The last time I was in Barcelona, the year was 2010 and I was a newlywed on my honeymoon. When I revisit those pictures ( of which I only have print copies ), Dev and I look like babies – so young and fresh.

This time around, we had actual babies with us – 4 of them. Something about coming full circle, eh? It was absolutely lovely to experience Barcelona as a family and notice things we didn’t last time. And while Dev and I may not be as fresh and as young as that first time, it was hard to feel anything but under the spell of this magical city.

Our top favorites in Barcelona:

• Hotel : The Kimpton Vividora . Loved our balcony; the fresh flowers in the room; the rooftop pool; and the slam-dunk location.
• Basílica de la Sagrada Família
• Park Güell
• Tibidabo amusement park
• Dinner in Plaça Reial
• Not to miss coffee and brunch/lunch at Paradero
• Wandering around the Gothic Quarter and the beach
• Restory Books

Not listed above are the countless parks – big and small – that we’d stumble upon as we walked around the city. One thing that Spain does really well, is playgrounds and parks.

One night after the kids were in bed, I went for a walk by myself in the Gothic Quarter. It was the most magical. I’d turn a corner and stumble upon a tavern filled with lots of laughter and chatter (from adults at the table, and the kids playing in the nearby playgrounds). I almost went back to wake up the kids and bring them back out.