Barcelona

Antoni Gaudi's ambitious project remains, as of today, unfinished, which by no means takes away from its popularity - at nearly 3 million yearly visitors, La Sagrada Familia is Spain's most visited monument. The masterpiece was crafted meticulously to embody the Christian faith through composition, sculpture, and individualistic, offbeat design. Guided and audio tours available.

Barcelona's most well-known street is unofficially not just one uninterrupted stretch but five (hence it being known as "Las Ramblas"), each containing attractions of their own. A pedestrian-only walkway runs through the street's central section, with street artists, souvenir vendors, bars and restaurants competing for visitor attention.

Another one of Gaudi's unconventional architectural creations, Casa Mila, also known as La Pedrera ("quarry", for its wacky appearance distantly resembling an actual quarry), is one of Barcelona's primary attractions. Entry tickets include a free audio guide.

In this park with stunning views over the city you can admire several impeccable works of Gaudi. Actually, the entire park is designed by the artist himself. Statues and buildings in different colours and shapes stand side by side and the park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Once Gaudi got his hands on this previously unremarkable building in Passeig de Gràcia, it was never to be simply passed by again. Fascinatingly idiosyncratic and almost beast-like on the outside, it continues to amaze from within with twisted lines and elements that could only be thought up by the genius of Gaudi.

The Picasso Museum has one of the most extensive art collections by the 20th century Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. The permanent collections contain more than 3,800 works, and this is one of the most popular and most visited museums in Barcelona.

Located in one of the most emblematic areas of Barcelona, within walking distance from the Montjuïc Fountains, Poble Espanyol is one of the most attractive sites of the city for it unique setting, featuring architecture from across Spain, contemporary art, crafts, shopping and gastronomy. All this in a peaceful environment, ideal for children and adults.

Plaça Reial, a beautiful square and one of Barcelona's busiest, most vibrant spots (especially so at night), is known for its many outdoor venues, restaurants and nightclubs. During summer time it becomes an even more popular meeting place when open air concerts take place. Stroll around or sit down with a tasty drink at one of the bars and just enjoy the moment.

Cal Pep is a very popular tapas bar and restaurant. It is best to jostle your way to the bar and let Pep himself recommend the best hors d’oeuvres. Otherwise, there are also tables and a quieter dining room further in. Offered is a mixture of traditional and innovative cooking.

Located in the heart of Gràcia, Banna is a restaurant whose Thai chef team from Xishuangbanna cooks to perfection with the freshest ingredients from Barcelona's markets. Choose from the a la carte, daily set menu or sampling menu. Authentic Thai food with great value for money can be enjoyed here.

Catalan Italian restaurant, which is reflected in its culinary tendencies. There’s a wide range of dishes and delicacies to choose from, and their speciality is pappardelle al ragu de conejo. The location is perfect, really close to Plaça Universitat, away from busy areas.

Toto offers Italian-inspired meals, simple and based on seasonal products. They offer a short menu that changes every day. The wood oven and grill are the real stars of kitchen, and offer guests unforgettable flavours.

Quality food served by the friendly staff can be enjoyed at El Filete Ruso, where organic meats, hamburger, steak tartar, entrecote and tapas can be found on the menu. Enjoy your meal on the lovely terrace and watch the world go by.

In the sprawling district of Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, known as one of the trendiest neighbourhoods for Barcelona’s nightlife, you will find this bistro restaurant where cooked-to-perfection burgers are served. Meatpacking Bistro truly brings a bit of New York to the cosmopolitan city of Barcelona and with its modern, relaxed and attentive service, makes for a great place to stop by with friends and family.

The Cantina Mexicana opened its doors in 1982, in the heart of Barcelona’s Gràcia district, where the aim was to create a Mexican taquería with a young, family-friendly atmosphere. Here you can enjoy present-day Mexican cuisine, cooked with the best selection of fresh and imported products.

The wide range of bars and restaurants in Poble Espanyol allow you to discover the variety and richness of Spanish cuisine, known worldwide. Enjoying an excellent paella or delicious tapas in a peaceful environment is quite an experience. And if the weather permits, why not relax on one of the pleasant terraces too?

Visiting the La Boquería, half way down La Rambla, is something of a must. This covered market provides everything when it comes to food, and the place is also popular for a lunch or a refreshing glass of cava. This historic, vibrant market is one of the city's principal attractions.

Carrer d' Avinyó, in Barrí Gotic (the Gothic Quarter), is possibly Barcelona’s most interesting shopping street. Here you can find fun stores, including street fashion store Soda, Ángel Gimeno specialising in trendy shirts for men, and Loft Avignon, which caters to the more sophisticated lot. Herborista del Rei in the Gothic Quarter is the best choice for herbs and spices.

The El Born district is also a good place to shop for food. Casa Gispert offers coffee, dried nuts and fruits and Tot Formatge is one of Barcelona’s best-stocked cheese shops.

For serious fashion shopping, make your way to Passeig de Gràcia, the parallel street, Rambla de Catalunya, and the surrounding district. You will find all the big international fashion names here, including Spanish greats such as Adolfo Domínguez, Armand Basi, Groc and the leather specialist Loewe. More economic alternatives such as Zara, Mango and Massimo Dutti are also represented. You can also find a good selection of trend-conscious designer fashions at Noténom.

Open to the public 365 days a year, Poble Espanyol is a singular shopping centre in Barcelona. More than 30 artisans work every day crafting unique or custom-made pieces of glass, leather, ceramics, jewellery and Spanish guitars, among others. There is also a wide range of gourmet shops offering premium food products.

La Maquinista is the only open-air commercial centre in Barcelona, boasting more than 235 establishments, fashion brands, entertainment and technology stores, restaurants and a 13 screen cinema. There are 5,000 spaces of free parking and 30,000 square metres of open space with avenues and squares. It is perfect retail therapy during your stay in Barcelona.