Boutique hotels in Barcelona

For balmy weather, visit in Spring or Autumn, which have the added benefit of fewer crowds. Winter can be crisp, but the cooler weather makes for an excellent excuse to museum-hop.

Cuisine in Catalonia, like across much of Northern Spain, centres around juicy tomatoes, delicate beans and grilled vegetables. Don’t miss out on Barcelona’s paella, which is slow-cooked over a low heat to release the tomatoes’ rich flavour. For the best seafood paella in Barcelona, try Can Solé. Set in a fishing town, the restaurant is never in short supply of fresh-off-the-boat fish.

Watch the awe-inspiring array of flashing lights, water aerobics and vibrant colours at Barcelona’s Magic Fountain display.

Barcelona has a thriving nightlife scene, propelled by the nocturnal proclivities of the Spanish. Dress up for Boadas, a Barcelona institution that harks back to a bygone era. Chock-a-block with dusk-to-dawn clubs, Barcelona’s evening scene is not to be sneered at. We love Club Mix, which offers a rotating menu of house and funk, with an extensive lounge bar for when it’s time to cool your heels.

The city centre is humming with lively bars, intriguing art and quirky cafes, making it the idyllic spot for a weekend getaway or city break. Alternatively, the countryside it decked out with boutique hotels, rural hideaways and mountainside retreats.

Barcelona-El Prat airport serves flights to domestic and seasonal European destinations.