Planning your trip to Barcelona, Spain

THE BEST WAY

From LAX, Air France, American, British, Continental, Delta, KLM, Lufthansa and US Airways offer connecting flights (change of plane) to Barcelona. Restricted round-trip fares begin at $703.

TELEPHONES

To call the numbers below, dial 011 (the international dialing code), 34 (the country code for Spain) and the number below.

WHERE TO STAY

Nouvel Hotel, 18-20 Carrer Santa Ana; 93-301-82-74, www.hotelnouvel.com. Charming, older hotel on a quiet side street off La Rambla. Doubles from about $175, including breakfast.

Hotel Rialto, 40-42 Carrer de Ferrán; 93-318-52-12, www.hotel-rialto.com. Modern glass structure near City Hall, an easy walk to Barcelona’s old cathedral. Doubles from $166, with breakfast.

Hotel Continental Barcelona, 138 La Rambla; 93-301-25-70. Most rooms have a balcony for people watching. Doubles from $178, with breakfast.

WHERE TO EAT

Els Quatre Gats, 3 bis Carrer de Montsió; 93-302-41-40, www.4gats.com/web.html. A local cafe that was once a favorite of artists Pablo Picasso, Miguel Utrillo and others. A blend of colorful tiles and natural wood, plus an outdoor patio give the room a cozy feeling. Meals from about $48.

Bar Pinotxo, Mercat de la Boqueria. Breakfast, lunch or afternoon snacks. This tiny bar inside the Mercat de la Boqueria market is casual and lively, serving tapas made from the fresh produce sold in the nearby stalls. Meals about $20.

TO LEARN MORE

Tourist Office of Spain, (323) 658-7188, www.spain.info.