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Unmistakably Gaudí, this Modernista marvel seems to grow from the very pavement itself. Fluid and eerily alive, its curving façade sprouts writhing wrought-iron balconies. A cluster of mosaic chimneys keeps watch over the rooftop like shrewd-eyed knights (La Pedrera).

This amazing apartment block, with its curving façade and bizarre rooftop, has all of Gaudí’s architectural trademarks. Especially characteristic are the wrought-iron balconies and the ceramic mosaics decorating the entrance halls. (La Pedrera).

If Gaudí’s undulating Pedrera rooftop. (La Pedrera), looks surreal by day, experience it at night for full effect. On Friday and Saturday evenings between mid-June and late July, La Pedrera opens up its magical rooftop for a night of live music and cava drinking. Wander among Gaudí’s mosaic chimneys, illuminated against the night sky, while enjoying jazz, flamenco fusion or tango.

Your shoulders will be aching from carrying the kids high above the crowds by the time you reach the end of Barcelona’s main boulevard. Fire eaters, buskers, human statues decked out as Greek goddesses – you name it and it’s likely to be keeping the hordes entertained on La Rambla. Put a coin in the human statue’s hat and be rewarded with a sudden move, or, if you’re a child, the gift of a tiny lollipop. See La Rambla.

Barcelona’s centrepiece, this 1-km (0.6-mile) long, thriving pedestrian thoroughfare cuts a wide swathe through the old town, from Plaça de Catalunya to the glistening Mediterranean. See La Rambla.

From Plaça de Catalunya, stroll the length of Barcelona’s most famous street, La Rambla (La Rambla), stopping en route to enjoy the street performances. Turn left at the port and admire the luxury yachts as you follow the water round to Barceloneta. Continue along Pg Joan de Borbó and turn left down any of the side streets that lead to the sand and sea.

This palm tree-lined, pedestrian walkway is the latest attempt by city planners to spark a similar social environment to that of the city’s famed La Rambla (La Rambla). So far it is off to a creaking start, with barely a fraction of the crowds that ply the original Rambla. Its advocates, however, are quick to point out that La Rambla del Raval is far better than the two dark, run-down streets that formerly existed here. Ambitious building plans, which include new shops, bars and cafés, mean it could well rival its cousin in years to come.

Set in an old printworks, this place serves food that’s a cross between Catalan and nouvelle cuisine – with a sense of playfulness. Try the black pudding lasagne.

A great place for an economical breakfast. Delicious cup-cakes and muffins served with home-made jam and butter.