Be warned that there are two main train stations in the city so be sure to check which is the one you need before heading off. You can buy tickets for trains leaving from the other station.

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Escape the heat of the city. Head for the brutalist, concrete building on the beach at San Sebasta in Barceloneta beneath the Montjuic cable car tower.

It contains two glorious, pristine, elevated outdoor pools with amazing views down the beach all the way to Forum. Take one of the loungers and watch the locals frolic. Retreat to Barrio Gothica at night for more fun.

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At the train station - do not go down to the platform until your train is about to arrive, in the summer it can be stiflingly hot - though they do thoughtfully provide a teperature read out to confirm that you are enduring 40 plus degrees whilst waiting! Stay in the air-conditioned reception concourse until absolutely necessary!

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If you're looking for serenity in the city centre, go to Parc de la Ciutadella and hire a rowing boat.

You can float around the beautiful lake with just the sound of fountains and ducks in the background.

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Stay in Badalona: 5 minutes by train outside the city. Much cheaper and quieter, and no tourists

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If you have two legs and can ride a bike, take a bike tour to see the city. Much more fun than the bus. Much more sociable. You get to the seaside as well as the city.

There are several companies running bike tours. I went with Fat Tyre Bike tours. The guides are knowledgeable and really look after the group. And we stopped for a complimentary beer en route!

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So you remember the Barcelona Olympics and the amazing views of divers silhouetted against the sky line? Well, a hot tip if you want to get away from the hot city and avoid the beach: go to Montjuic.

Swim at the Olympic pool (sadly you can't dive but you can imagine you've just won gold with a triple pike). Take a packed lunch and get a swim - some of the best city views in the world all for under a fiver.

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My tip is to visit the quirkiest little bar ever. Its attached to the waxwork museum on La Ramblas and is called Bosque les fades.

Its decorated like a fairy grotto, trees, a haunted castle, stars and candles everywhere (it even has its own waterfall). Ok you may be thinking tacky but to me was truly enchanting. And if that doesn't tempt you it has sangria on tap!

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For a lovely meal that isn't too expensive, try Le Quinze Nits - lovely food in an atmospheric setting.

www.bcninternet.com/restaurant_details.php?contentid=791

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Take the train by day from Paris (instead of the night train) for stunning views of the French/ Spanish border and coast before arriving in one of the best cities in the world.

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Take the train by day from Paris (instead of the night train) for stunning views of the French/Spanish border and coast before arriving in one of the best cities in the world.

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