Gaudí, beaches and the Gothic Quarter Few cities in Europe can offer as much as Barcelona. The mild climate makes it a good destination throughout the year, and there's a beach just ten minutes from the city centre. Gaudí's glorious buildings are usually at the top of visitors' agendas and La Rambla, a charming tree-lined mall leading to the old port, forms the focal point of the city; to the east is the Gothic Quarter, with its medieval labyrinthine streets opening up into charming squares.Hotels that we know will meet our readers' criteria include Hotel Claris, with its neo-classical exterior but luxuriously modern interior (and rooftop swimming pool and bar) and Hotel Neri, which is equally as stylish and has a rooftop restaurant and a downstairs café with tables that spill onto the pavement. Hotel Sant Agusti offers good value and more simple furnishings but is no less charming for it (especially the attic rooms), and has been run by the same family for four generations. You caan also read about our hotels in Barcelona in the Winter.