With regional airlines touching down in nearly every European city, vacationing in one of these cities needn't cost the earth, so these days there's simply no excuse to stay cooped up at home when instead you can have a cheap break during the week.

The most inhabited city in Catalonia, Barcelona is suggested for an excursion on account of its stimulating ambiance and its gift to gratify all kinds of sightseers. Mooch around the Roman ruins before stopping off for a hot chocolate in one of the alfresco cafes in the Gothic city and then venture further to see even more scenic walking routes in the region.

If you do find yourself on holiday in Barcelona then there are some attractions you simply cannot afford to miss, this is a city that promises to accommodate all through the year, even for frequent tourists. Do not miss the Museu Picasso with a comprehensive insight into the life and works of the famed artist, or the Nou Camp football stadium, a cool place to visit as it is the largest stadium in Europe and home to Barca football club.

Initially promoted by Catalan publisher Joseph Bocabella, who founded the Association of Saint Joseph Devout with the aim to build the temple, this monumental task eventually fell into the care of Gaudi when he was only young, since it was started over a century ago it has only used funds from public donations for its construction.

The Catalonian capital has an attitude with a rich mixture of everything you want in a city such as culture, glamour but most of all, influences found in architecture, be it modern or historical ones. Barcelona Cathedral, the Agbar Tower and even the home of Barca, Camp Nou, are architectural designs that have influenced, or are influencing the sceneries in Barcelona and will certainly give your visual senses a feast. Located at the bottom of the highest building in Spain, the Hotel Arts and the Mapfre Tower at Port Olympica, is the famous Frank O. Gehry sculpture, The Golden Fish. Custom-built for the 1992 Olympics, the fish and Hotel Arts were both designed by the American and he has earned a reputation as one of the most important, modern architects of our time.

A trip on the Tramvia Blau up Tibidabo Mountain offers awe-inspiring scenes and interesting cycling tours where you can explore the beautiful setting, then take the Funicular de Tibidabo to the old park at the top as the rides date back to 1889 and the park has a real vintage feel.

Although Barcelona has plenty to keep you busy during the daylight hours, for many the real excitement only begins when the day turns into night, and everywhere it's buzzing with travellers, students and tourists. To cater for them are a variety of nightclubs, performance venues and diners, and the city is filled with party places that appeal to all types of people. Many of these clubs start filling up around 1 and stay open till 5, some until 7am, if you're still up for dancing then pay attention to the PR crews handing out flyers for after-hours clubs which stay open until morning or even later. Catch a few hours sleep at your apartment or hotel and soon it's time to go out again! For traditional places and a spot of culture then there are always the local hang outs to go to, packed with old Spanish people playing cards and no loud music.

Take into consideration that at certain times of the year, such as bank holidays, Christmas, New Year and school holidays it will be extra busy and you'll be lucky to find a good deal at these times. It is feasible to get a last minute deal at a low price, nevertheless to keep things more organized then it is best to reserve ahead. Great deals can be found no matter what you choose. You will need to muster as much time as you can possibly have to discover the city's best sights for yourself. The city will keep you very busy and with the balmy weather and beach nearby, it's an idyllic holiday destination. Consider renting a chic central Barcelona apartment to call home during your stay here as it provides convenience and privacy. You can also have friends back for a meal that you can make yourself in the apartment's kitchen or have a chinwag in the open-plan lounge.