Plaza Catalunya
Most people begin their tour of Barcelona at Plaza Catalunya, and this is a great place to start. From here people generally head in either up or down to begin their tour: Down the Ramblas, towards the Port area or Up through the shopping districts of Eixample.
The main tourist office is located here, as are central terminals for the bus and metro, there is even a connection to the local railways here for heading out of the city.
Las Ramblas
You will probably then head down Las Ramblas, Barcelona's most famous street: A tightly packed, colourful and cosmopolitan strip that leads all the way down to the port. It is absolutely crammed with people, lined with restaurants and buskers of all types and requires a good, steady stroll to take in all the sights.
Stop off for a Coffee at the Cafe Opera half way down on the left-hand side. You will see throngs of people sat at the small terraces of local bars and restaurants along the flanks of the Ramblas, but be warned; the prices are higher than usual.
Plaça de Colón
At the foot of Las Ramblas stands the column and statue of Christopher Columbus, which you can squeeze into for an excellent view of the city. There is a lift, but the space is limited.
From here the Ramblas has been extended across the port into the shopping area of MareMagnum. You can pass through the shopping centre which leads to the Aquarium and Imax Cinema. Continuing along you will lead to Port Vell.
Port Vell
Port Vell (Old Port) houses the Museum of History of Catalunya as well as some fine restaurants in the same corner. The street upwards towards the sea is then lined with more traditional restaurants, these are some of the best fish restaurants in Barcelona, and have reasonable prices. You will find many locals in this strip mixed with the tourists. If you haven't eaten already, this is a good spot to find some great value seafood. Obviously Paella will always be available and is a common favourite amongst tourists and locals alike. The Paella takes about 25 minutes to cook so be prepared to wait.
Barceloneta
After passing all the fish restaurants and boats moored along the harbourside you will come to Barceloneta, the closest and most central beach of the city. The quality of the beach is not great but it is generally crammed with bathers in the summer, and at night, it is regular host to open-air socialising and 'Botellon'.
The stroll along the Promenade from Barceloneta towards the Port Olimpic (signaled by the two, tall towers) is a common occupation on Sundays and you will see all kinds of people enjoying the beachside lifestyle; skaters, bikers and joggers are common sights.
Port Olimpic
Port Olimpic was remodeled for the Olympic Games of 1992 and has been internationally recognised as a great achievement in urban planning. The area is now full of leisurely activities; bars, restaurants, gyms and discos are all located here and are generally very good quality. On the port side of the strip however are more touristy locales which will attempt to poach passers by into the clubs and restaurants which can be a disagreeable experience.
The popular restaurants Bestial and Shoko here come highly recommended.
