It's been 15 years since I last visited Barcelona. In many ways it had changed (New Buildings) but in others thankfully it was just the same (Attitude/La Rambla/Tapas). I and Kev visited for 3 nights staying central in a basic hostel for just €20 per night. It was October so the city had an autumnal flavour but the weather was warm and sunny (bar one huge downpour!). It was great to wander down La Rambla and see all the freaky entertainers and living statues, Gaudi was another attraction so we indulged in the cathedral (La Sagreda Familia and Casa Mila), then Barceloneta with it's locals atmosphere and beach, then up the hill to Montjuic with it's stunning views over the city and decaying olympic relics from 1992 (notably the sorry state of the diving pool). Then there were the bars and their Tapas which were tasty and cheap - favourite was Patatas Bravas. The beer was good as we found Belgian and German varieties but the Spanish Estrella Bock and Voll were also good as was the brew-pub we found near Diagonal which sold a stunning stout. On our last day we visited the Monastry at Montserrat high up in the sandstone mountains north of the city where we yomped for quite a few miles up and down hills enjoying the fresh air
