Legendary rocker Freddie Mercury once described Barcelona's beautiful horizon as 'a jewel in the sun', an apt observation which visitors will understand as they gaze out at the cityscape. Barcelona can best be described as a visual city. It is a sightseer's paradise with plenty of space for strolling, including seven beaches and 10 hectares (25 acres) of municipal parkland allotted throughout the city. From the hills of Montjuic and Tibidabo one can take in the scope of Barcelona and look down on the scenic tree-lined La Ramblas boulevard, the iconic pedestrian street running from the city centre to the Port Vella, Barcelona's oldest harbour. With beautiful warm weather for most of the year, Barcelona is one of those cities blessed with plenty of outdoor attractions and activities. Go to the beach to splash around in the turquoise Mediterranean, cycle round the neighbourhoods of this bicycle friendly city, or jump on the hop-on hop-off tourist bus for some sightseeing.
Barcelona also carries with it a rich history. Founded over 2,000 years ago, the city'sarchitecture reflects its Roman heritage, and carries the mark of various influences since.Particularly notable is the Catalan modernismearchitecture movement founded in Barcelona,and Gaudi's distinctive creations are among many of the city's buildings declared as WorldHeritage Sites. The weird and wonderful architectural and artistic creations of Barcelonamake the city refreshingly unique, quite unlike any other urban destination.
La Rambla
Arguably the most famous street in Europe, the wide tree-lined boulevard known as La Rambla (or Las Ramblas), is a long continuous pedestrian avenue that technically changes names five times as it cuts through Barcelona's Old Town, the Barri Gotic, from the Placa Catalunya to the city's port. It is lined with cafes, restaurants and shops, and is usually thronged with leisurely walkers enjoying the sights and sounds. While simply walking around, people watching, and breathing in the atmosphere, is worthwhile, there are also some notable attractions along the way. The sprawling marriage of nature and creative architecture and ornamentation that is Gaudi's Guell Park is a must.
The pretty square of Placa Reial, enclosed by impressive buildings and promising some fantastic restaurants and nightclubs, is a popular social venue and sometimes hosts concerts and live performances. Also look out for the iconic mosaic by Joan Miro as you walk over it, near the Liceu Theatre. The street is wonderful for shopping and attracts all sorts of buskers and street artists. It is a great area to visit at night, but travellers should note that the southern end of La Rambla becomes somewhat seedy after dark and is a sort of unofficial red light district.
Picasso Museum
On Carrer Montcada, a street known for its elegant medieval structures, five palaces or town houses, dating from the 13th to 15th centuries, have been converted into the Picasso Museum, home to one of the most complete collections of works from his youth and formative years as an artist. Pablo Picasso spent his early years in Barcelona (between 1901 and 1906), and the museum is now one of the city's top attractions. It was Picasso's wish that his youthful work would be displayed in Barcelona and the core of the collection was donated by the artist himself. The permanent collection now consists of 4,249 works and the art is complemented interestingly by the old buildings, which showcase the Catalan Gothic style.
The collection includes a number of childhood portraits and paintings, as well as engravings, drawings and art from his Blue and Rose Periods. It is important for visitors to understand that this museum does not house Picasso's most famous and recognisable pieces, but is dedicated instead to an exploration of the artist's formative years and development. Audio guides are available. The queues can get really long at the museum and it is best to arrive early or book in advance online.
Guell Park
Barcelona's famous architectural son, Antonio Gaudi, left his mark on the city nowhere more prominently than in the gardens of the Parc Guell. The park, sited on Camel Hill and offering splendid views of the city, was originally planned to be a garden city suburb, but only two houses were completed before it was turned into a public recreational park. The gardens are festooned with examples of Gaudi's strange and mesmerising work, including flights of stairs, columns and a plaza decorated with mosaics. Famous features include Gaudi's dragon, a mosaic lizard straddling two staircases which is frequently replicated in souvenir stores, and the Sala Hipostila, or Doric Temple, which is a forest of 88 stone columns.
Gaudi enjoyed experimenting with natural forms in his art and the park is a fascinating mixture of art and nature. The pink fairytale house standing at the entrance to the park was once home to Gaudi and his niece, but is now a museum containing some Gaudi-designed furniture, décor, drawings and portraits of the architect. Guided walking tours of the park are available and usually very informative, but it is enjoyable to stroll around without a guide too. To fully explore the park at your leisure you will need at least half a day - don't forget the camera!
