A short city break is a great idea and can be used as an excuse for a romantic getaway, an unforgettable bachelor or hen do with your mates, or just to seek a cultural experience you simply can't find back at home.

Gaudi and Dali, excellent galleries, ancient relics sitting beside avant garde architecture, fashionable accommodation, lively bars and cuisine all topped off by the warm Mediterranean weather, what more could you ask for?

The intriguing architecture designed by the Catalonian artist Antoni Gaudi is a must-see, followed up by Montjuic Hill for the 360 degree views of the city. Take part in a walking tour and discover the Barri Gothic Quarter, this alone will take you days to explore and if you see nothing else the trip will have been worth it. Roam around the winding web of walkways that meander between tall buildings eventually leading to quaint courtyards, and then take a rest in an open air cafe or tapas bars.

The main Gaudi attraction is La Sagrada Familia, an ongoing project and an important monument in Barcelona. The city is truly blessed with Gaudi's weird designs and he's definitely one of the main reasons the city draws in so many tourists, this famous structure is like nothing else you have ever seen and is sure to blow your mind.

Barcelona has been the birthplace and home for many innovative architects, the award winning Ricardo Bofill is one and the architect behind the iconic W Barcelona and its distinctive boat sail shape. W Barcelona beat other prestigious contenders in winning the Best Hotel Architecture in Europe prize in 2010 and is celebrated for his architectural structures that seamlessly blend with the culture of the country they are located in.

Another hotel, situated in the 22@ district at Pere IV, is Hotel ME Barcelona, a glass structure that gleams in the day and changes into a colourful icon of the Diagonal at night. Barcelona is widely celebrated for its well conceived public spaces and open spaces can be enjoyed simultaneously by young or old alike, some of the most interesting places to take a stroll include the beaches and promenades and the parks, the best of which are Guell Park and the Park de la Ciudadella in Ciutat Vella known for its galleries and zoo.

Concerned with maintaining its architecturally appealing buildings, construction is controlled in the city and the aim to redevelop old structures rather than build new. As well as its interesting architecture the Catalonian capital is also noted for its exciting nightlife, with all ages and tastes accommodated for in the bars and bar lounges. Check out the areas of Las Ramblas and the Barri Gothic as they're fashionable and trendy with a young crowd hanging out as they're central and lively which is appealing to travellers, tourists and the people who live in the city.

Like most cities clubs are open late, however in Barcelona they're open later than usual sometimes until 6 or 7 in the morning, and generally nobody goes until 1 or 2am. Even then there is always another club open somewhere else in the city, and if you really want to you can continue partying until the afternoon. Keep an eye out for the kids in the streets giving out fliers for free entry and drinks at various clubs as it'll save you money.

Crash out at your hotel or apartment for a kip and you'll be refreshed enough to do it all over again the next night. If you like your nights out to be a little quieter then there's no shortage of tiny old fashioned Spanish bars where you can hang out with the locals for a drink and make new friends.

It's not necessary to spend lots of hard-earned cash when on a short break to a city destination, you can be economical and still enjoy yourself whilst learning about the traditions, art, history, and trying the local food. It's important to go somewhere different at times and spend valuable family time with your loved ones and friends, returning home refreshed and invigorated. Watch out for hotels and holiday apartments offering weekday promotions and reduced prices, they're not hard to find particularly in Barcelona as it's always been one of the top destinations for those seeking adventures from a Spanish city.