For Barcelona

The founding of Barcelona is the subject of two different legends. The first attributes the founding of Barcelona to the mythological Hercules 400 years before the building of Rome. The second legend attributes the foundation of  Barcelona directly to the historical Carthaginian Hamilcar Barca, father of Hannibal, who named the city Barcino after his family, in the 3rd century BC.

Even if you're not architecture buffs, nearly everyone who sees the surreal designs of Antoni Gaudi -- which can be found throughout Barcelona -- is enthralled. The most awesome example is the enormous (and still unfinished) basilica Sagrada Familia, which Gaudi worked on for over 40 years. And don't forget to wander around the cool shops and cafes on Las Ramblas, one of Barcelona's most famous and lively streets.

Romantic Must-do Go to a flamenco show (try a place like Tablao Flamenco Cordobes) and then practice a few of your own moves of this steamiest of dances.This will surely increase you heartbeats.

Barcelona has many venues for live music and theatre, including the world-renowned Gran Teatre del Liceu opera theatre, the Teatre Nacional de Catalunya, the Teatre Lliure and the Palau de la Música Catalana concert hall.

Barcelona also is home to the Barcelona and Catalonia National Symphonic Orchestra (usually known as OBC), the largest symphonic orchestra in Catalonia. In 1999, the OBC inaugurated its new venue in the brand-new Auditorium (l'Auditori). It performs around 75 concerts per season and its current director is Eiji Oue.Yearly two major pop music festivals take place in the city, the Sónar Festival and the Primavera Sound Festival. The city also has a thriving alternative music scene, with groups such as The Pinker Tones receiving international attention.