This is the best way to reach the Old Cathedral and Castle of Lleida from the town below: take the…read moreoutdoor escalator from Plaça de Sant Joan up to Carrer Canyeret, and the entrance to the lift is 100m in front of you to your left. The lift itself is nothing to look at a brutalist triangular concrete tower with a viewing cage and a ramped walkway to the plateau on which the cathedral is built - but it saves a long and steep uphill walk. There's a small charge you pay EUR0.20 into the machine at the entrance, take your ticket and go immediately through the barrier you have just ten seconds to do this, or you have to pay again! Once inside, the lift takes you straight to the viewing platform a rather perilous-looking cage-like affair which, despite offering stunning views, is not for the faint-hearted and a caged bridge which leads to the fortifications around the cathedral. It's another EUR0.20 if you want to go back down again.

What a special find... an amphitheater from the 2nd century. It's gorgeous overlooking the…read moreMediterranean Sea.

I toured the Roman Amphitheater during the hottest part of the day and still enjoyed it immensely…read more It was built at the end of the 1st century AD and the start of the 2nd century, AD. It has a long rich..dark history. It was incredible to be able to walk around and experience something from so long ago. I spent about an hour here and learned a lot.

We had a tour Friday and arrived on the mountain around 10:30 via Bus and Rack Railway (Cremallera)…read morefor the last 10 minutes. You get some breathtaking views as you climb towards 1236 ft. and also experience the railway car that has been around since the 1800s with the original car on display at the station. Once we got to the main area of the mountain, there is quite a bit to do and you can spend a full day if you took the time to take it all in. The jagged rock formations of the mountain range give a few photo ops. The main event was the Basilica/Abbey with the Black Madonna and hearing the Escolania Boys Choir. Peaceful, serene and listening to this choir for a few minutes before bed has to help with insomnia. There are plenty of hiking options with a 15 minute hike to the top for more breathtaking views. Would recommend visiting the museum. Many shopping and food options (Cafes) with our tour guide recommending a Buffet restaurant. I tend to stay away from Buffet spots and should have followed my instincts. It was ok and really was at a disadvantage after the meals we had in Barcelona-stick with the Cafes. Overall, well worth the time and visit!

Beautiful monastery, located against the backdrop of the Montserrat mountain where the peaks are…read moreliterally surrounding the monastery. The Cathedral that is at the heart of this monastery is very ornate and gorgeous with classic European craftsmanship from an age gone by clearly visible throughout the cathedral. As beautiful as the monastery is, the elevated views from this location are drop dead gorgeous and worth the trip alone. Unfortunately, on the day we visited, there was a mass going on where they closed viewing of the black Madonna for the day to not be in conflict with the mass which is standard practice. So you need to keep an eye on this if you plan to visit this site. The other negative thing is that the place was slammed with tourist and I felt that the outlying buildings were completely commercialized to sell trinkets to the tourist that visit. I personally am not a fan when places of worship do this, but I do understand that this type of operation probably funds the maintenance and operation of monastery year-round and is probably a necessary evil in this case. All in all, this is one of the main attractions in the Barcelona area and should be included on any itinerary during your visit here. Opportunities to see beauty like this along with it's historical relevance are far few and in between and should be taken advantage of anytime you're given this opportunity.

We visited the Poblet Monastery on our way home back to France from Reus. As a UNESCO World…read moreHeritage site, it is worth visiting for both history and architectural fans. The Poblet Monastery is a Cistercian abbey in Catalonia and one of the largest in Spain. You can visit the grounds and the chapel without a ticket, which is what we did because we had our dogs with us and it was too cold and windy to wait outside while we took turns viewing the interior. The grounds and surrounding walls are very impressive. The price of admission is 11 euros per person. We initially thought that was high but then noticed that aside from it still being a working monastery, it also provides hospitality programs for youth which are onsite.

I treasure UNESCO World Heritage sites, this one was one of my favorites though all are…read moreunforgettable (https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/518/). Well preserved Cistercian abbey is an expansive 3 enclosures built from the 12th through the 15th centuries. As amazing as it is, it's not over run with tourists, in some rooms and spaces I was all by myself and it was easy to pretend I was a time traveler. Don't miss the great alabaster altarpiece by Damia Forment (1529). You will also find the tombs of Aragon and Catalonia royalty from the 13th and 14th century. An easy day trip from Barcelona, it is not to be missed, it is incredible. Also, it has one of the best gift shops of any tourist site I've been to.

This site is open air and underground ruins of a Roman chariot racing track, circus area and a…read moretower. It was built in the 1st century AD and probably used through the 5th century. There are long underground tunnels with rooms leading off of the tunnels and lots of stairs going up to the tower area. Plan on walking a lot. It is an amazing site that is in great shape for being so old.

Very nice place to visit - be prepared to walk and climb steps! It costs 1.70€ if you are a…read morestudent, double for non-students. You essentially walk in tunnels underground of what used to be a Roman circus (think more chariots rather than ferris wheels) and there is information in English about what you're looking at. It's self guided and you can take as much time as you need. We spent probably an hour or two walking around and reading. The views from climbing the steps (or taking the elevator) of the town are beautiful! You can see the Amphitheatre and the beach from the top of the lookout. If you're in Tarragona, this is a must see site.

The views are amazing. Don't necessarily need to hit the beach to enjoy the negative ions. Just…read moreenjoy it right from where you stand.

The Balcó del Mediterrani, or "balcony to the Mediterranean," is one of Tarragona's iconic tourist…read moredestinations. It is located at the end of the The Rambla Nova and It showcases amazing coastline. 300 meters long promenade built over the railway on 23 meters cliff offers the best views in town. The vistas overlook the sea, the Roman Amphitheater and kilometres of beaches. Grab the food or at least fresh squeezed orange juice from the restaurants close by and enjoy incredible vistas as long as you can.

Placa de la Font, is the main square at the foot of the old town in Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain…read more Close to Rambla Nova, the Town Hall can be found at one end. The outer are edges of the square are adorned by a variety of reasonably priced restaurants including a Chinese, Galateria and various Pasta and Paella restaurants, with seating inside or out, beautiful on a balmy evening. A word of warning, avoid Rufi Restaurant, poor quality food, terrible facilities shared with a constant stream of drug users. The staff are disinterested and unkempt. Hygiene problems are a definite issue in this establishments.the toilets have to be visited to be believed, not clean Placa de la Font Hostal Noria., El huevo Frita, Rufi, cappuccino, Bardela font, Fruit and Veg shop, Tabac, Dancing Shop, Chinese, Toasted sandwich shop, Pharmacia, Gift Shop 2 mins to old town and amphitheatre

Great place for pictures on top of a small hill. The architecture in Spain is magical and this…read morecathedral is nothing less than spectacular.

We are cathedral buffs, and we enjoyed the "no rush" style of the self run tour. Usually, with a…read moreguide, we feel rushed and therefore enjoy it less. Overall, an excellent experience.