There's nothing gaudy about Barcelona

A boy feeds pigeons at a square in Barcelona. [Liu Lu/China Daily]

Barcelona is an exciting international city whose name evokes the majesty of the works of the architect Antoni Gaudi, the 1992 Olympics, vibrant life nightlife and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.

The city overflows with rich history, culture and sheer joy and, has a wide range of landmarks and attractions, so don't be surprised if you fall head over heels in love with this place.

Barcelona is the second-largest city in Spain and is the capital of Catalonia, and almost three-quarters of the city's inhabitants are said to speak and read Catalan. The number of people of diverse nationalities who live in the city, among them about 16,000 Chinese, also attests to the city's international credentials.

Barcelona's main attractions are easily accessible on foot. For first-time travelers looking to familiarize themselves with the city, La Rambla, the most famous street, which runs through the heart of the city, is a perfect first stop. Once you have been there, beautiful beaches such as Barceloneta are not that far away, and other attractions that await you include the Sagrada Familia cathedral and Guell Park.

La Rambla, a boulevard that contrasts with the many narrow streets of Madrid, connects Placa de Catalunya, Barcelona's busiest square surrounded by monumental buildings, with the Columbus Monument and the waterfront. It is always crowded.

The street, 1.2 kilometers long, is decked from end to end with flower stalls, kiosks and street artists, giving it a very romantic air. It is also where the city's oldest buildings can be found, including many historic churches. In addition to its traditional side, it is also a lively place with countless bars and shops, turning it into a meeting place for socializing.

The city is rich in art and culture, and the pinnacle of this is Antoni Gaudi's unfinished architectural masterpiece the Sagrada Familia, one of the most popular attractions in Spain.