Clusters of the city's modernist buildings nudge each other in this region around Passeig de Gracia and the Ramblas de Catalunya. Here you'll see Gaudi's Casa Mila, one of Gaudi's best-known works, on the corner of Carrer Provenca. Wrought with three facades, you can spot Gaudi's Dr. Seuss-like towers from a mile away. In addition to the Picasso museum there are museums dedicated to every interest from geology to shoes. There's every class of hotel available, starting with the five-star Rey Juan Carlos I on the Diagonal near the University of Barcelona and within a short walk of the metro.
Food is fresh and wonderful, with seafood the shining light of the city.
For old time's sake, you might try the Restaurant of Seven Doors on Paseo de Isabel II, the oldest eatery in town. If you have time, don't miss the side trip to the nearby resort village of Sitges, about 25 miles south of Barcelona. Established as an art colony, this picturesque seaside village charms with its whitewashed cafes, craggy old church and splashes of blue sea that nibble at the shoreline. The Museu Cau Ferrat, dedicated to artist Santiago Rusinol, and the Maricel de Mar Museum offer plenty to see at a small fee. The airport is about seven miles from the city center.