Food is a huge part of the authentic Barcelona experience, but beware: Spaniards eat late! On the weekends, you might not eat dinner until 11 p.m., so make sure to have some 5 p.m. tapas as a quick merienda to keep you going. Blend in with the locals by getting their fresh produce at the Mercat De La Boqueria, then eat your way through as many bodegas as you can for snack-sized tortillas, chorizo, pimientos, croquetas, and gambas for an ensured good time out on the town.

Barcelona has a well-developed (and almost entirely accessible!) metro, bus, train, and tram system, so if you’re planning a beach day, there’s no need to stick to the more central Barceloneta beach. You’re just a quick ride away from the huge Playa de Bogatell, secluded beaches like Vilassar de Mar, Ocata, and Platja de Cabrera, the bustling Nova Icaria, or the nearby Sitges for some LGBTQ+ friendly fun.

For a truly unique way to see the city, build a walking itinerary following in the footsteps of Antoni Gaudí. The father of Catalan Modernism left his mark in every corner of Barcelona: from Palau Güel to Park Güell, Casa Vicens and Casa Batlló, and the famous Sagrada Familia, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to picking a favorite. Pro tip: see if you can spot his lesser-known work in Plaça Real and Pla del Palau.

The majority of shops, including high street stores and shopping centers, are closed on Sundays from September to May––yes, even on the streets of Las Ramblas! You might be able to find the odd open bodega or souvenir shop, but you’re better off planning to relax at the beach, visit a museum (keep in mind that some are only open in the morning on Sundays), and enjoy one slow and delicious meal after the other.

The autonomous Catalonia region is not your usual Spain: although people speak both Spanish and Catalan, the independent movement is strong, and locals are proud of their cultural heritage. Even if you only learn a word or two (good morning: bon dia; please: si us plau; goodbye: adéu; how much is this: quant costa), their appreciation will go a long way.