Pamper

CHÍ SPA

Avinguda Diagonal 673-685 / 94 447 2319 / www.thechispa.com

The relaxation begins as soon as you set foot in this zen-inspired urban oasis, where services run the gamut from the “Clarifying” facial (€60-€70) to the exfoliating “Walnut Buffing” skin treatment (€35-€65) and the re-equilibrating “Stones” massage (€70), using warm volcanic stones. Special treatments for men are available too. Open Mon-Fri 10am-8pm and Sat 10am-2pm. Appointment recommended.

SPACIOMM

Carrer Roselló 265 / 93 445 4949 / www.hotelomm.es

In case the minimalist lines, soothing color scheme and ethereal music left any doubt, the oversize photos of a geisha and a blossoming cherry tree that greet you upon entry are an assurance that the Hotel Omm’s chic new spa was created with an expert combination of Eastern sensibilities and Western style. Come for massages, facials, and more. Open Mon-Sat 9am-10pm and Sun 11am-7pm.

Explore

ANTIC HOSPITAL DE LA SANTA CREU

Carrer Carme 47 / 93 442 7171

Tucked away in El Raval district, this medieval hospital (now home to a library, various cultural institutions, and a magnificent garden with an open-air café) is one of the best examples of civil Gothic in the city. Don’t leave without peeking into the Casa de Convalescència, where ornate tiles tell the story of Saint Paul. Open Mon-Fri 9am-8pm and Sat 9am-2pm.

CAMP NOU

Avinguda Arístides Maillol / 93 496 3600 / www.fcbarcelona.com

Football fans the world over know that FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou is one of the greatest stadiums on the planet. Visit the club’s museum, the field, the locker rooms and the trophy cabinet Mon-Sat from10am-6.30pm, Sun 10am-2pm.

CCCB

Montalegre 5 / 93 306 4100 / www.cccb.org

The Centre of Contemporary Culture of Barcelona, located a stone’s throw from the more popular MACBA modern art museum, is a dramatic space that’s part old (the patio is from a medieval monastery that stood on this spot) and part new (the rest of the building is a shockingly progressive building in glass and steel). Art and cultural exhibits may hit any topic, from the Spanish Civil War to Asian art, but they’re bound to be thought provoking. Also stop by for sporadic showings of films, dance and theatre. Open 11am-2pm and 4-8pm (no mid-day break Wed, Sat, or any day Jun-Sep).

FUNDACIÓ JOAN MIRÓ

Parc de Montjuïc / 93 329 1908 / www.bcn.fjmiro.es

The sparse, airy museum building (designed by Josep Lluís Sert) is the ideal setting for Catalan surrealist Joan Miró’s swirling, abstract works. The museum emphasizes Miró’s use of primary colours and his favourite symbols: birds and women. After touring it, take a break in the lovely café. Take the funicular tram from Parallel Metro. Tue-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-2.30pm.

HOSPITAL SANT PAU

Sant Antoni Maria Claret 167 / 93 488 2078 / www.santpau.es

Beat the crowds at the Sagrada Familia and Palau de la Música with a visit to one of the city’s lesser-known Modernist works. This fully operational research hospital was designed by Lluís Domènech i Muntaner and makes expert use of the soothing, healing effects of natural lighting, lush gardens, color and open spaces. Grounds are open to the public 24 hours, and guided tours are offered weekends 10am-2pm.

PARK GÜELL

This hilly spot overlooking Barcelona was originally intended to be an enclosed community with homes, schools and businesses, but when the project flopped it became a city park. Antoni Gaudí’s fanciful designs (like the dragon fountain in the entry) and love of colour (his signature broken tiles are everywhere) make this one of Barcelona’s most magical spots for a stroll. Open daily 10am-sunset.

SAGRADA FAMILIA

Carrer Mallorca 401 / 93 207 3031 / www.sagradafamilia.org

Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece-in-progress, the “Temple of the Holy Family” is Barcelona’s most iconic site. Revered and reviled for its astonishingly original design elements: gravity-defying towers, delicate use of natural light, reverence for natural materials and organic forms. Gaudí finished only a portion of the mammoth church before he died, leaving modern architects to speculate about his true intentions for the design as they struggle to finish the project by the long announced 2020 finish line. Open daily 10am-8pm.