This is a fairly basic but useful library off a beautiful courtyard in an academic area. The…read morelibrary is open and "modern" style. Magazines, books, computers and I was able to get a password for wifi access. Very close to Las Ramblas and the tourist area.

It's a nice library inside, although for a first-timer maybe a little difficult to find what you…read moreneed. Copies are 9 centimos, printing is 10 centimos for black and white. The staff have always been nice and helpful. Don't love that it closes at 2 p.m. for a couple hours most days, but I get it. They start playing music which is funny to me because that's usually how stores kick people out at closing time. It's usually quiet enough, for me anyway. It's easy enough to become a carnet holder and I will probably continue coming here :) Also, the stairs are kind of tricky because only one side of the room leads downstairs, the other side leads up.

Just 300 hundred yards far from the Ramblas, you have the old city hospital, called Hospital de la…read moreSanta Creu i Sant Pau. One of the 600 years old buildings is hosting this cosy library. Specialized in arabic culture, it is a really nice place to read the newspapers, books or even watching a movie. There is also a children's library in front. The surroundings are astonishing, it is impossible that you don't fall off your chair if you happen to visit the cloister. You also have at the end of the library some tables with electric sockets, so you can plug your devices there. Internet is free if you have the library ID. Don't expect super high speed connection, but it works. The staff is kind and helpful and the restrooms are in good cleaning condition. The only problem is that is a small library so, after school is finished it could be difficult to find a free spot.

When researching popular tourist destinations in Barcelona, Casa Batlló came up on many a list. I…read morelike to take in museums and other historical structures whenever I visit a new city, so this sounded perfect. That being said, I purchased tickets for us to explore during our first full day in the city. Casa Batlló is one of several structures in Barcelona designed by Antoni Gaudí. I believe this was originally designed as a private residence, and has since become a showcase of the type of work Gaudí produced. The visits are self-guided, and once you enter you are given an audio guide that you can use throughout the house that provides information about the space you're in. The house itself is gorgeous. It's so intricately designed with different themes throughout the space. The audio guide really helped here as it told the history behind each room. I found myself snapping tons of pictures, or just standing there and taking it all in. As expected, there were a couple of gift shops, and some interactive exhibits scattered throughout the house as well. Note that not all spaces are open to all guests, it depends on the type of ticket you buy; that being said, even if you get the base ticket you will see a lot. Also, this place naturally attracts Instagrammers - be aware there are lots of people posing for the camera, Overall, Casa Batlló was an awesome experience. It was my first taste of Gaudí's influence on the city, and I would definitely return for another visit.

Strolling after our Senior Dinner and there he was behind us, one of Anthony Gaudi's whimsical…read moreperfection!