One of its points of interest is the MACBA, i.e. Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (Plaça del Angels 1, macba.es , open Monday to Wednesday and Friday 11am to 7.30pm, Saturday 10am to 8pm, and Sunday 10 am to 3 pm, ticket 4€, Metro 1 Red or 2 Violet, Universitat station) constructed by Richard Meier. The art collection is mainly from the second half of the 20th century, but the museum often hosts some contemporary art exhibitions.

Near the museum there’s the CCCB, i.e. Centre de Cultura Contemporania de Barcelona (C/ Montalegre 5, open Tuesday to Sunday 11am to 8pm, Metro 3 Green, Liceu station), a multidisciplinary institution that organises and hosts plenty of events: exhibitions, concerts, shows, cinema festivals, courses, debates, lectures.

Last but don’t least you can’t miss the famous Mercat de la Boqueria (boqueria.info), an enchanting explosion of colours! The market stalls are full of fresh vegetables, fruit, meat and fish that come from every part of the world.

Near the Mercat we find the Liceu Opera House, considered by many to be one of the finest opera houses in Europe along with the Scala of Milan. In 1994 it tragically burned to the ground and was therefore rebuilt expanding the facilities while conserving the original façade.

At the end of the Rambla stands the Columbus Monument. Built on the occasion of the Universal Exposition of 1888, it has become one of the identifying symbols of the city.

In this area you can easily find very nice guest houses, that in Spanish are called Hostal or hostales, not to be confused with hostels or youth hostels. Hostal is a typical family run pension or guest house where you will be accommodate in a Spanish house, with a private room. Breakfast is not always served nor included in the price. Nevertheless, guest houses (hostales) average prices range from 25-40 euros per person, which is quite good! Here some good one you can easily find in Barcelona: Barna Hostal B&B, Sleepy Beds B&B and guest house, BCN Dreams Guest house, Somnio Hostal, Barcelona Residence, Corsega Apartment, Agua Alegre Hostal, Que Tal Guest house. For nice youth hostels that in Spanish are called albergues de la juventud in Barcelona try Pere Tarres youth Hostel, Residencia Universitaria San Marius hostel, La Trajinera youth hostel.