National Geographic Traveler: Barcelona, 4th Edition

Celebrating Barcelona's stronghold on architecture and art, this completely updated and revised guide to the city makes sure you don't miss a thing--from the intricately carved edifices of its Gothic quarter; Gaudi's moderniste structures; and the seminal surrealist works of Picasso and Miro. Special features include three-dimensional drawings (including one of the fabulous Sagrada Familia Cathedral) and guided tours (including a walk through Roman Barcelona and a drive through the Mediterranean-lapped Costa Brava), as well as in-depth sidebars that detail such topics as Barcelona's Jewish community, the city's markets, and what life as a local medieval monk was like. Special features are sprinkled throughout on such helpful topics as securing tickets to a bullfight, learning to windsurf on Barcelona's beaches, the ritual of spring onion barbeques, where to take Catalan or flamenco classes, and taking a suisso; and Insider Tips from National Geographic and local experts show you where the locals go. A hefty Travelwise section details how to get there and how to get around, with author-picked hotels and restaurants. Aimed at active travelers who want authentic, enriching, cultural experiences and expert advice from a trustworthy source, National Geographic Travelers provide ways for people to experience a place rather than just visit, and give the true feel of each destination not easily found online.

DAMIEN SIMONIS, born and bred in Sydney, Australia, has had a little trouble settling down since he took a one-way flight to Cairo in 1989. In his baggage was a BA in modern languages from Melbourne University and seven years experience as a reporter and copy editor on some of Australia's leading dailies, including the Australian, The Age, and the West Australian. Since landing in the Egyptian capital, Damien has lived, studied, and worked all over Europe and the Middle East. In 1992 he started writing guidebooks and travel articles for publications in Australia, the UK, and North America, and he hasn't stopped since. His wanderings have taken him from Ukraine to the Sudan, from Syria to Morocco, from the Alps to the Straits of Gibraltar. On his two greatest passions, Spain and Italy, he has written extensively. He currently divides his time between London, Barcelona, and the road.