PORTVELL

Although Barcelona was founded on seagoing tradition, for many years its seafront was in decay, until a major redevelopment prior to the 1992 Olympics reintegrated the Port Veil (Old Port) into the city by transforming it into a lively entertainment venue The Rambla de Mar, an undulating wooden walkway and bridge, acts as an extension of Las Ramblas, connecting the city to Port Veil's many attractions.

Maremagnum, Port Veil's biggest crowd puller, is a covered shopping and entertainment centre with chic boutiques and restaurants, currently the only Sunday shopping option in Barcelona. Adjacent to the conventional cinema complex, IMAX (68) shows films in 3D, with state-of-the-art wraparound screens and sound. Nearby is the Aquarium ), one of the biggest and best in Europe.

La Ribera, one of the oldest districts of Barcelona, has become home to buzzing tapas bars, wine bars and stylish restaurants situated in Gothic palaces, and also has the city's most eclectic shopping opportunities.

The northern half of the district, Sant Pere, contains the Modernist masterpiece Palau de la Musica Catalana. Carrer de Montcada, in the Born, is now a showcase of art galleries and museums, including the Museu Picasso, one of the city's biggest attractions. The lanes around Carrer de Montcada are full of workshops where jewelers and potters carry on their trade much as they did in medieval times.

Passeig del Born, the main thoroughfare through the Born district, is a lively promenade lined with restaurants and cocktail bars. Here you'll find the Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar, known as the merchant's cathedral. A pleasant waterfront walk leads from La Ribera around the fishing village of Barceloneta to the popular beaches on either side of Port Olimpic.