Palau de la Música Catalana

A must-see mecca for music lovers and modernism fans

Word to the wise: You can only view the interior of the concert hall as an audience member or on a guided tour: the latter fill up quickly, so do book ahead.
Yet another of Barcelona's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this early 20th century concert hall - built in the Catalan modernist style by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, the architect also responsible for the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau - is one of the most spectacular in the world.

'Breathtaking' is an over-used word, but it fits the bill here. Visitors are greeted by sculptor Miguel Blay's vast group of figures on the building's lavish facade before entering the magnificent interior, dominated by a huge stained glass skylight and windows which allow light to flood in and illuminate the colourful, intricate ornamentation that covers almost every surface.
The hall, which was built as the headquarters for the Orfeó Català choral society, regularly puts on concerts featuring the top names in jazz, Catalan and chamber music. Go to one if you possibly can; if not, then you can view the concert hall on an excellent hour-long guided tour.