel and is the most popular with tourists as there's plenty to do - windsurfing and kite surfing, upmarket cocktail bars, restaurants and nightclubs. In recent years there's been further development to smarten the area up as locals turn their homes into rental apartments and holiday flats to earn some extra money.
Barcelona is a must see destination these days, the transformation it has gone through from its previous rundown condition to its present glory is magnificent and magical. City breaks entice tourists from all over the globe to enjoy the wonders of its streets and many sights and attractions. A wealth of chic hotels and stylish apartments in traditional and modern designs can be found located in all areas providing an exceptional base from which to explore whilst getting a feel for the daily Catalonian lifestyle.
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