Dreta de l’Eixample

The collection at Fundació Antoni Tàpies may be a little esoteric for non-art buffs, but it's certainly a legit, if less mainstream museum experience. The bulk of the Fundació is comprised of works by Antoni Tàpies, a distinguished painter and Barcelona native who passed away in 2012. Tàpies's diverse body of work touches everything from the abstract, to Surrealism, sculptures, tactile object works made of a combination of unlikely materials, and his textured, layered "matter paintings." The museum, which Tàpies founded in 1984 (and opened in 1990), sits in an old publishing house that was originally constructed in 1880—and many architectural details have been preserved. (For example, the shelves in the Fundació library are the original shelves from the publishing warehouse.)

At just nine-rooms strong, a week spent at this elegant boutique property is a lot like staying at a local’s private home, if they had a concierge, laundry service, and a kitchen with snacks on demand 24/7.

Every bit as incredible as you'd want a Mandarin Oriental hotel to be, the chain's Barcelona location is in the center of the city, on the architecturally historic and shopping-centric Passeig de Gràcia. The 360-degree views of the city from the hotel's rooftop pool and Terrat restaurant are stunning, and some of the suites have pretty amazing views, too (i.e., looking out onto Gaudí's Casa Batlló). If you have time for a pampering session at the Mandarin's spa while you're there—worth it. (And the hotel can arrange babysitting services for you, should you need, as long as you let them know a day in advance.)

Open since 1918, Majestic Hotel & Spais ideally situated on Passeig de Gràcia, a short walk to Gaudí’s La Pedrera. The exterior of the building is absolutely beautiful, especially when lit up at night, and the interior feels wonderfully luxe.

Located just off Paseo de Gracia, Claris is a mix of classic decor and a cool vibe. Throughout the hotel, you'll find English furniture pieces from the 18th- and 19th-centuries, Roman sculptures from the 2nd- and 3rd-centuries, original etchings commissioned by Napoleon, and so on. There's also a museum featuring Egyptian art from the the Jordi Clos Archaeological Foundation’s private collection. And a modest rooftop pool.

When GP wandered into this bar a few years ago with some friends, she ended up staying all night. Its dark, old-fashioned décor makes it reminiscent of a library in the coolest way. Plus, it has great drinks and good music.

Even before she set out designing her namesake accessories line, Beatriz picked up on the importance of quality and longevity at a young age—her family has been in the apparel business since 1898. The Italian-leather totes, clutches, loafers, and flats on display at her teeny boutique all transcend seasonal trends and only look better the longer you wear them. There are also locations in Les Corts, El Born, and Sarrià-Sant Gervasi.