La Sagrada Familia
One of Catalonia's most intriguing landmarks, the bizarre Church of the Holy Family, designed by modernist architect Antoni Gaudi, was started in 1882, but remains unfinished and an object of controversy. Gaudi worked on what was considered his masterpiece until his death in 1926, imbuing the structure with his characteristic Art Nouveau style and creating a unique new interpretation of the Gothic architectural tradition. Work has continued sporadically since, but although Gaudi had models and plans for the completed church these were mostly destroyed during the Spanish Civil War, and plans for completion have been disputed since
The extraordinary building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site despite being incomplete, and is fascinating even to those who don't find it beautiful. The church has been consecrated and is used for religious services. When it is complete it will have 18 towers and is expected to be the tallest church in the world. The anticipated date of completion is 2026 - the centenary of Gaudi's death - but this may prove ambitious. The two completed facades of the church, the Nativity Facade and the Passion Facade, are very different but both incredible, and the roof of the nave is one of the most stunning features. Visiting the church is an absolute must for travellers in Barcelona. .
Montjuic
Region/City:Singapore
Montjuic is a hill overlooking the city centre of Barcelona on which are situated some of the city's show-pieces, including the main sites of the 1992 Olympics; the Poble Espanyol (a replicated Spanish village displaying art and architecture); the Joan Miro museum; and the National Art Museum of Catalonia. The hill has been the site of several fortifications over the centuries and the most recent of these, the Castle of Montjuic, dating from the 17th century, is still standing. The castle is now home to the Military Museum as well as the Museum of Comics and Illustration. There are also some leisure attractions and cool green parks festooned with fountains, popular for strolls on summer evenings.
The magical fountains of Montjuic are a popular attraction that entertain on summer evenings with displays of light, colour and music. Accessible by cable car from Montjuic, the Barceloneta port district is below the hill; the eastern side of the hill is sheer, providing glorious views over the city's harbour, directly below. The former fishing village that is now the port is renowned for its seafood restaurants and beach, which is lined with boardwalks and cafes. Those who want the exercise should walk up the grand staircase which begins at the foot of Montjuic, at the south end of the Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina, and ends at the Palau Nacional, passing a number of historic buildings.
Tibidaboa
Barcelona's second landmark hill is Tibidabo, about four miles (6km) northwest of the city in a wooded range that forms a backdrop to the urban landscape. Tibidabo can be reached by funicular - the journey up is half the fun, with spectacular views - and is particularly popular on weekends with locals because it is home to the Parc d'Atraccions, an amusement park with some thrill rides and a renowned house of horrors.Tibidabo also features the soaring Torre de Collserola telecommunications tower, which offers visitors the chance to ride in a glass lift to an observation platform 377 feet (115m) high to enjoy a truly phenomenal view.
There is also a large, interesting church called Temple del Sagrat Cor surmounted by a giant Christ statue, which also offers a lift to a rooftop viewing platform. The Carretera des Aigues trail is perfect for keen walkers who want to climb the hill on their own steam. It is an easy walk, which only takes about an hour, starting from the base of the funicular and ending at the church. There are a number of restaurants to enjoy on the hill. Tibidabo provides theme park fun, cultural attractions and much more, as well as offering the best views possible of Barcelona.
Montserrat
One of the most visited sites in Catalonia is the monastery at Montserrat, 35 miles (56km) northwest of Barcelona. The monastery is surrounded by strange rocky crags and caves, and was founded in 1025 to celebrate local visions of the Virgin Mary. It has become one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Spain, sitting atop a 4,000-foot (1,200m) high mountain and housing about 80 monks. Its main claim to fame is a 12th-century Romanesque wooden sculpture of a black Virgin Mary, known as La Moreneta, which thousands come here to see and touch.
There is lots to see at Montserrat, which has a fascinating museum housing masterpieces by artists like Caravaggio and Picasso, as well as exhibitions on the history of the sanctuary and the wider culture, religion and history of Spain. It has been traditional since the Middle Ages for young people from Barcelona and surrounding regions to make the pilgrimage to Montserrat and watch the sunrise from the heights at least once in their lives.The hike to the monastery is still popular for both pilgrims and travellers: there are several possible walking routes described on the website. The monastery on its mountain perch is most conveniently reached by cable car, with the short journey providing passengers with epic views.
