To see something famous: The La Sagrada Familia. is a Giant Temple designed by the master architect Antonio Gaudi. This building has been under construction since 1882 and they've still got another 30 to 80 years (depending on funding and resources) to go before it will be finished. Some people love the Sagrada Familia and some people hate it, but whatever you think it's guaranteed to cause a reaction one way or the other.

For crowd watching: La Rambla(sometimes referred to as Las Ramblas) is the city's main thoroughfare where stalls and shops, street performers and bustling restaurants converge. Though the area is often considered a tourist trap, and is notorious for pickpockets, La Rambla is also home to Barcelona's Christopher Columbus monument and the Mercat de la Boqueria, where you'll find fruits and vegetables in the summer months.

For something arty: Pablo Picasso is one of Spain's most celebrated artists, having contributed boundless flair to the world of art. It's only natural then that a Picasso Museum is located in Barcelona, where he lived in his formative years.

Because you do like to be beside the seaside: Barcelona is a beach city, and Port Vell is the hub of activity on the water. The Rambla de Mar, a wooden bridge, connects La Rambla with Port Vell's Maremagnum, a sprawling collection of bars, restaurants, shops, and cinemas. Port Vell is also famous for its IMAX theatre and aquarium.

For a bit of history: Barri Goticis Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, a neighbourhood near La Rambla and the Placa de Catalunya. We love the Barri Gotic for its funky architecture and charming cobblestone streets. This is one of the city's most historic quarters, comprised of Town Hall, Cathedral and ancient Roman walls.

Overlooking the city of Barcelona since 1640m, Montjuic Castle is worth visiting for its panoramic views of the city and the Barcelona Port. The imposing building, situated high atop a hill, served as a political prison under Franco during the Spanish Civil War; today it houses a military museum.

To perve at models: Poble Espanol is a model Spanish village, constructed in 1929 in the style of traditional Spanish architecture. Think less Gaudi and more Spanish Gothic: the 116-building attraction maintains an authentic air of the past. The Poble Espanol, in addition to a museum, houses restaurants, craft shops, and even hosts flamenco shows.

To get your adrenalin pumping: Built for the 1992 Olympic Games, the Olympic Harbour area has been transformed into a delightful series of boardwalks and parks perfect for a leisurely stroll along the Mediterranean coastline. Bright and modern, it boasts colourful contemporary architecture and numerous bars, restaurants and arts centres that come alive after dark. There is also a multitude of sporting facilities such as rollerskating, go-karting and tennis courts.

For a day of old fashioned fun: The Tibidabo is a sprawling amusement park that's over a century old and is the ideal day out for the whole family to enjoy. It features state-of-the-art thrill rides and traditional funfair carousels. A modern monorail winds its way through the park affording sweeping views of its attractions and panoramic city vistas.

So the olds get off your case about doing something “historical”: Visit Barcelona's main cathedral, located in the Barri Gotic, in 1298. The cathedral, also known as the La Seu, is considered to be one of Spain's most impressive feats of architecture. Inside, you'll find an intricately decorated high altar, a crypt containing the tomb of the cathedral's patron Santa Eulalia, and high vaulted ceilings.