Spain is Europe’s most exotic country; it is in extreme southwestern Europe. It occupies about 85 percent of the Iberian Peninsula, which it shares with its smaller neighbor Portugal.
Barcelona is famous for its outstanding football team, stunning architecture, lively nightlife, sandy beaches, world-class cuisine, and music festivals. The Sónar electronica festival alone attracts upwards of 100,000 people each year, and Primavera Sound’s indie rock festival attracts over 200,000 annually. Speaking of world-class cuisine, Spain’s rite of passage is eating paella. It is one of those things you simply must do. Paella has its origins in Valencia, but you’ll find plenty of options in Barcelona if you’re looking to sample this most traditional of dishes.
Barcelona experiences comfortable weather all year round. To avoid crowds, it’s best to avoid traveling during the summer months and any period around major holidays. The first half of March, the month of May, and mid-September through October are the best times of the year for sightseeing in Barcelona, with thinner crowds, shorter lines, and warmer weather.