The capital of Catalonia is Barcelona and is the second largest city in Spain and is located on the Mediterranean Coast. As the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona houses the seat of the Catalan autonomous government, known as the Generalitat de Catalunya, notably it runs the Parliament and the Supreme Court of Catalonia. There are two official languages spoken in Barcelona, Catalan, generally spoken in all of Catalonia, and Castillian Spanish. The city has a population of 1510000, but this number spirals to more than 4000000 if the outlying areas are also included.



The subway is the fastest and easiest way of moving around the city. Barcelona has got two different systems, the subway with its five lines and the FCG , with two lines in Barcelona and four more lines going to nearby towns.

This waterfront shopping centre is Barcelonas biggest mall half shops and half clubs. By day it makes for a nice stroll with friends over the narrow wooden walkway from the end of the Rambla. By night the many clubs, pubs and bars take over. There is everything from Techno to Irish pubs to Salsa. Prices are somewhat high, but usually no cover charge.

Bars, cafes, clubs and discotheques in the vicinity south of Avd. Diagonal between Calle Pau Claris and Calle Aribau. Above the Avd. Diagonal on Calle Santalo and nearby, in the vicinity of the Placa Francesc Macia, a more high class selection of night spots can be found. In the area of Avd. del Tibidabo, there are music and dance spots which offer a more laid back atmosphere and are popular in the summer.

Mercat Dels Encants is one of Barcelonas largest and best loved flea markets, this place is bizarre. All items are sold, old and new, and I mean all items, you get power tools next to antiques next to cosmetics. There is a lot of rubbish and some of the vendors just pour all their stuff onto a cloth in front of them so you have to sift through everything. However you do come across some gems. Saturday is the busiest day so avoid it if you can. The furniture in the big hall to the side of the market is incredible and worth a look in.

The best shopping areas in central Barcelona are Passeig de Gracia and the streets to its southwest. The city is also home to the famous 5KM shopping line around 35000 shops. The shopping line stretches from the top of the Rambles,