El Barri Gòtic (the Gothic quarter) is the medieval quarter of Barcelona. I recommend that you spend time just walking around in the maze of narrow streets and explore the many squares: I love the Plaza Reial, for example as it bears a kind of splendor when you enter through its arched gateways. The neoclassical facade surrounds the many palm trees on the square. Located just off the Rambla it is usually a little quieter, although late at night there are often a few drunk tourists who end up celebrating their vacation loudly in the fountain at the center.

Around 9pm, a line starts forming halfway to the center for the restaurant Les Quinze Nits. It is pretty decent, and despite the long line, the wait is not that long as they have people enter by groups of 20 people or so. My definite favorite hang out on the Plaza is Tarantos, where you can experience some excellent flamenco in a tiny room for 6 Euros + the cost of a drink inside, and it is a different show every night. It lasts about 45 minutes, but it is laid back and so much better than the big touristy shows that they try to sell you on La Rambla for 50 Euros.

Another main square in the Barri Gotic is the Plaça Sant Jaume, where the City Hall (or Ajuntament) stands proud. It seems like every street from the Barri Gotic merges onto this square. Apparently it is where the locals demonstrate and is basically an important meeting place. I was there during Christmas 2006 and they had a huge beautiful nativity in the middle, but I believe that they have that every year. Something to see.

The Plaça del Pi is interesting too, especially on Thursday morning when they have a little market of local goods such as cheese, meat, and cakes. On Calle Bisbe you cannot miss the "bridge of sighs" which is quite pretty and photographed but which was also apparently built in the 1920's... Quite a disappointment, but still a nice picture.
Don't forget to look up to see the gargoyles and gorgeous facades.

The Cathedral of Santa Eulalia certainly is a highlight of the Barri Gotic. You can enter for free in the mornings and late afternoons to visit the church and the cloister, however the rest of the time is dedicated to worshipers and ticket holders so plan your visit. Inside you can see the tomb of Santa Eulalia, a 13 year old girl and saint patron of Barcelona who, in 303 A.D, was said to be rolled down a hill in barrel full of broken glass and nails for protesting to the governor against his cruelty towards the Christians. Behind the Cathedral is the Baixada de Santa Eulalia, the slope where the horrifying event took place.

Barceloneta is the maritime quarter between Port Vell and la Vila Olimpica. The nice beach has been cleaned out for the Olympic games in 1992 and has since then remained the popular hang out on summer days. It can get crowded but the busy beach life is part of the fun. As pleasant an empty beach can be, it would somehow be wrong if it was the case in this town. Besides, no one goes to Barcelona for a quiet vacation, or if you do, I strongly advise you no to.

It is hard to believe that Barceloneta was once a rundown quarter inhabited by sailors and fishermen, as it is now a colorful place full of charm and restaurants. The popular Passeig Joan de Borbo, located on the peninsula facing Mare Magnum, is where most restaurants are located, offering Paellas with a view on the Med. Yes, mostly tourists hang out there, but with that in mind it is still worth a look and maybe a lunch, to experience one of the main quarters of the city.

Mare Magnum is the big mall that sprouted on a man made island facing the Ramblas and the Mirador de Colom. I have never found anything there worth my attention or money, which is always a disappointment considering the size of the mall and the shopping opportunities you think it would offer. However the air conditioning gives you a nice break from the heat in the summer. One of the only shops worth a stop there is called Barabu (on the ground floor) and sells funky "very Barcelona" customizable t-shirts of good quality and fun colors.

On the other side of the mall is a humongous Imax theater. I must say that even though it has nothing to do with Barcelona or even Spain, I thoroughly enjoy watching the permanent screening of "Stomp, Ritmos del Mundo", a journey through many rhythms of many countries that gives me shivers of pleasure every time. Watch the trailer at www.pulsethemovie.com.

The Mirador de Colom is a sight worth a visit. In the middle of a roundabout, at the very end of La Rambla and facing the bridge leading to Mare Magnum is perched a statue of Christopher Columbus on top of a big column. It seems hard to believe at first but you can actually take a very narrow elevator that takes you all the way up for a panoramic 360 degrees view. It costs about 2 Euros to get up, but on a clear day, you can take some pretty pictures and check out the surroundings.

Finally, on a nice day, you can try a pleasant boat ride with Las Golondrinas, located right in front of the Mirador de Colon. I liked it because it takes you way down by the Vila Olimpica and gives you a good view of the modern buildings. Watch out for that sun though, it can be tricky sitting out on the deck with the wind in your face...

Montjuïc: a hill overlooking the town and a big park with plenty of sights to see:

- Nice view from the top. From there you can catch the cable car down to Mare Magnum shopping center (near Las Ramblas).
- The Museo Nacional de Arte de Cataluña is on the side of the hill overlooking Plaça Espanya. It displays the art of Cataluňa throughout the centuries. The building, the Palau Nacional, is quite an impressive sight.
- The botanical gardens boast all kinds of plants from all the countries with a Mediterranean climate. They are worth a look, and it makes for a peaceful walk away from the crowd.
- From the botanical gardens you can see the site of the 1992 Olympic Games.
- The Mirò museum is also in Montjuic. I recommend getting in to take a look.
- In Montjuic, I particularly love walking down the park and stopping for lunch in the restaurant. It has a beautiful terrace in a peaceful setting and serves simple and delicious lunch.