Tossa de Mar
The medieval fishing village of Tossa de Mar, 56 miles (90km) north of Barcelona, is the most attractive town on the Costa Brava, offering lovely sandy beaches and a lively atmosphere. Once the main port for exporting cork, Tossa is now dependent on tourism. Visitors are drawn to its 12th century walled town, Vila Vella, the ancient walls, battlements and towers enclosing a quaint historical labyrinth. There is also the ancient Castillo de Tossa de Mar, a one-time Roman fortress dominating the bay, which visitors are free to explore.
There are four beaches within the town itself and numerous others flanking Tossa on either side. It is easy to get around town on foot, but there is a blue and white tourist train that offers tours of the town, and a green train that takes visitors up to the fort. It is possible to walk up to the fort but don't try driving yourself up as the roads get very narrow and there is no parking at the top. There are, however, wonderful views and photo opportunities, and a visit to the fort is worthwhile for this alone. There are diving shops and centres in town to provide equipment, advice and companionship for scuba expeditions, and glass-bottomed boat tours and snorkelling are also popular.
La Pedrera (Casa Mila)
Another fantastic construction by the creative genius Antonio Gaudi, Casa Mila, commonly known as La Pedrera, was the last civil work that Gaudi undertook before dedicating all his time to the assembly of La Sagrada Família. The building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and demonstrates the signature style of Gaudi with elaborate designs, globular shapes, assorted sculptures, colourful tiles and intricate details. Built between 1906 and 1912, the distinct architecture of La Pedrera and her counterparts was unconventional and unheard of in the popular Spanish architecture of the time.
The remarkable building is now a cultural centre that organises a range of activities and hosts exhibitions of various kinds. Areas open to visitors include: the roof, providing lovely views and a close look at the weird and wonderful architectural elements on top of the building; the Espai Gaudi, an attic space dedicated to an exhibition on Gaudi's life and work; the La Pedrera Apartment, an area that recreates the home and lifestyle of a bourgeois Barcelona family in the early 20th century; and the spectacular courtyards and exhibition rooms of the first floor. Guided tours are available, in multiple languages, but these must be arranged in advance.
Barri Gotic
Known as the Gothic Quarter, the Barri Gòtic is Barcelona's oldest district. A former fortified Roman settlement, the maze of atmospheric narrow streets house spectacular Gothic buildings and cathedrals, marking the city's heyday during the 14th and 15th centuries. There are many significant sights to visit in this quarter, the most illustrious being the immense Gothic Cathedral La Seu, with its breathtaking façade and serene cloister. With an assortment of shops and delightful sidewalk cafés in a picturesque setting, the Barri Gòtic is a worthwhile day out. To view the remains of this ancient Roman city, once known as Barcino, visit the Museu d'Història de la Ciutat in the Palau Real, where Roman streets are still visible in the extensive cellar.
There has been some controversy over the authenticity of the Gothic Quarter, as many of the district's most attractive features were actually added, in the Gothic style, in the last century, to promote tourism and restore the appeal of the area; however, it is a delightful district to explore and much of it is, or certainly feels, authentic. Most of the area is closed to regular traffic and largely pedestrianised, which adds to its charm, but taxis and some service vehicles are still allowed to traverse the quarter.
FC Barcelona Museum and Stadium
FC Barcelona, one of Europe's most beloved football teams, has an informative museum with displays of photographs, documents, memorabilia and trophies, covering over a century of club history, that will satiate the fascination of even the most dedicated fan. Visitors also get the opportunity to explore the famous stadium on the Camp Nou Tour which takes fans to the heart of the club, the changing rooms, tunnel and Nou Camp pitch. With a panoramic view of the stadium from the grandstand, visitors can get a taste of the heady atmosphere of a FC Barcelona match on their home ground.
The museum also has an official store where club jerseys, caps and accessories can be purchased. Be sure to check the tour schedule as game days do disrupt the timetable. It is actually best not to make your visit on a game day because some parts of the stadium will be restricted and you may miss out. Exploring the stadium allows fans to make informed decisions about which seats to book if they are attending a game. If you are lucky you may well see some of the FC Barcelona players in the complex. There are discounts for booking online via the official website listed below.
