The best of Barcelona: a local's ultimate travel guide full of secret spots, insider tips, and more
- Barcelona is a top European destination with a sunny climate, incredible food, and dazzling culture.
- Here's how you can go beyond the regular tourist sights and see another side of Barcelona, Spain.
With its glorious weather, gorgeous architecture, and world-class gastronomy, Barcelona has everything you could want in a city.
It's why five years ago, I chose to move here from New York, ditching my all-black wardrobe, umbrella, and NYC attitude to embrace the Catalan capital's wonderfully laid-back vibe and sunshine-filled days.
As I've found, there's plenty in Barcelona to keep visitors busy, from touring the Modernisme masterpieces of Antoni Gaudí to visiting outstanding museums devoted to Picasso and Joan Miró, and exploring the Gothic Quarter's tangle of medieval streets.
But what I love most about living here is that most days are simply about relaxing: at a café on a scenic plaza, at a beachfront chiringuito with your toes in the sand, or on a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city, sea, and mountains.
If you have the means, it's worth splurging on a Michelin-starred meal — Barcelona is one of the best eating cities in the world — and staying in a century-old five-star property. But you can have just as fabulous a time bedding down in a budget hotel and dining at local tapas bars.
Here's everything you need to know to plan the perfect Barcelona vacation.