SLEEP IN: Book a room at the Hotel Arts, a shimmery tower built for the ‘92 Olympics. Then head to the pool for a glass of Cava, the champagne of Catalonia. (Doubles start at $310. Call 34-93-2211000.)
EXPLORE: Ramble down La Rambla (lower left), the wide boulevard surging up from the port. (But watch out for pickpockets.) For great shopping, continue north up Passeig de Gracia–hit Loewe for leather and Vincon for high-design accessories.
EAT: Pitch up at Bar Pinotxo–that’s “Pinocchio”–for fried squid or heavenly honeyed cod ($5; 66-67 Mercat de la Boqueria). For dinner, reserve a mezzanine table at Tragaluz ($35 for dinner; 5 Passatge de la Concepcio. 34-93-4870621).
IMBIBE: Slink down to Ginger in the Gothic Quarter for La Pamelita, a foamy in-house blend of red wine and Cava-fizz (6-8 carrer l’Hostal d’en Sol. 34-93-3152159).
SECRET GARDEN: The 14th-century Pedralbes Monastery boasts one of Europe’s most beautiful cloistered squares, a little-known enclave housing gorgeous religious art from the famous Thyssen-Bornemisza collection (9 Baixada del Monestir. 34-93-2801434).
