The "Cr me de la cr me"? of your travel to Barcelona has to be a tour to Gaudi's masterpiece, the unfinished La Sagrada Familia. Its towering spires form one of the most recognized international landmarks. La Pedrera, a combined apartment and office block is another Gaudi wonder with its distinctive wavy pattern and multihued chimney pots.

It is true that Barcelona merits a voyage by dint of its spectacular architecture only. But its parks are worth a tour too. The Pedralbes Royal Palace gardens is an oasis of beauty with its exquisite foliage, as are the Jardins Moss n Costa i Llobera and the Jardins Moss n Cinto Verdaguer, atop the Montjuc hill and the Park de la Ciudadella.

Park Gell, designed by Gaudi, is however the pick of the lot. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park has earned the tags of surrealistic, expressionist and modernist and can definitely form one of the highpoints of your travel to Barcelona in Spain.

After you have soaked in the architectural splendors during your travel to Barcelona in Spain, turn to the other Barcelona attractions. Some popular beaches around the city fringes are Nova Icaria, Bogatell, Barceloneta and the Mar Bella, Barcelona's sole naturist beach.

Metropolitan Park of Collserola, the Sant Lloren and the Montseny natural parks will appeal to all nature lovers with their rare flora specimens, wildlife and stunning scenery. There are two medieval Benedictine monasteries, one of them built by the first sovereign count of Catalunya. These Barcelona attractions lie on the outskirts of the city but are worth a journey while you are touring Barcelona.

The largest aquarium in Europe, L'Aqu rium and Universal's Mediterranea, an inimitable amusement park on the Impressionist style are the other Barcelona attractions of note.

For a football fanatic, a tour to the Barcelona FC, base for the La Liga team is almost an obligation while on a travel to Barcelona in Spain.

With the plethora of things to do in Barcelona, you will find your days flying. There are shops selling everything from designer wear to art and antiques, restaurants dishing out the choicest tapas and a vibrant nightlife.

The Barcelona facts point to a city that is a unique blend of the old and the new: quite a rarity in itself. Amidst the splendid architecture, resplendent natural beauty and an array of tourist activities, time will fly when you travel to Barcelona in Spain.