Joan Miro Foundation
A celebration of the life and work of world-renowned Catalan surrealist sculptor and painter Joan Miró, the Joan Miró Foundation in Barcelona houses the majority of the artist's works, including paintings, drawings, sculptures and textiles. Distinguished by his use of primary colours, simple lines and two-dimensional geometric shapes, Miro refused to be categorised into an established art movement and as a result continued to create unparalleled works of art.
Another product of original artistic genius from Barcelona, the works of Miró at the Joan Miró Foundation allow visitors to further delve into the unrestrained creative energy of this exceptional city. The building housing the collection was designed by Josep Lluis Sert and is unique and odd, an appropriate shell for the works of Joan Miro. The museum hosts a wide variety of temporary exhibitions by other artists, aiming to promote contemporary art in general, rather than just the work of Miro, and also hosts some workshops and lectures. As an added bonus there are some fantastic views across the city from the museum. Tickets can be booked online via the official website and audio guides can be rented, which are a big help in understanding and interpreting the art.
Barcelona Beaches
Many people forget that Barcelona is not only a big bustling city and cultural centre, but that it's bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, and that its coastline offers a string of attractive beaches, the ideal diversion after excessive sightseeing and shopping. Visit the popular Barceloneta Beach, only ten minutes from the city centre, where there is a selection of beach bars: cool down with a refreshing swim and marvel at the bizarre architecture of Homenatge a la Barcelonetaby Rebecca Horn. Windsurfing and kite surfing are popular activities on this always bustling beach. The end of Barceloneta and the beginning of Icaria Beach is marked by Frank Gehry's Peix.
Marbella Beach is unofficially Barcelona's nudist beach, but although nudity is tolerated many people choose to keep their clothes on. Marbella is also frequented by gay and lesbian sun worshippers and sometimes hosts energetic beach parties. For a peaceful beach near the city centre look no further than Caldetes which is invariably almost empty. Although the famous Barceloneta strip is the most entertaining, the best beaches are further out of the city: St Pol de Mar is an hour-long train ride from the city centre, but it is arguably Barcelona's most scenic beach, backed by picturesque hills and with a lovely little cove that has become a nudist zone.
Museum of Contemporary Art
The Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art is situated in the once-shabby Raval District, just off La Rambla. Over the years its front plaza has become synonymous with international skateboarders, being fondly known as the famous MACBA, drawing skaters and creatives from around the world to unite, compete and collaborate against the backdrop of this chic white building. Being a work of art in itself, the Museum of Contemporary Art was designed to take advantage of as much natural light as possible and the cool, airy interiors confidently hold the works of modern art luminaries such as Basquiat, Klee, Tàpies and Barcelò.
Kids will enjoy the museum as there is a lot to touch and interact with - this is not your usual uptight gallery space. The museum has also made great use of technology, with an exhibition that allows visitors to download mobile apps which give additional information on each installation, even linking to YouTube clips about the artist of work of art. There is free wifi in MACBA and a comfy chill-out zone in which to take advantage of it. A perfect union of two art forms, MACBA and the attendant throng of talented skateboarders are a sight to be experienced.
Parc de La Ciutadella
Located in the centre of Barcelona, the Parc de La Ciutadella is a great place to spend a sunny summer's afternoon relaxing under a tree with a book, a picnic and the family. Originally the site was chosen for a fortress in 1714, but in 1869 it was decided that the area should be a park and the palace was demolished. Featuring a lake where visitors can hire a small rowboat, exploring the park and being out on the water is a fun way to unwind. The paths for walking, jogging and cycling are wide and well-maintained, and there are plenty of park benches and shady areas.
There are some interesting sculptures dotted about the park and some striking buildings. The Cascada is a giant water feature designed by Fontsere with some help from his student Gaudi. The Catalan Parliament building is in the park, as is the Barcelona Zoo and the Castle of Three Dragons, which now houses the Zoological Museum. The Geology Museum, housed in an imposing neoclassical building, can also be found in La Ciutadella. The enormous, red triumphal arch, Baroque in design, marks one entrance to the park. Apart from being one of the best places in Barcelona to sit and people-watch, there is a lot to see and do in the Parc de La Ciutadella.
