Barcelona

We went to Barcelona for the long weekend, haven't been there for years, flights are better than Madrid at the moment, so will be back soon.

First difference I noticed, it seemed a lot less grubby and it seemed safer than before, I know they've put a huge effort into fighting the perceived pick-pocket threat and I know people who were mugged.

From a going out point of view the first difference is in Spain there are usually three beer sizes, cana, copa / tubo and jarra.  Barcelona doesn't seem to have cana (~20cl), if you ask for one, you get a copa.  They also don't have alcohol free beer on draft and I only saw one person drinking a bottle of it in 4 days.

The markets were great, food perfect, Vinitus ( Carrer del Consell de Cent) no website,  Ciutat Comtal (Ramblas), same menu, so obviously owned by the same team were both stand-outs.

and
El National was both a stunning building and great food, its a very upmarket food court, we would love to try some of the other sections, we ate in the Taperia, great fun

Great long weekend, not cheap, hotel up and down, but really enjoyed  rooftop pool and would definitely stay in Eixample again