Mr & Mrs Smith

Stop at La Vinya del Senyor on Plaza Santa Maria for a glass of wine before hitting the shops in the Gothic Quarter. For after-dinner drinks, head for El Born district. Or head uptown to Carrer Maria Cubi, where there are several lively bars; our favourites are Universal and Mas y Mas. 

 

 

Gusto on Calle Francisco Giner is a laid-back drinkery that gets going around midnight. 

 

Viewpoints From Montjuic, the hill next to the old town with a cable car to the top; Parc Güell, which was designed by Gaudí; Mount Tibidabo – take the blue tram to the foot of the hill, and then the funicular railway to the top. Or have drinks on the striking surreal roof of La Pedrera, with views over the city.
Arts and culture Antoni Gaudí left an incredible legacy in Barcelona, from his undulating apartment block La Pedrera to his swan song, the Sagrada Família, still under construction. The city pays tribute to other great artists with the Museu Picasso and Fundació Joan Miró. The Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona focuses on 20th-century Catalan artists. The Gran Teatro de Liceu is up there with Europe’s great opera houses.
Something for nothing At the weekends, drummers play in Ciutadella Parc, where locals hang out. Las Ramblas is full of street entertainers (and pickpockets) every day. The Catalans have a tradition of building human towers, up to eight people high, during the summer months.
Shopping For designer labels, head for Paseo de Grácia. You’ll find boutiques and more unusual shops in the El Born area. Our favourite shop for foodie souvenirs is Colmado Quílez Avinyó on Rambla de Catalunya. Salva G on Avinyo is a hairdressers, bar, music store and cosmetics shop all rolled into one. One of the best food markets is Bocadilla, just off the Ramblas

 

March Carnival is the week leading up to Lent and is big here, particularly in Sitges, where there are huge street processions. March-June Festival de Guitarra: a guitar festival with international artists (www.the-project.net). 23 April La Diada de Sant Jordi (Saint George’s day), Barcelona’s Valentine’s Day. June Trobada Castellera – the castellers come from all around to build their human towers in Plaça Catalunya. November Festival Internacionál de Jazz de Barcelona (www.the-project.net).