So I did pre-warn you all that there might be a picture heavy post on my return and here it is in all it's glory. Barcelona was the perfect girls only city vacay- full of culture, to die for tapas, sun and more Zaras than you can shake a stick at. We stayed at the ME Barcelona which is situated away from the madding crowd in Poblenou, an upcoming neighbourhood. Our room was situated on the 28th floor, just one floor from the very top and one of the hotels 'Level' rooms- which meant we had access to the Level on the 24th floor. This was an absolute God send, you could pop down at almost any time of the day and help yourself to delicious bites, hot drinks and of course something a little stronger if you fancied it...gin and tonic anyone?

What I personally loved about the ME was the attention to detail- bottles of water and popcorn like snacks in our room on the first evening and YAWN lollipops every night without fail. Our room also had huge Aveda toiletries as well as an iPod docking station and a fancy Nespresso machine all for our own use and did I forget to mention the welcome they wrote all over our mirror? Genius! 

My top recommendations for a trip to Barcelona would be to visit El Born, a cosmopolitan area a short walk from the ever popular yet crowded Ramblas. El Born is brimming with little outdoor eateries, boutiquey shops (a sweet shop called Happy Pills & an interior shop called Ivo & Co are reasons alone to visit) and the best sangria I've ever tasted. Fancy yourself as a bit of a culture vulture? Then hop on one of the many red tourist buses- yes it's a little obvious and touristy- still not an excuse to wear a bum bag but the amount of sights you can cram in for a mere 24 euros is unreal plus you can hop on and off.

As for nights out there is no better place to hit than Port Olympic- full of beach front bar/clubs that would give some of the so-called hot spots in London that I've visited a run for their money. Try Shoko and Opium for a real mix of tourists, glam party-goers and bad dancers who all flock onto the beach to start their own after parties once the bars start to unwind. 

Finally pack light or take an extra suitcase and hit Spanish favourites Zara and Mango, I do not jest when I say there is almost one on every street (a little like Prets in London)! My friend and I found that not only was the selection much better than in England but the prices were so much cheaper too. Expect a Zara haul coming your way very soon... We booked the ME Barcelona through Mr & Mrs Smith, an on-line only travel company which has an array of boutique beauties available for your perusal. 

Have you been to Barcelona? What are your top recommendations?