I won't mention a few of the things we did because you don't drink! My love for architecture and Gaudi meant we did the audio tours of Sagrada (jaw-dropping), Mila, Batlo and Park Guell - it was amazing. We also loved the Palau Catalana - take the guided tour. We also enjoyed Montjuic and the fountain. Even if you don't drink, wander out at night - we got caught in a fun parade at about 11 pm.

Songdoc, what photography exhibition at the National Museum of Catalunya are you referring to? I noticed a Oriol Maspons retrospective, which looks very interesting, but it does not open until July 5, 2019.

On our first visit to Barcelona, we had trouble deciding between Eixample's Passeig de Gracia, with its Art Nouveau architecture and flashy high-end boutiques, and a small hotel on a quiet street--more of an alley really--in the Gothic Quarter. I find the Gothic Quarter very atmospheric. Eixample's not far from it at all, so you'll probably find yourself walking between the two areas on more than one occasion. Even if you choose to stay in the more comfortable hotel in Eixample, you still have the option of taking a free walking tour of the Gothic Quarter. I've not gone on one of these myself, but have read many positive reports on this forum from.many who have. Here's one of the companies I've read about. Maybe someone on this forum can tell you more about free walking tours.
https://runnerbeantours.com/tours/fr...othic-quarter/
These stock photos will give you an idiea of what the Gothic Quarter looks like:
https://www.gettyimages.co.nz/photos...er%20barcelona
I disliked Las Ramblas and tried to avoid it, but it was unavoidable when going to Mercado de La Boqueria.

If they are a priority, my advice would be to book in advance. But I'm sure you'll find other opinions.

"It's interesting to read such varying opinions. I read reviews on TA that said the tour was wayyyy too long and that they would have been much happier going at their own pace with an audio guide. I also read that almost everything shared by the tour guide was posted."

Every tour I've ever taken depends on how knowledgeable and entertaining your guide makes it. We had a good one here, and the tour lasted nearly 90 minutes, which isn't long at all. It's a fascinating place designed by a unique architect with a tremendous history. We don't usually get docents (guides) for these types of things, but all four of us said it was the best experience we had in our five days in Barcelona.

Me, too!

Diamantina: Thanks for those pics and the info.

< what photography exhibition at the National Museum of Catalunya are you referring to>

Apparently, I am referring to the one I must have hallucinated! I can't find it. It was on the first page of a museum website and it looked like a massive, permanent collection. It's sad when the mind goes.

And ... yes, so much depends on the quality of a tour guide. I've mostly had very good ones. I tend to prefer to go at my own pace with an audio guide, but there are times when that's not a feasible option.

Thank you all SO much for your help. I'll arrive three weeks from today and things are falling into shape nicely!

We’ll leave Kauai Tuesday 2/26 and overnight at SFO. On 2/27 we’ll fly non-stop to Barcelona. We will be dealing with an 11-hour time change, so I’m trying to not schedule very much for the first two days.

FYI, I’ve NEVER planned like this. I’m more of a “play-it-by-ear” kind of guy. But with the tours/day trips, we don’t have much time in Barcelona and there’s so much to see. FYI, I have dietary issues. We are not foodies and we don’t drink wine or cava. (Yes, life is still worth living ;-). So we don’t need to reserve restaurants or allot time for “dining.” Our hotel was chosen, partly because it has a microwave and fridge in the room, and a 24/7 buffet. We will likely buy boring foods in stores for many of our meals.

I’ve left free time most days for walking and exploring different neighborhoods. Based on your input, here’s what I’m thinkin’ ... Is there something we should try to add – or subtract?

Thursday:

arrive 10:25am (I’m guessing it will be 12:30pm or 1pm before we get the luggage, clear customs, & arrive at the hotel.)

nap! Then ... explore the Gothic Quarter

if we’re not comatose:
Museum of the History of Barcelona (w/Roman ruins) 10 - 7 (Tues - Sat.); 10 - 8 (Sun.) 9 minute walk from hotel

Fri.

Familia Sagrada & Parc Guell Tour
https://www.viator.com/tours/Barcelo.../d562-16168P10
4 hours (leave 9:30am from Picasso Restaurant,Carrer de Mallorca, 422; 36 minute walk)

Tablao Cordobles Flamenco show w/Dinner (6:45pm -- 2 hours)
https://www.viator.com/tours/Barcelo...2-2140FLAMENCO

Sat.

Medieval Villages Tour (leave 8:30am; 10-1/2 hours; from “Central Barcelona”)
https://www.viator.com/tours/Barcelo...142BCNMEDIEVAL

Sun.

Montserrat Tour w/ 1-hour hike (leave 8:30am from Passeig de Grącia; 5 hours; 16 minute walk from hotel)
https://www.viator.com/tours/Barcelo.../d562-6874HIKE

Guitar Concert (w/dancers) at Palau de Musica @ 7 pm; 80 minutes

Mon.

Hospital de St. Pau (Guided tour 10:30am; 90 minutes)

Barcelona Cathedral (weekdays 12:30pm till 7:15pm)

Mercado de La Boqueria (8am - 8pm; closed Sunday) 5 minute walk from hotel

(note: Museum of the History of Barcelona is closed Mondays)

Tues. (leave early morning for N. Ireland— 8 am flight)

Thoughts??? Thanks so much~!!!