I spent an amazing six days in Barcelona. I had wanted to visit for years, since the 1992 Olympics and since I saw Sondheim’s “Company” in the early 1970’s in New York where Bobby sings to a then airline stewardess about Barcelona. I loved the architecture both new and old, the style, the art, the museums, the wine and most importantly the food. I didn’t have a bad meal. If you like decorative arts, you will love the works by Gaudi including his furniture and great ceramics. You will see amazing art by Picasso, Miro, Antoni Tapies and many others.
I liked staying in the Eixample area. It was easy walking to the museums, restaurants and other attractions, plus I was near a Metro stop which helped getting to the more remote areas. Be somewhat flexible in your planning as I found that on two occasions a museum was closed on a day it was to be open and a Gaudi house was closed for a special event. The museums are open late so you can always make up for a missed opportunity by going late in the day. I was there in November so it got dark before 6 pm; you can spend the day outside and then go to a museum, gallery or store after dark.
People generally eat a late lunch and a late dinner around 9 pm. I found that some of the tapas restaurants, and even some of the best restaurants, accepted early reservations before the rush. It therefore paid to go early and eat at hours that we consider more normal.
I suggest buying the Barcelona Card. It includes the metro and free admission to the best sights and museums with discounts on many others.
Make sure to check out my recommendations on where to eat, where to stay, Gaudi’s architecture and the wonderful museums to visit.