It is a Mediterranean-situated city, renowned for its Modernist architecture, which is inspired by Antoni Gaudí and reflected in singular buildings, such as the unfinished Sagrada Familia church. However, its history dates back to the Romans, so there is amazing, diverse architecture that spans 2,000 years.

Most visitors head right for icons like the Sagrada Familia, Parc Güell, La Pedrera and Casa Battló. However, another architectural must-see is the Palau de la Música Catalana, one of the world’s best concert venues. The interior is spectacular.

I enjoy strolling around the maze of narrow, winding, pedestrian streets in the Gothic Quarter. You can explore specialty boutiques that feature rack after rack of the latest fashions, and you can find pastries and cookies that are made — even today — by orders of nuns.

Nothing beats sitting at the counter of a tapas bar and watching the flurry of activity around you. My favorite is Ciudad Condal, just north of Plaça de Catalunya. I get the Galician-style octopus (pulpo Gallego), which is baked in the oven, sprinkled with paprika and served on a wooden board with potatoes and pimientos de Padrón, small green peppers that are fried in olive oil and served with salt. Every one in 10 is said to be a hot one, so there’s an element of “Spanish roulette” at play.