I went to Barcelona last year with my fiancee and we spent most of our time walking the streets (especially in the old town) I would recommend going to Sagrada familar one day but be sure to get there early as the queues build up fast. Also parc guell is a great place to visit, its generally nice to walk around and you can get some stunning views of the city. I cant recommend any other of Gaudis buildings as I didn't go inside and to be honest if you were to view them all you could end up spending a lot of money. There are nice enough to view from the outside.

With regards to eating, there are plenty of really nice Bakeries that you can grab some food to go (fresh croissants etc) and they dont cost much either.

it is a beautiful city, architecturally amazing, it is stuffed with attractions,

Thye main focal point, ''the ramblas'' is a massive wide boulevard, with shops, bars retaurants, museums, theatres,

there is a cable car to take you high up into the mountains,

3* hotels are really good, try to eat drink, off the main streets, there is tremendous value places to eat and drink, usually half the price of main areas,

DO BE VERY CAREFUL OF PICKPOCKETS, BAG SNATCHERS,

THEY ROAM THE MAIN DRAG, DESPITE A LARGE POLICE PRESENCE,

NEVER CARRY MORE MONEY THAN NECCESSARY, ALWAYS CONCEAL IT IN INNER POCKETS IF POSSIBLE, AND SLING YOUR BAG AROUND YOUR NECK, SO IT CAN'T BE PULLED FROM YOUR HANDS, KEEP YOUR HAND ON TOP OF BAG, SO IT CAN'T BE ACCESSED WITHOUT YOU KNOWING

Barcelona is good place, from my opinion you can booked a villa from here http://www.vakantiehuizenspanje.villamar... This villa is cheap and affordable with private pool, wifi and table tennis, many games, near the beach. This is a best way to spending time in beautiful villas.

Thank you to all three of you, will keep your advice in mind :)

I should be visiting Barcelona, Spain for 5 days this August, and i was wondering if anyone had any ideas as to what we should do to make the best use of time? I shall be travelling with my mum and we are both able walkers etc so that isn't a restriction, and we are interested in spending a bit at the beach but would love to visit the city mainly and go to Gaudi areas but also the aquarium and zoo. What should we do to make best use of our time? ( we are fine staying in a 3* hotel to save money etc , and aren't bothered about spending loads on food or nightlife etc.