What makes Barcelona a top tourist destination?

Barcelona is a city that is filled with great food, great music and is rich in culture.  Barcelona is located in the northeastern part of Spain in a region called Catalonia, along the Mediterranean Sea.  Lined with beautiful beaches and a vibrant nightlife, Barcelona is often one of the top tourist destinations because there is always something to do or see while visiting.  Some of the most popular tourist sights are those created by Antoni Gaudi, a modern art architect who modeled his structures after shapes found in nature.  The most well-known work of Gaudi's being La Sagrada Familia - a cathedral that has been in the works since 1882 and anticipated completion date of 2026.   Barcelona also has one of the best football teams in the world, FC Barcelona, the former team of World Cup champion Lionel Messi.  Barcelona is great for families, couples and backpackers and is known for welcoming tourists with open arms and a glass of sweet vermouth.