WHAT'S GOING ON

If you want to be Irish - literally in Barcelona this month then make your way to Magic of the Dance - a Riverdance-esque performance showing at the BTM Carrer de la Guardia Urbana. (showing from Nov 3-5).

From November 4-12 you'll stumble upon Salo Nautica - Barcelona's International Boat Show - one of the biggest in Spain.

For a complete throwback to childhood, get yourself to this city during the Salon Del Hobby (10-12). This is one big children's celebration of classic toys and hobbies such as model making, radio controls, dolls' houses, electric railways and best of all Scalextric!

La Alternativa 2006 is a film festival here, running from November 10-18. Although you might not understand anything, you could still join in with the arty mood. Image courtesy of Turisme de Barcelona

Running all year and through to February 28 is Grease The Musical at Teatre Victoria. Now I donÂ't know if thereÂ'll be song translations here, but it would be fun to know the catalan version of Â'tell me about it, stud!Â'.

OUT AND ABOUT

With Barcelona being one of the world's most visited cities, it will come as no surprise that this place is totally saturated with things to see.

Antoni Gaudi is an architectural genius and so it shows here.

To see the best of his work, head to the temple of the Sagrada Familia. It's quite an awe-inspiring piece and there's nothing traditional about it - from its freaky gargoyles to its curved edges and intricate detailing. Another novel building of Gaudi's is Casa Mila La Pedrera.

The biggest park here is Parc Guell where there are some fabulous views. It's another Gaudi masterpiece filled with staircases, animal-like sculptures and viaducts.

For more architectural delights, hit the Barri Gotico (gothic district) full of classic, medieval European architecture. This is a quieter area that invites you to the older side of Barcelona.

Visit to the Picasso Museum. Here you'll find some of Pablo's finest. Expect over 3,600 paintings, drawings and sculptures.

For a great foodie experience you should see La Boqueria, Barcelona's major market area where you can savour a real taste of Catalunya.

When in Spain, you must enjoy some tapas and Tapa Tapa - although at times is a bit of a tourist trap - offers some tasty chorizo, shrimp and squid here (Passeig de Gracia)

More worthwhile places include the renowned Ramblas - an avenue packed with activity, street performers and some great wee social hangouts.

ItÂ's the ideal place to watch the world go by, thereÂ's so much happening.

Barcelona Zoo is something else too and home to the world's only captive albino gorilla.

And best of all.... Barcelona is home to numerous beaches, allowing you to enjoy thriving city life and seaside culture.

WHERE TO STAY

If you want style book into Hotel Palace. As its grand name would indicate, this is a particularly lavish five-star property. Think old-style-glamour, soft, luxurious furnishings, marble touches, ivory/greenery adorned walls, rooms to die for and first class service fit for kings.

On site there are spa and beauty treatments available with limo and car services if you really want to go way out. There's also a fitness suite and five eating areas. Prices start around £190 per night.

The cheapest way to explore any city is to hit a hostel.

Centra Ramblas in Barcelona's thriving avenue packed with entertainers and the rest is a bargain option.

It's clean, modern and simple but with all the services you'd need.

Free internet, breakfast, safety boxes, 24hour opening hours and loads of craic from fellow residents as well as close proximty to happening places - this is the ideal spot for cash-strapped tourists.

GETTING THERE

Jet2.com flies from Belfast International Airport to Barcelona three times weekly during the Winter season. During peak travel months it departs daily.