Don't miss the old

It's easy to lose yourself in the grand buildings in northern Barcelona, but the Gothic Quarter's mysterious streets and cathedrals let you step into an ancient city.

Walk down the famed La Rambla street - a tourist haven of gelato and souvenir stands - until you reach the sea. Then veer into the Gothic Quarter and neighboring El Born area.

Wander through the remains of the city's ancient Roman walls and grab churros and chocolate at Xurreria.

Work up an appetite for Mercat de la Boqueria, a market where pig legs dangle near stands of colorful mounds of fruit and fresh fish. Grab a cheap but tasty empanada and a 1 euro fresh fruit juice.

Associated Press