Each country in Europe has plenty to offer culturally, historically, artistically and even gastronomically, which also means all kinds of short city breaks to choose from such as a family getaway, an unforgettable stag or hen night with your mates, or a shopping trip with a best mate.

It is so easy now to plan your trip from the beginning to the end, and it is even easier with online reservations so accessible, so ready your travel plans, grab your bags and have yourself an amazing city destination to look forward to.

Gaudi and Dali, excellent museums, relics beside state-of-the-art architecture, fashionable apartments, exciting bars and fare, all on top of a stunning Mediterranean shoreline. Stretching from La Ramblas covering the old port of Barcelona and the Placa Catalunya, an entire day can be dedicated to exploring the Barri Gothic Quarter without venturing any further as there is so much to see and do. Roam around the mazes of the cobbled walkways sandwiched between tall buildings which lead to delightful courtyards, and then take a break in one of the open air cafes filled with bustling tapas joints in the vicinity. Take the Picasso walking tour and learn about his favourite places when he lived here for a decade, with a visit to the well known Sala Pares and Museu Picasso.

Originally planned by Catalan publisher Joseph Bocabella, who wished to attain Catholic Church triumphs via the guard of St. Joseph, this mammoth assignment ultimately landed in the hands of Gaudi at the young age of thirty one years old. Any architectural trip has to begin with Antoni Gaudi, the best Catalan architect there ever was.

Barcelona is still the birthplace for many progressive architects such as the award winning Ricardo Bofill, the man behind the iconic W Barcelona, shaped like a gigantic boat sail. W Barcelona beats other prestigious applicants to take the Best Hotel Architecture in Europe award in 2010, which honours his architectural structures that harmonise with local cultures. It will also be hard to miss the perfect geometric block of ME Barcelona Hotel, a glass building designed by French architect Dominique Perrault. There are lots of public spaces to enjoy in the city including the beaches and parks. Its public spaces can be enjoyed simultaneously by the young or old, from the boulevards to the famous Guell Park, another Park de la Ciudadella, and a park in Ciutat Vella famous for its museums and boating lake.

There are also plenty more modern architectural treasures in the area if you inspect closely, such as the Hotel Habitat Sky which is also part of the ME hotel brand, the extraordinary facade of the Barcelona Biomedical Research Park as well as Diagonal ZeroZero Tower, which resembles modern architecture of Japan. Besides architecture, Barcelona is also notable for its art of living it up at night, where there is a number of clubs and pubs comprising practically every theme for all palates and budgets. Barri Gothic and Las Ramblas, both centrally located, have a terrific Gothic ambiance hence exceptionally popular for foreigners as well as locals. The area is full of niche clubs and watering holes, and you will find and a great variety of chic venues mixed amongst the obvious tourist places.

Many of these clubs will only begin to get crowded after 1am and may start to close at 5, some at 6 or 7am, but do not fret as you can continue partying as there is always an eager crew handing out leaflets for even more after clubs which stay open until the afternoon. A couple hours catching some sleep at your apartment or hotel and it is time to start all over again! If you want more of the local culture then there are always the local hang outs to go to. These joints may be packed with elderly folks playing cards and there will be no banging music or bad manners there.

Hence it is easy to see why Barcelona appeals to everyone, with a wealth of art galleries, weird and wonderful architecture, one-off shopping boutiques, irresistible bars and food, night-time venues and more, everyone will be spoilt for choice. The abundance of apartments and hotels makes reservation easy and convenient, so do not miss out on this captivating city.