Hi excited, thanks so much for your post. We are really getting excited and confused ourselves, so it's helpful to get recommendations. I will look into making reservations at Arcano and Barceloneta.

I had thought about Montserrat, and we might still fit it in but since we're only there for 4 days it will be a challenge. We could go there instead of Montjuic one day. I'll research it again.

I think the biggest adjustment for us will be eating our main meal early in the day. The way my boys eat, they could have another big meal at 9:00 as well! How did your family manage the meal times there?

PS: we shared the same never-ending winter in upstate New York, so really hoping for a nice warm vacation!

<< I think the biggest adjustment for us will be eating our main meal early in the day. >>

You don't have to do this if you don't want to. There are plenty of restaurants serving tapas, salads, soups and sandwiches - normal lunch foods.

I never eat a main meal during the day as I'd be too sluggish (and tipsy) afterward and wouldn't want to do more sightseeing.

<< visit Palau Guell (no need to pre-book; should I buy ticket in advance to avoid a line?) >>

No need to buy ticket in advance as there won't be lines.

<< Sagrada Familia 10:00am with guided tour (need to pre-book timed entry) >>

Get there before 10:00 to walk around before the tour. The tours gather a bit to the right of the main door (it's not very apparent where the meeting place is).

The Italian restaurant we liked was A Gianni in Eixample. We had the mushroom truffle pizza and the eggplant pizza while DD had gnocchi. All were very good as were the desserts.

Yes, we never made it to Montjuic unfortunately but I would definitely recommend Montserrat. Maybe just go to Montjuic to see the fountains at night?

We really didn't worry about timings for meals since there were so many restaurants open at almost all hours of the day. We just ate when everyone was hungry or when we had just finished some sightseeing.