Plaza de Catalunya: a large plaza in the heart of Barcelona embossed with sculptures, fountains and grass surrounded by monumental buildings. From here you could walk up to Passeig de Gracia to go on a shopping spree or walk down towards Las Ramblas boulevard. Once there, you'll be able to get takeaway Spanish delicacies at La Boqueria market.

Gothic Quarter: is the historic center of the old city of Barcelona. It encompasses the oldest parts of the city and includes the remains of the city's Roman wall and several notable medieval landmarks. You can easily finish your route at El Borne district to continue your historic adventure and eat some local tapas.

Montjuic: is a prominent hill overlooking Barcelona's harbor. For ages, it played a strategic part in the defense of the city and it’s one of the city’s natural elevations. You'll find a castle located on top, the MNAC art museum, and the Magic Fountain which offers free sound and light spectacles (check timetable to spot one).

Parc de la Ciutadella: is very idyllic and probably the greenest oasis in the mega-city of Barcelona. There are several attractions: the zoo, the Catalan Parliament. The Museu d'Art Modern is situated in the building of the parliament. You can walk up and check out Arc de Triomf on your way out.

Antoni Gaudí (June 25, 1852 to June 10, 1926) was a Catalan architect from Spain known as the greatest exponent of Catalan Modernism. His work has a distinctive style characterized by freedom of form, voluptuous colour and texture, and organic unity.

We highly recommend visiting some if not all of the below. Best to book tickets in advance, we've linked to the websites.

Sagrada Familia

Parc Güell

Casa Batlló

MACBA: houses important works of international artists in changing exhibitions. The best known are likely to be Tàpies, Fontana, Saura and Klee. Focus is set on the second half of the 20th Century.

Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC): the collection provides a dizzying overview of Catalan art from the 12th to the 20th centuries.

Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB): organises exhibitions, debates, festivals and concerts, film cycles, courses, lectures, and other activities.

Museu Picasso: opened in 1963, the museum dedicated to Barcelona's favourite adopted son, offers a permanent collection of 3,800 pieces.

The Museum of the History of Barcelona (MUHBA): a history museum that conserves, researches, communicates and exhibits the historical heritage of the city of Barcelona, from its origins in Roman times until the present day.

Has been the Football Club Barcelona's home since it was officially opened on 24 September 1957. You may get lucky and watch a game, otherwise you can arrange tour of the stadium.

Check it out here.

Tibidabo is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world built in 1899 on top of a hill with spectacular views of the city.

Port Aventura is a massive theme park near Barcelona that features five theme areas based on civilizations (Mediterrània, Far West, México, China and Polynesia). It can be accessed via train from the city.

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Bar del Pla - Gothic Quarter

Bar But - Gracia

La pepita - Gracia

El mercat - Barceloneta

Bar Quillo - Born

Antic Teatre - Universitat

Oveja Negra (pub like)- Las Ramblas

Fàbrica Moritz - Universitat/ Raval

Bosc de les fades - fairies forrest themed bar in Las Ramblas. Great for kids too, you can combite it with the Wax museum

La Paredeta (seafood) - 3 locations

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Casa Luz - Universitat

Maleducat - Sant Antoni

Terraza Martinez - Barceloneta

El Xampanyet (tapas)- Born

Quillo Bar - Born

El Nacional (various)- Passeig de Gracia

L'Escamarlà (seafood & paella)- Vila Olimpica

Bar Central - Raval

Bestial restaurant - Vila Olimpica

Gallito - Barceloneta

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Racó de la Vila (Ana's family fave)- Poblenou

Fismuler (gastronomy)- Born

Fire restaurant (W hotel) - Barceloneta

Slow and Lo - Sant Antoni

COFFEE & BRUNCH (** Note: Flat White in Spain is a double shot.)

Hidden Coffee - Born

Nomad - Born

Malcriada - Eixample

Roast Coffee Club - Eixample

OMA Bistro - Eixample

Federal - Sant Antoni & Gothic

Little Fern - Poble Nou

Billy Brunch - Eixample

Vacka - vegan (Poble Nou)

John Cake - Born

Sils cake - Gracia

Can Dende - Poble Nou

Espai Joliu - Poble Nou

Bars & tarverns

Nevermind - Ramblas near MACBA museum and skatepark

Sonora - Vila Olimpica near Razzmatazz club

RUBI gin bar - cozy cocktails in Borne

Bosc de les fades - fairies forrest themed bar in Las Ramblas. Great for kids too

If you miss pubs, the closest you could find is an Irish bar. There are many around the city centre.

Clubs

Opium Mar - Vila Olimpica

Razzmatazz - Vila Olimpica

Bling Bling - Gracia

Apolo - Paral.lel