Barcelona is truly an international city with its rich mix of cultures, commerce, education, science and the arts. The port is one of the busiest in Europe, and so is its airport. Many people come to Barcelona on short or long-term visits, or they move there for educational, business or social reasons. For those visiting the city, there are accommodation options that fit any budget, and if you’re not staying for long, one good way to see as many beauties of Barcelona as possible is by renting a car. While staying in Barcelona, the following list are some suggested places people should venture out and see, some of the places that make this city the leading fabulous and diverse metropolis it is today.

La Sagrada Familia

When people think about sightseeing in Barcelona, this landmark is the first one that comes to mind. Antoni Gaudi designed this Catholic Church and work on it began in 1882. Although he never completed the project, this amazing, ornate structure combining Modernista, curvilinear, and Gothic architectural styles is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pope Benedict proclaimed the church a minor basilica in 2010. The church is open to visitors every day and both guided and audio tours are available.

Casa Batlló

In the early 1900s, Antoni Gaudi and Josep Maria Jujol renovated this apartment building built in 1877. Under their transformation, the building is a display of Art Nouveau with no straight lines used. The outside is extraordinary, but inside it is spectacular and imaginative with fantastic detailed work. An audio tour comes with the price of the entrance ticket.

Camp Nou

Built in 1956 and renovated in 1999, this fantastic stadium, home of the champion Futbol Club Barcelona. This stadium has seats for almost 100,000 spectators. A sports event here is the ultimate sport experience.

Mercat de la Boqueria

The first recorded date for this market is 1217 A.D. with tables set up to sell meat near the old city gate. Today, the food market has many stalls, and everyone can enter for free. Fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and seafood, spices and chocolate, candy and cheese, with crepes, smoothies and more freshly prepared things make this a fun place to taste local foods.

Palau de la Musica Catalana

This famous music hall, designed by Lluis Domenech i Montaner in the Catalan modernista architectural style, is available to those who purchase their tickets in advance. One of the most stunning buildings in the city, this music hall hosts shows by skilled musicians for an over-the-top, impressive musical concert experience.

Park Guell

Originally, the intention of Count Eusebi Guell for these grounds and buildings was a housing development, but, after two homes were built, that they did not sell, he lived in one lavish home and invited the artist Gaudi to purchase the other one. Today that home is a museum for Gaudi's furniture and other works. Gaudi took his art outdoors, decorating and equipping the grounds with ornate, fascinating art and furniture. The park is free, but the museum has an admission fee. People visiting the park soon notice the great views of the city to be seen from Park Guell.

These amazing places make beautiful, coastal Barcelona the leading international city it is today.

If you’re taking a short trip to Barcelona, and you decide on renting a car to get around Barcelona more easily, the best way to find cheap car rentals is using a cheap car rental comparison website.