 | Parks & Gardens |  | There are several public parks around the city, providing a welcome respite from the busy city in the height of summer. Each have their own unique attractions from museums and sculptures to wildlife and walks, as well as restful shady spots. Park Güell, within the Gracia district, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site listed as the “Works of Gaudi”. This stylish park was commissioned by Eusebi de Güell who originally planned to use the land for housing. A lack of interest led to a change of purpose and the subsequent design of an extraodinary park with fascinating sculptures and fantastic city views. At the top of the park is a large terraced area with large mosaic-covered seats, providing fine views over the city. Also within the park, the house where Gaudi once lived has now been turned into a museum, exhibiting some of his work. The city is overlooked by the mountain of Montjuic. The northern and eastern slopes are covered with gardens. To the east there are exotic tropical plants, whereas the upper northern slopes have a more natural feel. Beneath the hill’s Miramar Esplanade, which overlooks the city’s harbour, are the impressive Costa I Llobera Cactus Gardens. Plants from as far afield as Kenya and Mexico can be found in these gardens, which were founded in 1970. |
 | Beaches |  | Much work has been done to improve the four kilometers of seafront around Barcelona and today the city has several popular beaches including Barceloneta and neighbouring Playa San Sebastian. The latter can get particularly crowded during the summer months as both locals and visitors come to enjoy the sands where sunbathing, kite flying, watersports and windsurfing are all popular activities. Icaria beach is also a popular choice, located close to the Olympic Marina with a number of good restaurants and bars along the promenade. Adjoining is Bogatell beach bordered by a long walkway which lends itself perfectly to jogging, roller blading and cycling. Just beyond, in a more secluded location, is the city’s only nudist beach, Marbella. |
 | Sporting Facilities |  | Barcelona hosted the Olympic Games in 1992, leading to an impressive number of sporting facilities within the city. The Collserola Tower, the telecommunications tower built for the Games, is the highest building in Barcelona and there is a magnificent observation deck on its 10th floor where the public can enjoy a clear view of the city and the Pyrenees beyond.
FC Barcelona is best known for its successful football team but is also home to a number of other popular teams including basketball, ice hockey and rugby. Football aficionados can visit the popular museum which includes a panoramic view of the stadium or follow in the footsteps of famous players, such as Maradona and Ronaldinho, on the Camp Nou Tour |
| Nightlife & Festivals | | Like most Spanish cities, Barcelona enjoys a late burst of energy with a variety of shows, bars and concerts running through to the early hours of the morning. The people of Barcelona make the most of any opportunity to celebrate and there is a year-round programme of festivals and celebrations including the Parade of “Los 3 Reyes” at Christmas time, the pyrotechnic festival, the Festival of Street Art and the Festival of Saint Eulalia in February. From the 14th to 16th of June 2007, Barcelona will echo the sounds of electronic music at the Sonar Music Festival. There are “Sonar by Day” and “Sonar by Night” programmes with a variety of performing artists including the Beastie Boys. |
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