From its beaches to its art galleries and from its healthful cafes to its nightlife, Barcelona is one of the most vibrant cities in the world. Here’s how to experience this brilliant city in true La Vita Isabella fashion.  

Wake up to panoramic views of the glistening Mediterranean and Barceloneta beach below at the iconic W Barcelona. For a more secluded retreat, stay at the recently opened Soho House Barcelona, with its infinity pool overlooking the peaceful Port Vell. For a luxurious experience in the more Northern portion of the very walkable city on the high-end shopping street of Passeig de Gracia, stay at Mandarin Oriental Barcelona, with its rooftop pool overlooking the beautiful city beneath.

Brunch at none other than Brunch & Cake for inventive dishes with an ever-changing selection of fresh ingredients. If you’re short on time (or if the line outside is too long), head over for a quick café con leche and pastry at its sister café, Cup & Cake. If you have some planning to do for the day and would like to accompany that with sunshine and coffee, settle in for a while at Aussie-operated Federal Café in el Gótico—and make sure to wander around this maze of a neighborhood (the oldest in Barcelona) when you’re done. If you’d like a super-nutritious beginning to your day, head up to Grácia for Green & Berry, a delicious healthful cafe that offers beautiful vegan and vegetarian dishes, and plentiful juices and smoothies. Can you tell I’m into brunch?

Take a ride in a cable car all the way up to the top of Montjuïc, a lovely, flower-adorned hill with a 17th-century castle on top, boasting panoramic views of the city and seaport below. After wandering around the castle and its gardens, stroll down the hill a bit to Fundació Joan Miró, a contemporary art foundation housed in an equally contemporary work of architecture. Have a picnic lunch in the stunning sculpture garden or the greek amphitheater—whichever suits your fancy—and then take a post-lunch stroll through the winding wooded path back down the hill.

Explore like a local an enjoy the most delicious rosé cava and accompanying tapas at Can Paixano, known to locals as La champanería, tucked away in a small street just behind the crowds at beachfront Barceloneta. Once you get inside, you’ll understand why the streets are so quiet outside: everybody’s in here, sharing bottles of rosé cava for €2.80 per bottle (yes, you read that correctly. You’re in Spain, now; price doesn’t always speak for quality). Now, make your way through the local crowd, pay for your bottle with your spare change, and take a sip of vibrant Barcelona.

Peruse the collection at the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, allowing time at the end of your visit for a leisurely lunch of delicious mediterranean cuisine at Òleum, right inside the museum, with sweeping views of Barcelona below. Reserve well ahead of time. If you’re there late enough in the evening, be sure to stay around for a beautiful sunset from the museum steps, followed by the well-attended musical fountain show under the stars.

Watch the sunset from local hangout known as los Bunkers in the Northern neighborhood of el Carmel.  This abandoned battery from the days of the Spanish Civil War offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Barcelona sunset (or, even more magical, sunrise). Carry up a bottle or two of rioja, a fresh baguette, and a selection of Spanish cheeses, and you’ll be well-equipped to take in the view like a local.

Dine at El Nacional: once a parking garage, now a vibrant consortium of Catalonian cuisine on fashion-forward Passeig de Grácia. Enjoy local sparkling cava at The Oyster Bar; take in an array of authentic tapas a little later on at La Tapería; and end your night at La Paradeta with Spanish wines, olives, and cheeses—all under one vaulted roof. Oh, and don’t forget to visit the restroom—you’ll thank me once you get there!

Dance from 11 P.M. onward (early evening by Barcelona standards) at the W Hotel’s happening rooftop lounge, Eclipse. It’s no mistake to get there a little early, though: you can pass the time sipping on a signature cocktail (my favorite has to be the simple but elegant Passion Fruit Martini), and sampling their sushi-fusion cuisine, all served to you overlooking the glittering ocean and seaside cityscape of Barceloneta below.

¡Salud!

xoxo Isabella