The capital of Catalonia delights visitors with the architectural marvels of Antoni Gaudí, a creative restaurant scene, Mediterranean beaches and a thrumming nightlife. Barcelona draws much of its idiosyncratic charm from its rich history, which dates to Roman times. Plaça Sant Jaume marks the former center of the Roman town, now surrounded by a tangle of medieval-era lanes that transitions into a 19th-century grid. Centuries-old buildings stand beside curvaceous modernista (art nouveau) masterpieces like the colorful Palau de la Música. Barcelona is the beating heart of Catalonia and understandably one of the most popular cities in Europe.

Unfortunately, the city’s myriad attractions (and its cruise port) have led to overtourism. In an effort to avoid the crowds, we chose to forgo hotels in the well-loved Eixample and Gothic Quarter in favor of properties around quieter Tibidabo, northwest of the center. In the shadow of the famous hill, the upscale residential neighborhood of Sarrià-Sant Gervasi offers brand-name boutiques, chic tapas bars and the lush Jardins de la Tamarita. Gaudí’s Casa Vincens and Parc Güell are also nearby.

Hotel Mirlo

Over a century ago, the Barcelona bourgeoisie lined the prestigious Avenida Tibidabo in Sarrià-Sant Gervasi with impressive mansions. One of them now houses Hotel Mirlo.