Barcelona is equal parts ancient and wonderfully strange. Wander the narrow, romantic lanes of the Gothic Quarter one minute and the colorful mosaic paths of Park Guell the next. Adventurers, romantics, food lovers, night owls and culture fans all find their place in this seaside city, and there's so much to do that a few days rarely feel like enough. A week is ideal.

The beaches are popular, but the city is the real star. Much of the action is in the Ciutat Vella, the Old City, a maze of streets packed with restaurants, cafes and nightlife, anchored by Las Ramblas, the famous tree-lined boulevard. Then there's Antoni Gaudi, whose wildly imaginative Catalan Modernist buildings are unlike anything else on Earth. See the rippling facades of Casa Batllo and Casa Mila, and save time for the breathtaking Sagrada Familia. Add excellent museums, great shopping, green parks and wonderful food and wine, and you have one of Europe's most exciting cities.

Barcelona is also one of the busiest cruise ports in the Mediterranean. I'll book timed tickets for Gaudi's landmarks well ahead, choose a well-located hotel and plan pre- or post-cruise stays.