Luckily, between all those tall, gothic buildings, the swathes of Art Nouveau architecture and phenomenal Gaudi structures, there is a vast, sandy beach, and shady, leafy courtyards abound.
Speaking of the architecture, wow, just wow. You'll find a different style, personality and voice around every corner.
The Gothic quarter is brimming with traditional European charm, with narrow alleys and some great bars, each with their own tapas speciality. It’s also home to Plaça Reial, Gaudi’s first contribution to the city’s landscape. Visit by day and night to get the full scope of how remarkable this area is.
Just beyond the Gothic Quarter is the neighbourhood of Montjuïc, where we encountered the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc. Completely unexpected, this fountain and light show was a definite highlight and took our collective breath away. Honestly, the photos don’t do it justice and it has to be seen to be believed.
And of course, Gaudi. Barcelona has a Gaudi work in practically every locality of the city. Of course there's the Sagrada Familia, his unfinished masterpiece, and the iconic Güell Park, but be sure to account for his lesser-known, or less-frequented monuments too.
There are some excellent walking tours and maps available if you want to make sure that you tick off all of them, but you could also just take them in organically as you explore.
I could go on and on. The food, the people, the culture, the art. Barcelona has it all, and more in buckets. Ultimately, we enjoyed a sunny family holiday, but the city really is what you make of it. Art-buffs, foodies, couples, and groups will find something for everyone in this vibrant destination.
For more travel and adventure inspiration, take a look at my write up of our trip to Braç, Croatia