Sant Pere

This busy, beloved cava spot, best known as La Xampanyeria (also called Can Paixano), is tucked on a side street where a few neighborhoods—Gothic Quarter, La Barceloneta, and Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera—meet, within walking distance of Muse Picasso. It's fun and lively, and you can soak up some of the champagne with a sampling of the bocadillos on offer.

The downside to going to the Picasso museum in Barcelona is you're likely to run into a line. (Although you can purchase tickets online to cut down on waiting time.) But for Picasso and art lovers, the museum affords a unique look at the artist's early work, which makes sense given that Picasso spent his formative years here in Barcelona. The museum setting itself also feels special—Museu Picasso is housed in five Catalan-gothic palaces with central courtyards and open-air staircases that date back to the 13th- to 15th-centuries.

A major Spanish wine distributor, Vila Viniteca opened in 1932 and is now a third generation family-run business. For a really good selection of both local and international wines, head to their shop on Agullers. And, FYI, if you're looking to pick up food as well, Vila Viniteca's gourmet grocery store, which stocks small bites, cheeses, and cooked meats, is conveniently located next door. (Also to note: Vilia Vinetca has another, smaller wine outpost in the shopping mall, L'illa Diagonal.)

A tiny, popular spot situated on a corner of Plaça de les Olles, Cal Pep serves Mediterranean tapas and larger dishes best shared. The front bar is where the party is at (get there early if you want to grab a coveted stool), but you can also reserve a table (in advance) in the back room for a party of four or more.

Mamainé is on the small side, but it has a really great, relaxed vibe, and it's in a charming neighborhood. It sort of goes without saying that this is where you'll find the best mojitos in all of Barcelona.