I have no information to offer you. Just want to say how delighted I am that our travels frequently follow yours and we get so many great ideas from your posts! We are looking at Barcelona for next spring.

You guys are awesome!!! Thank you for all your tips - I promise to come back with all our tips as well, and a trip report with photos of course!

Can't wait to get to that him bar woo hoo!

jamikins, I'm seriously concerned about the level of your alcohol intake..it's far too low.

I like a Campari and soda (or several) before dinner, wine with and brandies after. I do hope that you keep up!

I think I am up for the challenge :)

Perhaps you might oblige and take yourself off to Bar Marsella and report back on the effect of absinthe; I'm also researching in preparation for a first visit to Barcelona and this place came upon my radar as a place where one goes to imbibe.
Hemingway is listed as a former patron among other luminaries and there have been reports of the place closing down.

On a totally different topic, many thanks for the New Year's Eve report of your gastro fest by your other/better half. I didn't eat for the rest of the day, after reading it.

After your Casa Batllo visit, you could check out Bar Mut (which is nearby) for lunch and wine. I had a fantastic meal there w/ great wines.

I am writing all of this tips down! Thank you!!

SeeDee - I just look at those pictures and feel full all over again!

Where are you staying in BCN?

Staying at a basic hotel just off La Ramblas...I want to say Hotel Gaudi but it's on my home computer!

We are going to BCN early May for 4 days so am very pleased to find this thread which will be of great help to us with our planning. Hope you have a wonderful time and I'll look forward to your trip report.

Regarding restaurants open on Sunday, I did come across this blog. Not sure if it is helpful, but thought I'd add it to the mix:

http://www.cellartours.com/blog/spai...ys-and-mondays

Okay, maybe not quite the best way to get advice - from somebody who has yet to visit Barcelona - but I'm listing some of the ideas I have come upon. Hopefully, the seasoned Barcelona visitors can cast an eye over list and offer some opinions......

My list in full form would require about a month to get through so I will limit things reasonably close to La Rambla where you will be staying.

Tapas: we are aiming for Paco Meralgo for Sunday 8pm like yourselves; Bar Canete is close to La Rambla; everybody seems to like Cal Pep in el Born but competition for a seat seems intense.
Wine Bars: Monvinic seems top-end, Vinya el Senyor in el Born sounds more chilled and casual.
Cava Bars : El Xampanyet, Can Paixano (La Xampanyeria)
Local type bar: Andu
Sandwich/bocadillo spot: La Perla de Oro
Fish at reasonable price: La Paradeta - select your fish and have it cooked while you grab a table, in el Born.
Cheap(ish) and cheerful in Barceloneta: Can Mano & La Cova Fumado.
Lunch near La Sagrada Familia; Can Josep (small, local crowd) or Tossa.
Evening meal: Café de d'Accademia.

Our plan, post Paco Meralgo on Sunday evening, is to take the Metro from Diagonal to Placa d'Espagna and take in the Magic Fountain.

Fabulous!! I promise a full report to pay everyone back for all the tips!!!

So excited for you, I love Barcelona.
I was there in 2006, so won't make restaurant recommendations, but don't miss the market off Las Ramblas, very photogenic with great atmosphere.
Can't wait for your report, they always fuel my appetite (and thirst)
:)

Love Barcelona. San Sebastián ( you are going there?) has unreal food. We were there four years ago and found Maribel's guide great help. Looking forward to reading your TR.

Thanks for everyone's comments!

Yes after Barcelona we are flying to San Sebastián for 6 nights and plan to eat at one if the 3 star places (Martin can't remember the last name), do pintxo crawls, have dinner at a cider house and visit Hondarribia. Generally eat, drink, photograph and be merry.

Can't wait...I sooo need a vacation!

A million years ago we stayed at the Hondarribia Parador - there is a beautiful outside terrace/bar with a stunning view over the water. Recommend you stop for a drink. Pics here

http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/para...27a792b67267X1