Transit

Let's say you only have a day and a night in Barcelona, as often happens when you are on a cruise. This is what you could do: Spend the day walking from one end of the Ramblas (Placa Catalunya) to the other (statue of Columbus ) with detours into the side streets, Gothic quarter, and Mercat St. Josep market. Go see Sagrada Familia (Gaudi's surrealistic church) at night when it's lit up. Walk all around it and view it from all angles - no need to go in (anyway, it closes at 7 p.m.). It's full of scaffolding and you'll spend half the day waiting on line to get in, which seems a pity when time is precious. Eat at a "menjador" which means dining room. That is where the locals eat. It's cheaper and more authentic. If you have a little more time, walk up to Passieg de Gracia (past Placa Catalunya in the opposite direction from the Ramblas) where two famous Gaudi houses are located - Casa Battlo and Casa Milla. You'll know you're there when you see long lines of people waiting on the sidewalk to get into very wild, lumpy-looking buildings.