Ibiza's Contemporary Art Museum (Museo de Arte Contemporáneo, or MAC, for short), can be found in one of the historic buildings that is part of the city walls - the arms room in the San Juan bastion, above the main gate of the city walls, la Puerta de Taules. The museum came into being as a result of the biennial international art show that took place for the first time in 1963. Nowadays, the museum organizes several exhibitions throughout the year, including collections of works by local contemporary artists, as well as exhibitions organized by other entities. The museum continues to organize the biennial international art exhibition, which includes works from all over the world. The works owned by the museum include pieces by Barry Flanagan, Hans Hinterreiter, Erwin Broner and Will Faber.
Aside from being one of the best places to view Catalan Modernist architecture, Passeig de Gràcia is also the city's elegant shopping area par excellence. Foreign brands such as Ermenegildo Zegna, MaxMara, Escada, and Armand Bassi stand beside Spanish labels such as Purificación García, Camper, and Loewe. The exclusivity of Vogue, Bally, and Yanko are offset by more accessible shops like Mango, Globe, Benetton, and Laura Ashley. This street also boasts the Bulevard dels Antiquaris, which is excellent for antiques, as well as many restaurants and outdoor cafés, bookshops, and jewelers. At number 55, Boulevard Rosa also offers more than 50 small, elegant shops under one roof. Above all else, Passeig de Gràcia offers passerby boundless style and energy.
Located in central Barcelona, the Sinagoga Mayor de Barcelona is one of the oldest synagogues in Europe. It sits facing southeast, pointing to Jerusalem. The architecture of the Sinagoga Mayor de Barcelona dates back to the third century, and excavations have unearthed first-century Roman walls made of stones from Carthage. A historic treasure, the synagogue has two rooms, the foyer and the main room, and a healthy number of artifacts on display. It was converted to a museum in 2002 and now welcomes guests both local and visiting to learn about the Jewish history of this lovely city.
Visit the Museu de la Ciència i de la Tècnica de Catalunya with your kids and explore a unique world of science and technological innovations. Housed in an old textile factory, the museum was established as an independent institution in November of 1990. The collection spans automobile technology, gadgets, energy and power, human anatomy, and industrial development along with displays from the original textile mill. Apart from the permanent collection, the museum also hosts numerous rotating exhibitions and even has its own library with archives. When you want a break from all the exquisite art museums in Barcelona, head just outside the city to this science and technology center.
This grand monument to Christopher Columbus opened to the public in the summer of 1888 during the famous Universal Exposition. As the legend goes, Columbus alighted on Barcelona's shores first after returning from his arduous voyage to the New World and the Americas. The structure was designed by Gaietà Buigas i Monravà, who won a contest for Spanish artists that was held to determine who would have the prestigious honor. The 51-meter (168-foot) metallic column is topped by a statue of Christopher Columbus symbolically pointing out to sea in commemoration of his historic voyages, above the hustle and bustle of Las Ramblas. There is an elevator that whooshes to the top that afford stunning views of the iconic street as well as Barcelona's seafront and ports. Among the many sights that unfold from the 60-meter height, visitors can look for the Santa Maria del Mar's towers, Mount Montjuïc with its looming castle, Parc Natural de Collserola and Port Vell.
There's no better place to get a rush than the Tibidabo Amusement Park, an exhilarating attraction that opened on top of Tibidabo Mountain in 1901. Begin your visit to this family-friendly attraction with a panoramic ride up the Tibidabo Cable Car then hit the rides. Hold on to your seat on a stomach-turning roller coaster, watch your kids take a trip on the miniature train, or take a scenic flight on the historic Red Aeroplane ride. You'll also discover great performances, wonderful restaurants, and an outstanding view of Barcelona on offer here. Thrill seekers welcome.