Apsis Splendid Barcelona Muntaner, 2 Online Booking

Super spot to base yourself, whilst enjoying all that Barcelona has to offer. Close to the University and just a short walk to Plaza de Catalunya the central point of the city. From here you can enjoy a stroll down Las Ramblas where you will find trendy seating areas, tapas, cool drinks, stalls selling flowers, birds and gifts and fashion houses strewn on the outside of the avenue. Half way down you will come to the Gothic Quarter - home of the Cathedral and its lush gardens filled with palm trees and magnolias. The Bishops Palace and Kings Plaza are worth admiring.

The Opera House and a helpful Tourist Information office can be found along Las Ramblas and when you get to the end you can view the statue of Christopher Columbus. Along the front and onto the boardwalk in the port area and you come to exhibition centres, Barceloneta with its own identity - shops, cafes and lovely views out to sea. Watch the boats and sip a coffee.

Historical buildings worth viewing include the Sagrada Familia - either by walking or using the efficient metro system or taking the bus - which at rush hour can be an experience in itself! Montjuic is the Mount of Jews and from the top affords panoramic views out to sea and over the whole city. There is a fairground up there, Spanish Village complex and the Olympic Stadium.

Good stuff: Compact, quiet and very well placed for a short stay in Barcelona