Spain

While staying in Barcelona, it is imperative to spend half of a day at the Park Güell. Park Güell is a stunning example of architecture by Antonio Gaudi and is a fascinating contrast to his masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia cathedral. Park Güell is a great place to visit, both for people watching and for exploring the sprawling marvels of the park. It was built from 1900 through 1914 and was commissioned by Eusebi Güell, only later turned into a municipal park.

You can spend hours exploring the buildings (and museum), the stone structures and sculptures, and admiring the intricate and colorful tiling. Many days you can find a local musician sitting among the columns and performing under the roof of the lower court, which has great acoustics. If the weather is lovely, as it often is in Barcelona, take a picnic lunch and spend hours soaking in the good vibe and views from the upper terraced area (you can see the Sagrada Familia, as you can much of the city from here).

There is a masterfully designed serpentine, tiled bench that provides seating, perfect for eating, lounging, enjoying the view and taking pictures. The bench is amazingly designed so that you can sit rather close to other park visitors yet feel as if you have the bench to yourself. You can reach the park by taxi, bus or metro (if you take the metro, be prepared for a short but steep walk; the buses drop you right in front). The park entrance is free (it costs to go in the Gaudi house which contains furniture that Gaudi designed) and the park is open daily from 10am-9pm. Park Güell is a fantastic example of the beauty of Barcelona- relaxed, friendly atmosphere coupled with wondrous architecture.

Barcelona becomes a feast for bookworms in October with guest literati from all over the world.More than a hundred international artists will perform at venues all round this city from October 22nd to 26th.The Kosmopolis festival is presented by the Contemporary Culture Centre once every two years.Readings are planned for the literary café remove accent , discussions for the patio, experiments for a new television channel and workshops for those who want to rehearse their talents.The oral, printed and electronic word are all celebrated in this mish-mash meeting of cultures.Global problems make up this year's theme. Participants will be told that art and culture are weapons in this changing world.Entry to Kosmopolis is from €5 (£3.94) a day, which is 11:00 to 23:00, local time.Guests will also be encouraged to visit other nearby literary installations, including photography depicting the isolation of JG Ballard, who penned Crash and Empire of the Sun.Bookworms will be invited to discuss his work and that of Catalan poet Aguisti Bartra, who would have been 100 this year. This city is also known for its architectural wonders, so why not take time out from one of the cheap hotels in Barcelona to wander round some of Gaudi's work?The Catalan architect is best known for creating the church La Sagrada Familia, which remains unfinished in the city.

Travel News brought to you by Eurobookings, the experts in cheap hotel bookings for all major European cities including Barcelona.A number of dance music's biggest stars have already confirmed for Spain's Weekend Dance festival this September.Acts like Fatboy Slim, who played the Rio Carnival this year, Groove Armada, Tiga and The Prodigy party in Madrid on the 12th before heading to Barcelona the following day.So slip on those dancing shoes and head to the Parc del Forum in Barcelona - tickets are on sale now for €45 or £35.After dancing the night away in Catalonia's capital, why not take a day to recover on a tour of the city.Barcelona has some perfect examples of Gaudi architecture, characterised by colourful, swirling mosaics. You might have even danced on some too!The artist crafted many of the sculptures in Park Guell, where Gaudi's old home has been opened as a museum, and created the unusual skull-and-bone shaped facade of Casa Batllo.Of course, another place to visit is the home of Barcelona Football Club, affectionately known as Barca, Camp Nou.©CopyrightTreat yourself to one of the best hotels in Barcelona. Because you deserve a break.

Bilbao in northern Spain has "reinvented itself" and is now a "vibrant metropolis", according to a travel expert. Korina Miller of Lonely Planet said that the city has a huge amount to offer tourists who want something slightly different in Spain. "Those after something more cultural than beach resorts and slightly off the beaten track are tuning into Bilbao's charm," said the commissioning editor for Spain and Portugal. She added that Bilbao has everything the seasoned holidaymaker could wish for, saying: "With an atmospheric old town, surrounding green hills, hip nightlife and beaches on the doorstep, there's little left to long for." Ms Miller drew attention to a number of attractions in the area, including the Guggenheim Museum and the selection of restaurants and cafes, describing it as an "international hotspot" which is "mellow by day and hopping by night". Bilbao's $100 million (£49.7 million) Guggenheim Museum was designed by architect Frank Gehry and features many famous works by artists including Picasso, Motherwell and Warhol.