Domestic obligations, a hectic work schedule and financial constraints, these are the problems most of us have to deal with on a daily basis, and the reasons behind why it's increasingly difficult for us to find the time to get away. But there is a solution, indulging in short city breaks are economical and, these days, an increasingly fashionable way to travel.

Barcelona is the second most populated city in Spain and it never fails to captivate due to the electrifying ambiance and the ability to enchant visitors over and over again. The Roman remains are perfect for ambling around and admiring, before making your way up to Can Paixano to try their luscious cava, and then forwards to investigate even more quaint walking routes in the area.

The spell blindingly wonderful architecture designed by the Catalonian artist Antoni Gaudi is a must-see and most head to the shallow hill of Montjuic for its panoramic views of the surrounding city below. If you are fascinated by Picasso then participate in a walking tour to see what inspired him to develop his famed painting style whilst living in the city, include a visit to the well known Frisos del Col legi Arquitectes as well as the Picasso Museum.

Work began on the Sagrada Familia Cathedral way back in 1883 and Gaudi dedicated himself to it until his untimely death in 1926, the project is still incomplete and it will be at least a hundred years after his death, around 2030, until it is expected to be done. Since the conception of the project over a century ago it has been built only using funds from donations.

Batllo is one of the two most imposing buildings produced by Antoni Gaudi on Passeig de Gracia, the second is La Pedrera in the same area. The exterior of Casa Batllo is shaped to look like skulls and bones; look closely and you'll realise the skulls are actually balconies, whilst the bones are supporting pillars. Immense care to the details have been paid, even on the inside from the wooden frames to the mosaic tiles, you can see that Gaudi has accorded each one of them a lot of thought.

The Hotel Arts and the Mapfre Tower at Port Olympica is the highest building in Spain, and located at its base is the vast Frank O. Gehry creation, The Golden Fish. Commissioned for the 1992 Olympics, the fish and Hotel Arts were both designed by the American, who is considered to be one of the most artistic and creative architects of his time with designs that focus on contrasting open spaces, resources and shapes to produce the most unexpected, energetic art there is.

Nightlife is also another reason to go to Barcelona and on every night there is always a reason to party, from Saturday Night Fever to Nasty Tuesdays, you can literally go out every night if you want to and there will be something different to check out. To serve the party-goers are an affluence of nightclubs, performances, and dining venues and the city is filled with party places that attract people of all ages and lifestyles. Keep your eyes open for PR people giving away free entry passes to some of the biggest clubs; you will easily see them in the city centre as they walk around giving out free passes for entry to various clubs who generally charge extortionate entrance fees.

Obviously vacation time depends heavily on your work schedule or budget, travel agents, hotels and even airlines are now vying for business, and that can only mean consumers will benefit from the competition. As going overseas becomes less expensive it's becoming more possible for us to see a new country where we can admire the sights, binge on good food, and have a good night out. Barcelona has a place for everyone, with a wealth of art galleries, impressive architecture, stylish shopping boutiques, irresistible bars and restaurants, party atmosphere and beaches; you are guaranteed to be entertained. The profusion of apartments and hotels makes your stay from beginning to end a breeze, so wait no more and come enjoy this captivating city.