N is for Nou Camp.FC Barcelona's incredible stadium is one of the biggest stadiums in Europe and has seen some amazing nights of football over the years.Also, huge pop concerts (the likes of U2) have also filled this amazing space.If you have the chance to see a a game, then I can highly recommend, and if not, the stadium tour is well worth a visit.Barça is more than just a club - indeed that it the official motto of the club, like Glasgow Celtic - it's a way of life.One of the most glamorous clubs in European history, Barcelona has always attracted big name players.O is for Olympics.Not since the triumph that was Sydney has the Olympics seen such a marvellous Olympic Games as Barcelona in 1992.Records broken, a fantastic reception from the locals and the amazing backdrop of the Catalan capital made the games such memorable ones.Who can boast a better view from the Olympic Diving boards, for example? You'd be hard pressed to find an equal, I can guarantee you!P is for Pata Negra.Iberian cured hams are some of the finest the world has to offer, and no trip to Barcelona is complete without sampling the acorn-fed, black hoofed variety, which is the most exquisite.Featured on BBC's Saturday kitchen amongst many others, this versatile meat is enjoyed in chorizos (spicy sausage), as well as simply cut of the leg in speciality tapas, and the art of carving the leg is another joy to be seen.Q is for Quatre Gats.1897 saw the birth of "4 cats" - spawned from Parisian Cabaret by Pere Romeu, a waiter in Paris who wanted to re-create the piano-lounge café bar in Barcelona.The privileged location nowadays just off Portal del Angel in the Gothic Quarter, plus the fame of being a favourite haunt of the young Picasso means that this is one of the main attractions featured in the guide books of today and is worth a mention, even if prices are hiked up a little for prosperity.R is for Raval.The central neighbourhood of the Raval is one of the most culturally diverse locations on the planet.A recent census noted that for square metres, the Raval had more nationalities registered as residents than any other place on the planet of the same size.No surprise then, that this vibrant barrio in central Barcelona has a wealth of restaurants, bars, shops and languages being heard as well as some of the city's best sights, including the oldest church in Barcelona, Sant Pau del Camp, the city's Opera House, Liceu, and the Modern art museums of MACBA and the CCCB.S is for Sagrada Familia.Previously mentioned, the masterpiece of Antoni Gaudi and "the people's Cathedral" has a special place in every Barcelona heart.Work has been ongoing for 125 years, and is still along way from completion, but the funds are solely from donations and profits from other Gaudi works in the city, meaning that the original wish of the Cathedral being for the people is coming true, slowly but surely - no corporation will finish it in 5 or 10 years for the sponsorship deals, etc.T is for Tibidabo.Towering over Barcelona and looking down to the Mediterranean sea, this mountain is a natural border for the city, and houses Norman Foster's Communications Tower, and the wonderful Sacred Heart church blessing the city from atop.Recent additions have been the fantastic Hotel Florida and the renovation of the theme park with brand new rollercoaster ride - much to the annoyance of the locals who prefer to keep the woodland and surrounding forests free of the rollercoaster and keep it as home for the Iberian wild boars.U is for UNESCO Heritage sites.Barcelona boasts 9 sites of cultural importance as deemed by UNESCO.These include Casa Mila, Sagrada Familia, Casa Viçenc, Palau Güell, Park Güell, Colonia Güell, Palau de la Musica Catalana, Hospital Sant Pau, and Casa Batllo.Unsurprisingly, 8 are from Gaudi, and see letter "D" for the other!V is for Villa Olympica, or the Olympic Village.The two towers visible from the sky were the buildings that housed the athletes during the Olympic Games, and the surrounding area now boasts some of the city's best nightclubs and restaurants, as well as the city's Casino.The towers are now the 5 Star Arts hotel and an insurance company office block, but the area continues to thrive and is a tourist hot spot.W is for Water.There are various reasons for including water to the list.First and foremost is the Mediterranean Sea, of course.Barcelona has an extensive coastline, from the comings and goings of the Port, then the beaches stretching from the old fisherman's village of Barceloneta to the Forum building.Also at the top of Las Ramblas, you have the Fountains of Canaletes - legend has it that if you drink from the fountains you will one day return to Barcelona.And finally the Magic Fountains at Montjüic - this fantastic light and sound display is un-missable, and the water jets and spurts, dancing to the themes played.X is for Museu de Xocolata - the Chocolate Museum in el Borne is a great place to visit, with fantastic chocolate sculptures, history, and creative workshops - and of course plenty to test, try and buy!Y is for Yachts and boats.Barcelona harbour is one of the most sought after places in Europe to dock your boat - recently the residents who had lived here for many years were forced out due to a huge hike up in prices.A stroll around Port Vell, crossing the bridge to Maremagnum or walking around to Barceloneta, you can imagine which boat you'd buy when you win the lottery!Z is for Zoo - the obvious choice for the letter Z, but the Barcelona Zoo is a great day out.Located in the "garden of Barcelona", La Cuitadella Park, the city zoo is fairly big and has those great little buggies to get around on if you don't fancy walking.Until recent years "snowflake" the albino Gorilla was the main attraction, but despite not being there now, it's still a great family day out.
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