Barcelona Aquarium
Featuring thousands of brightly coloured and exotic fish, the Barcelona Aquarium is a must for children of all ages. With 35 different tanks holding creatures from different oceans, the aquarium is the largest of its kind in Europe and features species such as giltheads, moray eels, sunfish, rays, sand tiger sharks and sandbar sharks. The Oceanarium is the largest Mediterranean-themed aquarium in the world and the showpiece of the Barcelona Aquarium, with a transparent tunnel winding through it that gives visitors the exhilarating feeling of walking underwater
The whole aquarium houses about 11,000 organisms from 450 different species. The best time to visit is during feeding times: scuba divers feed the sharks on Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 12pm and 1pm; the entertaining penguins are fed twice daily, on weekdays at about 1pm and 5pm, and on weekends at about 1,30pm and 5pm; and the rays are fed between 1.30pm and 2pm every weekday. The aquarium offers scuba diving and cage diving activities for an extra cost. A fun outing for the whole family, the Barcelona Aquarium provides a welcome break from traditional sightseeing in the city.
Poble Espanyol
The mock village of Poble Espanyol is an outdoor open-air architectural museum featuring workshops where visitors can see different types of craftwork taking place. The village is made up of 117 buildings, streets and squares which have been reproduced to scale giving the true feel of a Spanish village. The village was built in 1929 for the Barcelona International Exhibition and some of the replica buildings have now outlived the originals, which were found in villages across Spain. The village is a great attraction for those travelling with children, with fun activities like treasure hunts to take part in, and some fantastic shopping opportunities.
More than 30 craft workshops demonstrate the traditional secrets of the different art forms, producing high-quality crafts. The workshops produce handmade dolls and puppets, embroidery, ceramics, glassware, jewellery, baskets, textiles, leather work, soap and much more. Various art exhibitions and studios can be found in the village, including a sculpture garden. The village also showcases Spanish gastronomy, with a wide variety of restaurants dedicated to different Spanish culinary traditions, and plenty of events and activities organised for foodies. A deservedly popular tourist attraction, Poble Espanyol is a wonderful cultural experience.
Parque Natural de Bardenas Reales
The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Parque Natural de Barenas Reales offers visitors the chance to walk through a moon landscape. The area is a semi-desert and the malleable clay, chalk and sandstone of the landscape has been eroded into surprising and unusual shapes by wind and rain over the millennia. Vegetation of any kind is scarce in the reserve, as is human habitation, and the streams that flow across the barren, otherworldly landscape, are seasonal. The rugged cliffs, hills and ravines are home to Egyptian Vultures, Golden Eagles and Peregrine Falcons, with a total of 24 species of birds of prey, as well as many other bird and animal species.
Visitors to the park can also see the ruins of Peñaflor Castle, while the nearby towns of Arguedas and Valtierra boast a variety of attractions and historical sites for visitors to enjoy, as well as accommodation. The region is actually comprised of three nature reserves and is an absolute joy for photographers. There are a number of well signposted routes traversing the park which can be followed on foot, by bicycle, on horseback or by car, and a number of reputable tour companies can arrange tours and activities within the park.
El Raval
One of two districts bordering La Rambla - the other being the established tourist area of Barri Gotic - El Raval is a compelling and interesting neighbourhood, with a long and chequered history. Located near Barcelona's port, El Raval has always had a multicultural and slightly seedy character, leading to it being dubbed Barri Xinès ('Chinatown') by locals. After struggling with social problems like crime and prostitution through much of the 20th century, in the late-1980s the Barcelona city council began a concerted program of urban rejuvenation in the area, which saw many of its best sites, such as the MACBA Museum and the CCCB Cultural Centre, being constructed.
These days, El Raval remains an exciting, multicultural area (nearly half of its population are foreign-born), that is particularly popular with backpackers and revellers keen to check out some of Barcelona's racier bars and clubs. The area is still a little sleazy and tourists should be careful of pickpockets and avoid walking alone at night, but it is lots of fun. El Raval is full of cool bars and funky cafes that beg to be explored, from Bar Marsella with its Art Nouveau interior, to London Bar, a run-down though stately place once frequented by artists like Hemingway, Picasso and Mirò. Another great sight in El Raval is the Palau Guell, one of Gaudi's lesser-known masterpieces, featuring large parabolic gates decorated with beautiful ironwork.
