. In the centre, there is a zoo and an aquarium, and throughout the city there are winding alleys that lead to quirky shops and tasty tapas bars. The central boulevard, Las Ramblas, leads to the beach and is lined with street performers and toy stalls. You can

and seafront splendour, soon fell into disrepair and became better known for its depressing boarding houses, decrepit architectural gems and rowdy pier arcades. Today, while the seaside town retains its fan club of hen weekenders, the city has also become