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Barcelona:  by Michael Garry Smout |
| This article has since been updated and can
be found in seperate issues of the Review: January, February, March and April , May and June , July and August, September and October, November and December |
First...if you’ve been here before, but not recently, you’re in for a surprise. Since the success of the Olympics, Barcelona has virtually reinvented itself. It has managed to become a major attraction, catering for all age groups and all needs. Where there was once a syringe-littered beach, there are now over four kilometres of decent sand and beach bars brimming with happy punters. The beach, the new ‘Leisure Island’ Maremagnum (Imax cinema, aquarium, bars and nightclubs, located in the old port), and the Olympic Marina area now buzz for virtually 24 hours in a city that was once totally dead in August. Many famous buildings, too, that were once neglected - most notably two of Gaudi’s - have been spruced up and made available for year-round public entrance. New plazas (plaças) have let sunlight and green into once dark, dangerous areas. This is a very different city from even five years ago. The best time to visit? If you want sun, sea, sand, relaxation and are little concerned with the wonders of Gaudi and all, then the answer is easy; but if you want sun, sea, sand, relaxation - and may or may not be concerned with the wonders of Gaudi and all, but would like to see and experience something unique to the city and mix with the locals - then you might find this little guide helpful, as I’ve tried to include all the odd fiestas and goings-on that give the city a human face. By the way, there is not a bad time to visit.
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