A weekend trip to Barcelona contains everything you could wish for. Barcelona is Spain's second-largest city and the capital of the Catalonia region. Stunning architecture, rich culture, shopping, world-class football matches, tapas bars on every corner, and a hot nightlife are all waiting for you. Walk around, soak up the atmosphere, and admire all the beautiful buildings, such as Gaudí's Church of the Sagrada Familia, and the fantastic Parc Guell, Casa Mila, and Casa Battlo. The oldest part of the city, Barri Gòthic, with narrow, picturesque streets, has an abundance of bars, restaurants, and cafes. Barcelona is where Tapas originate, and they are served day and night, with many bars always including one or two tapas when you drink. The night life begins late and goes well into the morning hours. Visit the Picasso Museum and the La Sagrada Familia Cathedral, which made the architect Antoni Gaudí world famous. Stroll around the Boquerian food market, check out a bar area or one of the dining options, enjoy one or two fresh snacks, and sip a glass of crunchy cava. If you want to see a football match, it is usually possible to get tickets, especially to the usual La Liga matches.

My recommendations for the best restaurants to visit on your weekend trip is:

Vinitus

Situated in the Eixample district, located just off Rambla de Catalunya Vinitus is nearly always crowded and the lines run long. This is a reflection of the stylish interior, great services, and delicious tapas served.

Cecconis

Cecconi’s is a modern-day classic Italian restaurant. The menu includes hand-made pasta, seafood and dishes from Northern Italy using the finest ingredients.

Ikibana Sarrià

Based on classic Japanese cuisine and using first-rate ingredients, IKIBANA has made the most of the fusion of Japan and Brazil to extract unique flavours. Its varied sashimis, its tempuras whose presentation and lightness are unique, makis surprising for their tropical hints, original sobas and gunkans which are ground-breaking in terms of textures and spicy provocations.

Many more fantastic places for food can be found in Barcelona. Add to that the great nightclubs, the hotels and bars.