Figueres
A wonderful daytrip destination from Barcelona, Figueres is a lovely Catalonian town that also happens to be the birthplace of surrealist artist Salvador Dali. The main reason for visiting Figueres is to see the Dali Theatre and Museum (Teatre-Museu Dalí), a suitably bizarre-looking building - pink, studded, and crowned with enormous eggs - that was not only designed by Dali, but which houses a full spectrum of his imaginative output including paintings, sculptures, 3D collages, mechanical devices, and weird and wonderful installations, such as a living-room with furniture that looks like the face of Mae West when viewed at a certain angle.
The mortal remains of the artist are kept in the museum's basement. There is simply no better way to get an appreciation of Dali's genius than by visiting the Teatre-Museu Dalí, and, whether you end up loving or hating his creations, they are sure to keep you thinking and talking about them for months after your visit. Be warned that many of Dali's works are erotic or grotesque in nature, and may upset younger visitors, making the museum a dubious attraction for families with kids. Feeling like a journey into the artist's mind, this museum is a must for fans.
Gardens by the Bay
Region/City:Singapore
Singapore's Gardens by the Bay consists of three distinct waterfront gardens in the city's Marina Bay area. The initiative was started as a means to transform Singapore from a mere 'Garden City' into a 'City in a Garden' and is intended to provide a holistic and sustainable way to keep Singapore green, and to provide its inhabitants with outdoor areas where they can relax, exercise and picnic in communion with nature. The Gardens themselves have a couple of interesting features, not least of which are the space-age Supertrees - tree-like mechanical structures that reach up to 165 feet (50m) high, and which harness solar energy to perform a multitude of functions such as planting, shading, managing rainwater resources and even acting as the 'lungs' of the Gardens' immense cooling system.
There are also horticultural-themed gardens featuring exotic ferns and orchids, which aim to educate the public about the preciousness of natural resources. A true 'Garden of the Future', visitors to Singapore should check out the Gardens by the Bay for their technological interest alone. The vast lawn area is often used for outdoor events like live music concerts and is a wonderful venue. The incredible Cloud Forest is another highlight, including the highest indoor waterfall in the world. There are about 10 restaurants in the grounds, many with breathtaking views.
Climate
Barcelona enjoys a subtropical-Mediterranean climate with long, hot summers and cool winters. Winters, between December and February, are mild and snow is rare. January is the coldest winter month, with temperatures averaging between 41°F (5°C) and 57°F (14°C) during the day and colder at night. The peak summer months are June to August, but Barcelona's summer really lasts a full six months, from May to October. August is the hottest summer month, with temperatures averaging between 70°F (21°C) and 84°F (29°C) during the day. April and November are transitional months, with more unpredictable weather. Barcelona doesn't get much rain, with only a handful of rainy days every month; the wettest months are September, October and May, with thunderstorms occurring between August and November. Although the city gets plenty of sun, it can get foggy and cloudy, with sea fog especially common in early spring. The ideal months to visit Barcelona, the Costa Brava, and the nearby resorts of Sitges and Vilanova are May, June, July and September, when visitors can expect good, hot weather. In August, despite the shade in the tree-lined boulevards, locals desert Barcelona for the coastal resorts to escape the heat.
Kids Attractions Overview
As the city's main attractions for tourists are its relics of ancient history, some would think that children on holiday in Athens would be bored. In truth many kids love exploring ruins and find exploring ancient archaeological sites exciting (at least for the first hour or two!), but Athens has a lot to offer families beyond crumbling old things so you needn't test your children's endurance with hours of traditional sightseeing.With warm summers and mild winters, Athens boasts the perfect climate for outdoor activities and it's no wonder the city is scattered with parks and gardens.
Picnicking in these is a regular pastime for many local Athenians and many of the gardens feature children's playgrounds. The most popular place for a picnic is the National Gardens. It is great fun to take the cable car up Mount Lykavittos and let the kids enjoy the view over the city and explore the paths up top, or to take a trip to one of the Athens' theme parks or the local go-kart track.When the weather is colder and kids activities out of doors are not an option, head to one of the many children's museums dotted around the city, or an indoor playground, or take the kids to what is arguably the world's finest planetarium for a spot of stargazing. Children love nothing more than exploring museums with fossils, dinosaur skeletons and animal models, and for this reason, a trip to the Goulandris Museum of Natural History is great for all families travelling to Athens.