Food and Fun in Barcelona and Costa Brava

You will most likely arrive in Barcelona in the morning, so drop off your bags at your hotel, grab a coffee and walk down Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s main boulevard. Dive straight into Barcelona’s culinary delights at Mercat de la Boqueria. Here you will find everything from seafood tapas to colorful candy to fresh pastries, and much, much more. Eat your way through your jetlag!

Meander through the maze-like narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter and enjoy getting lost exploring tons of cute shops, tapas bars and historic sites. Make your way to the Picasso Museum, with over 5,000 works in the permanent collection.

Start your morning at Parc Güell, one of the whimsical masterpieces of famed Barcelona architect Antoni Gaudi. Parc Güell is a park like no other, and you will be treated to colorful mosaic sculptures and panoramic city views.

Walk down the hill to the neighborhood of Gracia, with its quiet streets and creative vibe. Enjoy some shopping in small boutiques and art galleries and grab a bite at an outdoor table in one of the area's many pretty squares.

Spend the rest or your day discovering more of Gaudi’s awe-inspiring buildings, including Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, and the unfinished wonder, Sagrada Família. Still have some energy? Then stroll down Passeig de Gràcia for some high-end shopping.

Grab a towel and set up for a day at Barceloneta, Barcelona’s main beach. Enjoy a paella lunch at your choice of the many restaurants that line the area. Then hop on a cable car ride up to Montjuïc for spectacular views and your choice of botanic gardens, museums and a 17th-century castle. Time your cable car ride for a spectacular sunset view of the city.

Pick up your rental car in the city and head towards Costa Brava, the area north of Barcelona filled with gorgeous mountains and quaint seaside villages. Stop for lunch overlooking the sea for the most amazing gazpacho at the restaurant at Hotel Aigua Blava. Then meander through the hilltop village of Begur, stopping in the cutest boutiques.

Soak up all that Costa Brava has to offer. Spend the day in Cadaqués, enjoying the beach and delicious restaurants. Visit Salvador Dali's home, the medieval village of Pals, or on the beach near the colorful boats in Calella de Palafrugell.