By Chris Ciolli

It’s a truth rarely disputed by anyone who has come for a visit. The Catalan capital, formerly known as Barcino, Ciutat Comtal, and even Can Fang (it means the House of Mud, and is a reference to the city’s not-so-neat early 20th-century dirt roads) is well-deserving of traveler love. Sure, it’s a diamond with rough edges and grit to spare, but oh how it shines in the sunny weather the city is known for.

Barcelona’s the best sort of travelers’ buffet. And who can resist firsts, seconds, and even thirds of a city where you can stuff yourself with art and culture, Modernista architecture, not to mention some of Spain’s tastiest cuisine and the full gamut of regional wines?

So without further ado, here are nine (of many more) reasons to fall in love with Barcelona.

Year-round temperate weather.

While I’m not always the biggest fan of Barcelona’s weather (I’m a Midwesterner, and I miss having four distinguishable seasons, not to mention the occasional thunderstorm), even I have to admit Barcelona’s got some seriously convenient weather for touring. While locals sometimes bow out of commitments because of rain, that’s pretty much the extent of bad weather here. It doesn’t snow or ice, and the most extreme thing about Barna’s weather is quite frankly the humidity. The highs and lows mild enough that most of the year I can get away without using the heat or the air-conditioning and my winter coat gathers dust in my wardrobe.

All sorts of tapas.

While Barcelona is not the BEST place in Iberia for tapas in my opinion, I’d rank it high on the list of Spanish cities I’ve visited and I’ve been to more than a few. And with an option for every appetite, dietary restriction, and budget, it’s easy to find tasty choices for a snack or a feast in pretty much any bar in the city. Vegetarians can sample grilled asparagus with romesco sauce and sometimes-spicy padrón peppers. Celiacs may have a harder go of it (Spaniards do love their bread and breading), but there’s always many variations on the traditional Spanish potato omelet, a cheese or charcuterie plate (avoid the rinds/skins just in case), or patatas bravas in a pinch.

Striking architecture, all around.

Say what you like about Barcelona, but the buildings here are hard to be beat. From Gaudí’s Modernista sanctuaries, to the cobblestone streets and charming courtyards in the Gothic Quarter, to the very modern color-changing Glòries Tower, there’s a lot to take in around the city.

Museums for even the most reluctant patrons.

Whether or not you’re a big fan of museums, chances are there’s one for you in Barcelona you’ll enjoy. Ranging from more staid traditional affairs (ahem, Museo Picasso), to the cooky exhibits (think collections of Victorian hair art, antique keys, and scissors) at the Frederic Mare Museum, to the very interactive and kid-friendly Cosmocaixa, there’s something for everyone in town.

Bustling Markets.

The famous Boqueria food market is a must, but the buck doesn’t stop there in Barcelona. Every neighborhood in the city has its own market, and pretty much all of them have the amazing selection that only a port city in the Mediterranean can offer. A little further afield, browse wares new and old at the sparkling new Encants Market and then amble up to the top floor for views of the city and a snack.

Vino, vino, vino.

And I’ll say it one more time for good measure, vino! Good, reasonably priced, and of course, alcoholic, in Barcelona, the wine is available by the glass and the bottle in pretty much every restaurant or bar at a fraction of the cost of acceptable (and let’s face it sometimes not so acceptable) wine in less grape-centric destinations.

'Menu del Dias' are the best deal in Barcelona Mon-Fri!.jpg

Multi-course meals for cheap.

Forcibly implemented in restaurants during the Franco era to allow workers to eat on the cheap without returning home, the menú del día—daily set lunch menu—is still going strong in Barcelona and it’s one of my favorite ways to eat out on the cheap. It’s also a great way to try out a more expensive restaurant for less. This fixed price weekday menu usually includes a first and a main course, wine, and bread with coffee or dessert, sometimes for less than 10 euros.

Seriously cool street art.

There’s great street art all around in Barcelona if you keep your eyes peeled. For traditionalists, there are sculptures and fountains and formally installed murals—like the Magic Fountain at Montjuïc, Botero’s Cat on Rambla del Raval, and Keith Haring’s AID’s Mural next to MACBA. There’s also amazing and not-so-amazing graffiti in most of the city’s centrally located neighborhoods. For graffiti-hunting, I like Sant Antoni.

Lively nights.

If you like to stay out late, Barcelona’s here for you. Bars, clubs and cocktail bars are open laaaaate even during the week. If shows are more your speed, concert venues and theaters of all styles and sizes are scattered throughout the city and even the less centric locales are easy to get to in public transit or taxi. But even if you’re not much on going out after dark, I’d recommend taking an hour or so one evening to relax over drinks with a friend in one of the city’s historic bars. Toast with absinthe under dusty chandeliers at Bar Marsella (c/Sant Pau, 65) or sip your favorite cocktail in a cozy corner at Modernista-era Café Almirall (c/Joaquín Costa, 33).

I could add many more reasons to fall hard for Barcelona. Like its Mediterranean location and diverse citizenry—but I’ll leave it at nine. What are a few reasons you adore this great city?