Loco2 recommends

• Catalonia's Kitchen

  

  Foodies will go mad for Barcelona, whose traditional Catalan dishes form much of what we consider the typical Mediterranean diet. Simple classics, like pan payas tostados topped with crushed tomatoes contrast with the bold flavours of salted cod or alioli, making for a plate that begs to be refilled.

  Compared to the Spanish capital, whos culinary diamonds can be elusive, Barcelona is awash with family-run eateries serving excellent food. Try Los Tereros, for cheap and cheerful tapas (or pintxos as the Catalans call it) near Las Ramblas, or El Rincon del Cava in Poble-sec whose stretchy website defies their excellent menu.

  Of course, the best way to appreciate the region’s food is to take it with you, courtesy of one of the city’s excellent markets. But while alioli con shepherd’s pie might suit a discerning palette, you’re probably better off keeping the ingredients in their traditional unions by taking a cooking lesson. Classics like paella and gazpacho or even the more elaborate basil and cheese ice cream are all on itinerary so roll up your sleeves and get cooking.

• Architecture is Cool

  

  Raving wildly about architecture won’t always make you the most popular guest at a dinner party, but put simply, Gaudi buildings are awesome. This is awesome in the form that language intended: adj extremely impressive or daunting; inspiring awe. So when we say you should visit Sagrada Familia, or Parc Guell or Casa Batllo, we’re not messing around.

  Enough to make the Slough planning department quake in their sensible shoes, Gaudi’s buildings make the Fantasia castle look like an ex-council flat. They’re scattered around the city, so you’ll need a metro pass (or a strong disposition) if you plan to visit them all in one day. The rewards are worth the effort; they’re inspiring, they’re bold and they prove that Barcelona has something that few European cities can ever rival.

  Image: Synes reproduced with thanks under a CC Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence

• Un Poco Flamenco

  

  Countless musicians owe their style to the veterans of classical Spanish guitar and the great tradition of flamenco. Though native to Andalucia this dramatic acoustic style is entrenched in Spanish and Catalan culture, meaning most cities boast excellent live music. Barcelona is no exception.

  Feet stomp, hands clap and tension sizzles at popular flamenco shows at El Tablo de Carmen or Los Tarantos, the latter joining forces after hours with the downstairs Jamoree jazz bar to become a fun, albeit cheesy club. Alternatively experience the drama of fiery flamenco at one of Barcelona’s secret underground clubs...if you can find them.

  Tucked into a side street close to Sant Antoni metro station, seek out Jazz Si club for an evening of authentic and, crucially, affordable live music. Or better still ask the locals where to head. If you’re there during summer months then it’s also worth checking listings for classical guitar concerts. These take place in diverse locations, including a number of beautiful churches and, rather bizarrely, a crypt. Expect fancy fingerwork, extraordinary acoustics and guitar mastery like you’ve never seen before.