Barcelona is big and busy and full of tourists. But one of the joys of nesting is that you begin to discover how the locals do it. The city’s so big that we’re sure there’s a lot we didn’t discover. Even people who have lived there their entire life regularly find new things –  we showed a young woman who is a Barcelona native a secret little park that she didn’t know existed. But here’s a head start for you with what we found. First, that park…

Another outdoor spot that’s not quite as secret is the Bunkers. If you see a spectacular city-scape photograph, it probably was taken from the Bunkers. Built during the Spanish Civil War, it was the site of anti-aircraft guns because it has a 360 degree view of the city.

The first Sunday of the month is a great one to explore in Barcelona because many of the museums are free. Also, during the off season, weekends are when the arts and crafts booths are up along the end of the Raval and the seaside.

While the Catalan History Museum has mixed reviews, its’ terrace certainly does not. Walk by all the tourists sitting at the expensive restaurants on the ground floor of the museum and go up the elevator for a fantastic view of the harbor and a cup of coffee or a snack. You don’t need a museum entrance to go there.

In a city that is often lacking in green space, the gardens on Montjuic are a welcome respite. All down the side of the mountain are beautiful, open and free gardens for your enjoyment. You don’t even feel like you’re in the city.

People in Barcelona still take siestas. But maybe they don’t always take a nap – sometimes they meet for sweet vermouth in the afternoons. Especially if you’re in the residential neighborhoods, you will find bars with a big barrel out front. That means they make their own vermouth. Cut it with water and sip it with tapas like the natives do.

Of course you’ll visit the Sagrada Familia. Maybe more than once. It’s probably worth it, because it’s different inside depending on the time of day. The early morning (before it’s open) is the best for photographs of the outside Nativity facade – the morning light makes it shine golden. If you go inside during the morning, the light streams through the windows that are the cool colors – blues and greens, and the afternoon light comes in through the warmer colored windows, making it a different experience depending on the time of day.

When you’re at the Sagrada Familia, don’t miss Hospital Sant Pau. It’s just at the other end of Gaudi Boulevard. Honestly, this was one of my very favorite places in all of Barcelona. It’s like being in a fairy land – so beautiful. And it’s free with your library card.

The most common dish in Barcelona, which seems to come with every meal, is Pan y Tomate. Sometimes you get it pre-made, but sometimes you’ll have to assemble it yourself. If you get slabs of toasted bread, some garlic cloves,  whole tomatoes and a vial of oil on a plate, here’s what you do. Cut the garlic in half and rub it all over the bread. Then cut the tomato in half and do the same. Then drizzle it with olive oil. It’s best eaten with jamon, or Iberian ham.  Oh, and if you see “bikini” on the menu? Relax. It’s a grilled ham and cheese sandwich.

And finally, if you want the very best tour guide Barcelona has to offer, contact David. A Barcelona native, he’s incredibly knowledgeable, warm and personable. He became a good friend during our time in Barcelona. Oh, and he plays bass guitar for a terrific band that plays American rock and roll oldies.