Barcelona tips

Hopefully you can plan a trip to Barcelona soon. Here are a few tips I didn't see in Lonely Planet, which is a must have for visiting any new city or country.

Where to Stay:
Expect to be underwhelmed by your accommodations in order to be happy upon arrival. Most areas can look more dangerous than they actually are, but obviously watch your stuff. You have to remember that you are in a very old, very big, very crowded city. Find somewhere as close to La Ramblas as possible. I prefer the gothic quarter and anything close to the beaches between Port Vell and Port Olympic.
Cheap-For a few days I statyed at Albareda Hostel Everyone was really friendly and the place was clean.
Average-If you are travelling with a few people you can find great deals on airbnb.com to rent an apartment. We stayed in this one. It was the penthouse and had great views
Splurge-The W certainly looked nice. I stayed at Barcelo Raval. The hotel was gorgeous, but the crowd was older than expected. Even if you arent staying at either start an evening out at one the hotel bars.

What to Do:
Go to the beach! The main city beach is between Port Olympic and Port Vell. It's a circus. Don't expect much relaxation, but you can be entertained and pampered for cheap. A 15 minute massage is 5 euros, and a freshly made mojito is 3 euros. All of the services come straight to your towel, no reservations needed.
If you prefer something a bit more subdued take a 30min train ride south to Sitges. You'll know which stop because all the locals with bathing suits and beach bags get off.
The Fat Tire Bike Tour is the perfect way to see the city in half a day. Do it early on in your trip so you know what sights to return to.

Where to See Gaudi:

Sagrada Familia is a must. While you are there go down to the basement museum and up the elevator to the top.
If you are going during the summer skip Park Guell. It's a steep hike up, and there is areason nobody wanted to live up there.
Palau Guell is right off la ramblas and the easiest way to see Gaudi's incredible architecture.

Where to Eat:

Avoid eating directly on La Ramblas, it's insanely overpriced for bad food. Try any of the outdoor dining options at plaza real. it's a beautiful square with a great atmosphere both day and night.
My favorites-
For lunch take a break from sight seeing go to La Rita . The menu del dia is a great deal and it's right by one of Gaudi's famous mansions, Casa Mila.
For dinner and delicous tapas take a trip to Cerveceria Catalana. Try to make reservations and start with a few tapas at first or you will end up with too many.
Attic was highly recommended, but we had an awful experience. They were put of chicken, rice, and vodka. I know it's Spain, but aren't those all the basics? Instead of eating there just stop in for a pitcher of cava sangria on the terrace bar overlooking La Ramblas.

Where to Party:
La Terraza for a unique part experience inside of a castle overcooking the city. Great house DJ too.
Play it safe with the clubs on Port Olympic. The best were CLDC and Opium, but they change around each night of the week.