Barcelona is the art and architecture capital of Spain’s Catalunya region. With its moody and gorgeous Gothic Quarter – home to the Museu Picasso with one of most complete collection of works by Pablo. I would argue that more than Picasso, the city’s personality and flair is largely framed by Antoni Gaudi and his otherworldly cathedral the Sagrada Familia – an unforgettable edifice in a spell binding city. Don’t forget to visit Gaudi’s iconic Park Guell and to spend a night dining and enjoying street life on the Ramblas. A beautiful waterfront, fabulous hotels, shopping and restaurants from fine dining to sublime tapas completes the picture of this enthralling European ville.

Fronted by the iconic fish sculpture known as Peix, this luxe hotel occupies a high-rise building fronting the sea and marked by a glass and exposed steel facade. The property gets top marks for service and has five restaurants and apartments with butler service. Luxurious, modern, and a perfect base for exploring the city. Relax by the pool or in the spa after a day of touring the cities endless treasures.

This trendy luxury boutique hotel gets raves for its front row seat view onto the Gothic quarter in large, chic and comfy rooms – many with balconies. There is a cool rooftop bar and pool where you can relax and mingle with local professionals from all walks. The restaurant “Informal” is run by Michelin-starred chef Marc Gascons.

The ultimate Barcelona WOW factor restaurant. Stunning design, wildly creative and delicious food. The restaurant was opened by the three former head chefs of el Bulli. Surprisingly affordable prices. There is a short tasting menu or a long one, which offers more than 25 different bites! One Michelin star. This is one of those places you don’t forget after you are home. The creativity is beyond words. The night we were there they served a liquid salad of lettuce, celery and olive which was stunning as well as the sushi course, crispy egg yolk with mushroom gelatin, frozen cheese and green and red peppers made of chocolate. Yummy beyond belief.

ABaC, which has 2 Michelin stars, is located in the ABaC Hotel in Barcelona’s Zona Alta and is 36-year-old Catalan chef Jordi Cruz’s creation. The avant-garde wizard won his first Michelin star at 24 years old, the youngest chef in Spain and the second youngest chef in the world to accomplish the feat. If you’re hungry and brave you can get the full ABaC experience with the Grand ABaC set menu, which features 15 different dishes from Cruz’s magical kitchen. Click here to peruse the dishes that won this restaurant its Michelin stars.

The grand dame of Barcelona restaurants at nearly 50 years old – Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró, Richard Nixon and even Woody Allen (remember the movie?) paid visits here during their day.The restaurant is old classic with waiters in tuxedos, high back leather chairs, fine china, and of course a Michelin Star. Belle Epoque design, old world atmosphere, a massive wine list and truly outstanding divish food is well worth the visit.

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