Listings

The effortlessly cool old quarter around the beautiful Santa Maria del Mar church – medieval lanes lined with independent boutiques, tapas bars and buzzing nightlife. One of the best areas in the city for an evening out.

The city’s most accessible beach, a lively strip of sand backed by seafood restaurants and summer beach bars. Great for a swim, a stroll along the boardwalk or a paella with your toes near the sand – mind your belongings.

Old Civil-War anti-aircraft bunkers on a hilltop, now the city’s favourite free 360-degree viewpoint. Bring a picnic and a drink and join locals for one of Barcelona’s best sunsets over the whole city and sea.

Barcelona’s green lung beside El Born – shady paths, a monumental cascade fountain (with a young Gaudi’s hand in it), a rowing lake and the Catalan parliament. Perfect for a picnic or a lazy afternoon.

The city’s dazzling covered food market just off La Rambla – pyramids of fruit, jamon, seafood and sweets. It’s busiest and priciest at the front; head to the back-counter bars for a proper local breakfast or lunch.

A labyrinth of narrow medieval lanes, hidden plazas and the towering cathedral at its heart. Get happily lost among the stone alleys, artisan shops and tucked-away bars – the atmospheric core of old Barcelona.

Barcelona’s famous tree-lined promenade slicing through the old town from Placa Catalunya to the sea – a river of people, flower stalls and human statues. Touristy and pickpocket-prone, but an essential first stroll; duck into the side streets for the real city.