Barcelona

Barcelona layers a medieval core (the Barri Gòtic and El Born) against the Eixample grid of Modernista architecture, with Barceloneta beach and the marina at the bottom of the Ramblas. The Sagrada Família, Park Güell and Casa Batlló require timed tickets booked well ahead. The city eats late and drinks vermouth at noon; the Boqueria and Sant Antoni markets are the places to start. April to June and September to October are ideal; August is hot and crowded. Pickpocketing on the Ramblas, the metro and the beach is the primary safety concern, and the city has tightened rules on short-term rentals and tourist behaviour — respect local residents and noise rules.