mad about futbol

Barcelona is sports mad, and there is nothing better than catching a game of football to see Futbol Club Barcelona at Camp Nou, the second largest football stadium in the world? Remember the passion that comes to mind when you think of a classic Spanish bullfight? Try it with 100,000 fans, and you get something approaching a football match. Play is usually on Saturday evenings; you can book tickets at www.barcelonatickets.com. The stadium is just 3km north of the Ramblas, so the best way to get there is by the metro.

Best of all, you can party after the game all you want at Av. Diagonal, one of the city's best nightlife districts.

world class beaches

After all that action, it helps to remember this is also one of the world's great beach cities, ranking with Sydney, Capetown, Miami, and Rio de Janeiro. That means the beaches are packed in summer, and the water leaves something to be desired. But where else in Europe can you work all day, eat all night, and walk out from a nightclub at 11am straight onto the beach? Try the Barceloneta beach for atmosphere and food options, and San Sebastian beach for a more rowdy and traditional experience.

With all this action, it's no wonder that Barcelona is considered by many to be the main attraction for summer fun in Europe. Football, tapas, sand, and music are the rule here, but remember that first bit of advice --if you take the time to slow it down and wander the boulevards, you will be in for surprising and worthwhile treats.

That does not include Las Ramblas, so you won't be forgiven if you are caught doing photo-ops with a mime.

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