where to stay:
Neri Hotel: Tucked away in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, Neri Hotel is the perfect fusion of modern elegance and gothic glamour- just like the city itself. Once a gothic mansion, now transformed into a chic hotel, Neri is a display of exquisite contemporary decor and overlooks a charming square that can be seen from your room. A quiet oasis, this is a near perfect place to relax and escape the noise and commotion within the city. The staff is quite accommodating and well worth the more expensive price tag. Rooms start at $250 USD/night. http://www.hotelneri.com/
Black Swan Hostel: A great alternative for those who can’t afford the swanky, ultra contemporary hotels of Barcelona, Black Swan Hostel offers a friendly vibe and very clean rooms. A wonderful, convenient location right next to the Arc de Triomf Barcelona and a short walk to Las Ramblas. Take advantage of the free walking tour the hostel offers. Rooms start at $20 USD/night per person. http://blackswanhostel.com/
where to eat:
Vic Braseria: A hidden treasure of Barcelona, known for their simple, high quality barbeque dishes offered at a reasonable price. Certainly a place for meat lovers. Cozy and stylish can describe the atmosphere, peak dinner times are 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Some of the friendliest wait staff you will find in all of Spain! We recommend ordering the Market Menu, which gives you a little bit of everything to try. http://www.vicbraseria.com/
who to tour with:
Walking Planets: A small group of local guides that offers walking tours of the real Barcelona to tourists, Walking Planets offers 2 hour tours that show you the historic and contemporary of Barcelona. Choose from tours around Old Town or an art-focused tour about Gaudí or Picasso. These tours are about $90 USD per group. Walking Planets also offers tapas tours, which allow you to get a taste for the local food while also soaking in the scenery. These tours are about $38 USD per person. http://www.walkingplanets.com/index.html
where to shop:
La Boqueria: Barcelona’s beloved open-air, fresh food market is formally known as La Mercat de Sant Joseop de la Boqueria and dates back to 1217 when it was merely a meat market. Now a staple for tourists, La Boqueria is a vibrant market that offers fresh seafood to fruit juices made to order. With an entrance made easily accessible from Las Ramblas, this market is the perfect place to stop for an affordable lunch and watch the hoards of people pass by. http://www.boqueria.info/index.php?lang=en