Yurbban Passage Hotel & Spa

Worth getting out of bed for

Begin your sightseeing with a ramble along Las Ramblas, a wide, tree-lined boulevard that cuts right through the heart of the city. It’s often busy and touristy, but there are are hundreds of street performers, artists, stalls and cafés to keep things interesting (do keep an eye out for pickpockets, however). You can leave this artery at any time to wander the labyrinthine streets of the Gothic Quarter and El Born, both of which are teeming with architectural delights; highlights include the Catedral de Barcelona, the Basilica Santa Maria del Mar and the Plaça del Rai. The Museu Picasso, home to one of the largest collections of the artist’s works, is well worth a look, as is the Barcelona Museum for Contemporary Art. Combine all these attractions with the mediaeval proportions of the streets, however, and you do get inevitable crowds, particularly in summer. For a little breathing space, decamp to the Jardins de Mossèn Costa i Llobera, named after a prominent Spanish poet. Overlooking the port, these botanical gardens specialise in desert and tropical plantlife. The stars of the show are the cacti, of which there are 800 species to spot. For performances, you’ve got the Gran Teatre del Liceu, the city’s grand opera house, or the less formal Antic Teatre, housed in what was once a neoclassical palace. You don’t even need to see a show to enjoy the latter, as the courtyard comes alive at dusk when locals gather for drinks. But of course, there’s one important set of sights that almost overshadow all the rest: the buildings of Gaudí, whose name is bound up with Barcelona more than any other. Whether it’s the dragon-esque roof of the Casa Batlló or the lavish ornamentation of the Sagrada Família, these masterpieces of Catalan modernism don’t disappoint.

Local restaurants

Devoted to an artisanal approach, La Esquina like to keep their menu simple, allowing the quality of the ingredients to shine through. Their main lunch offering is the ‘combi’: you select the meat, fish or the vegetarian option, and they accompany it with a seasonal selection of vegetables, pasta or legumes. The owners of Bar Casa Xica spent considerable time abroad (particularly in Japan) before opening this Asian-Catalan fusion restaurant. Their worldliness makes itself known in the variety of dishes, which range from ceviche to Asian-style hamburgers. For something a little different, pay a visit to La Boqueria, which began life in the 1200s when it was just a few tables set up outside the city gates. Some 800 years later, the market has grown into one of the Barcelona’s most popular attractions, offering all manner of epicurean treats. Whether you’re in the mood for dates, stuffed olives or a full leg of Iberian ham, they’ve got something to satisfy. Get there early to avoid the afternoon crowds.

Local cafés

If you’re in need of a pick-me-up, stop in at Nabucco Tiramisu, a hip and cosy café. It’s a great spot for breakfast – accompanied by freshly squeezed juices – or a mid-afternoon focaccia. A few blocks to the south you’ll find Onna, a small coffee shop that’s built a big reputation. The owner has a special relationship with growers in Costa Rica, hand-picking the beans before bringing them back to be roasted locally. Every coffee is carefully prepared, and the cakes and pastries have inspired a loyal local following.