The most charming corners of Barcelona city are its small squares, very often hidden away, like the Placeta of Sant Felip Neri and alleys that still conserve the charm of ancient times, such as Carrer del Call, Carrer de Paradís and others no less representative of Roman and medieval Barcelona, or streets like Montcada, which was one of the city's noble arteries during the 14th century. To explore these places, we have to enter into the very heart of the old city.
 
The street of Sant Felip Neri and the square of the same name form a corner with a very particular atmosphere. The first time you walk down this Roman alleyway, it's a surprise to find that it ends in this small, quiet square. The 'square', originally part of the cemetery called "de Montjuïc del Bisbe" ("the Bishop's Jewish Hill"), has a fountain in the middle which is the delight of everyone who contemplates the whole formed by the street, the square and the church bearing the name of the saint, and two Renaissance buildings: the Coppersmiths' Guildhouse and the Shoemakers' Guildhouse. It's baroque church was built in 1752 and has an unfortunate history. During the Spanish Civil War a bomb fell on it and killed the 20 children seeking shelter inside. You can still see evidence of the explosion on the church's facade. The coppersmiths' building was situated originally at Carrer de la Bòria but when part of this street was demolished to make room for the construction of Via Laietana, the guildhouse's façade was removed to Plaça (square) Lesseps. It was later re-transferred to its present site. On the right-hand side of the square stands another Renaissance building: the Shoemakers' Guildhouse, which now contains the Antique Shoe Museum. The lion of St Mark, patron of the guild, may be seen on its facade.

A survivor of the city's 1929 International Exhibition, this spectacular cable car stretches between two 400 foot high towers and across the harbour to the heights of Montjuic. It's like watching Barcelona from a plane. Impressing views over Barcelona and the port.

The Transbordador Aeri cable car leaves from San Sebastià tower on the quay by Barceloneta, or the Jaume I tower at the World Trade Center and swings over to Montjuïc. At the top of the 75M high cable car tower in the Barceloneta area there is one of the best restaurants in Barcelona, "Torre d'Alta Mar" (High price range, approx 70€ per person). Open hours & prices

There are many graffiti “walls of fame” around town but few are as well located, yet as hidden as this one. Only a block from the beach and tucked away in a quiet park, which used to be the local gas works, behind la Barceloneta, this graffiti gallery consists of a wall that runs along a strange slopping structure that looks like a half built bridge and which apparently serves no purpose other than to display the works of art. Not only is the artwork often of a very high standard but the view from the “balcony” at the end which overhangs the highway is inspirational. Where else can you view some of the best contemporary art while enjoying a 360º view of Barcelona’s skyline, the impressive old gasworks, Estacion de Francia and the ocean? Do I even need to ask?. (via le cool magazine)