Marija's apartment was ideal for my short stay visiting a friend living in Barcelona. Gracia area is great as has some amazing bars n restaurants but still quiet enough to be away from the tourists, feeling more like a local in this area. Ideally located on a quiet residential street near 2 underground stations but is a great city to walk as it's compact enough and you get a feel for the area this way. The room was clean, comfortable and had a terrace for some fresh air. Marija made me feel so welcome and at home, we even shared a glass of wine and I met her gorgeous dog, Sky :) I would recommend anyone to stay in Marija's apartment for a short break to Barcelona - you have everything you need.
Sights I recommend, the amazing Gaudi Sagrada Familia cathedral is a 100% MUST visit attraction - Definately do book online a ticket time slot (a trip up a tower is worth doing also as a small extra cost, for a view across the city) before you arrive as the queue's on the day are so long. Also recommend Picasso Museum, has a huge exhibition of around 14 rooms of his life work, very interesting and get the headset also. Great gift shop too. The free museum opposite this had also a great african exhibition that was so interesting so recommend this also and was so quiet as must get overlooked by tourists , who only visit the Picasso museum on the same road.
Great tapas, wine, vermouth -sold everywhere and a trip to the beach was a nice experience for a beach side glass of wine watching the sunset.