See the sights

Barcelona packs in its fair share of sights. Get the best works of Gaudi on your list first – Sagrada Família, Park Güell and Casa Milà. Then see street theatre on lively La Rambla, go gallery hopping, squeeze in some shopping, and take a G&T break at a rooftop bar. Each neighbourhood has its own style too, so get lost in the Gothic Quarter and get to know the locals over tapas in Poble Sec.

Beside the seaside

Make the most of the sunshine by kicking back on Barceloneta Beach. This 1km-long stretch is right next to Port Olympic, and comes with beach clubs and seafood snacks on tap. Further down the coast is what the locals call ‘Costa Barcelona’. Here, smaller seaside towns like Sitges mix Catalan charm with festivals, fashionable boutiques and boho bars.

Did someone say ski?

Barcelona also puts you in easy reach of the Pyrenees, and all the ski fun you could want in Andorra. You can get to well-loved resorts like Pal-Arinsal, La Molina and Grandvalira in less than three hours from Barcelona, so it’s a great gateway for ski fans. Hit Grandvalira for vast valleys and Pal-Arinsal for a great value take on après ski.