Barcelona

About Barcelona

Barcelona mixes architecture, beach and a food culture that runs late. Book the Sagrada Família and Park Güell ahead, then let the rest of the day loosen. Skip the crush at La Boqueria for the wavy-roofed Mercat de Santa Caterina, take a midday vermut in Gràcia's plaças, and wander El Born's narrow streets as the bars fill up. Mornings belong to the sea at Barceloneta, sunsets to the Bunkers del Carmel, and dinner rarely starts before nine.

Best time: May–June, September–October

Highlights

• places

  Sagrada Família

  Gaudí’s unfinished basilica. Book weeks in advance.

• places

  Park Güell

  Mosaic terraces and city views above Gràcia.

• places

  Barceloneta promenade

  Seafront walking from the old fishing quarter.

• places

  Mercado de la Boqueria

  Famous market off La Rambla. Go early.