Easy to get to?

Yes. Aer Lingus and Iberia fly daily into Barcelona and Ryanair fly into not-too-faraway Girona.

So what's to see then?

This is the kind of city that unfolds more of itself each time you return but on a one-off weekend visit you should see most of major attractions. The Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's work-inprogress cathedral is a must, as is the Parc Guell, his 'fantasy' park on the outskirts of the city where colour and shape are dominant. For real Gaudi fans there are numerous other buildings worth seeing around the city. La Seu, the city's cathedral at the heart of the Gothic quarter is also a beautiful building and from here you can immerse yourself in the old city, wandering the little backstreets, stopping off for tapas, and simply soaking up the atmosphere. Don't miss the Picasso museum and you can't miss the Ramblas, the tree-lined boulevard that runs through the heart of Barcelona from Placa de Catalunya to the waterfront . . . it's a bit tacky, but a magnet for shoppers, street performers, buskers and the like. Pop into the Boqueria while you're on the Ramblas . . . this is the city's food market and an Aladdin's cave of produce.

And accommodation?

For top-end luxury . . .

doubles from 360 . . . try Gran Hotel La Florida (0034 932593000, www.

hotellaflorida. com) in Tibidado, with its great views of the city. A cheaper alternative in a great 'old town' location is Hotel Banys Orientals with rooms from 100. Contact them on 0034 932688460, www. hotel banysorientals. com.

Roslyn Dee