Vacay Espresso: A three - day itinerary to exploring Barcelona

Set off on La Rambla and take your time meandering down the 1.2 kilometer street. Deviate for a few hours to explore the Gothic Quarter and see the Barcelona Cathedral and Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar. The intricate architecture is awe-inducing and a good teaser for La Sagrada Familia to be explored later. There are lots of fun shops and alley ways within the Quarter. Don't be afraid to get a little lost and duck into a bistro or two for a quick bite and some cava. Make your way back to La Rambla and stay on it until you reach La Boquiera, one of Barcelona's largest food markets. Sample the wares from their many vendor stalls, trying fresh meats, cheeses, vegetables and seafood along the way. If small nibbles aren't doing the trick, some stalls have seating available and serve more robust dishes like fresh paella. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Charter a catamaran or private boat to see the spectacular city skyline from the sea. Sail past the beachgoers on Playa de La Barceloneta while sipping a spritz and enjoying aperitifs. Catch some Mediterranean sun on the deck, grab a quick swim and close out your day aboard with a beautiful sunset. If you just aren't ready to depart from the coast, you can grab a rooftop drink at the W Barcelona.

By this point of your trip, it will have been impossible not to hear about Antoni Gaudi and his influence on Barcelona before meeting his tragic death at such a young age. So, day three is all about soaking in his contributions. Begin your day with a tour of La Sagrada Familia before the crowds descend for the day. The towering monument to Gaudi's talent began construction in the 1800s and is fascinatingly still under construction today. You'll want to spend a few hours here taking in all the detail but once you're done, take a car or bus up to Park Guell. The whimsical landscape and structures offer a mini escape from the noise and hustle of the city with expansive views of the metropolitan below it. Put a final bow on the day with a stop by La Pedrera. It's illusion-like architecture prominently stands out in the residential setting and will have you marveling yet again at the mind of Gaudi.