Barcelona

Over the last few months I was lucky enough to visit Spain twice for work. Both times I stayed in lovely but completely different places, and the Spanish culture wowed me as it never fails to do. I think I completely rediscovered Barcelona when I went in May. It was not anything like the city I remembered from years ago when I first saw it with my nonchalant 20-something eyes, and yet it wasn't the painful and poignant setting I'd seen in Biutiful either.
Gaudi's architecture blew me away, especially the inside of Casa Battlo.
This is well worth a visit, and do take the audio guide, otherwise you will miss literally half of it.

And to think some of the floors of this house are still currently inhabited by the Battlo descents!

Every detail of this house was thought-through and exquisite. I loved it so much I got a fold-out calendar for next year from their shop.

La Sagrada Familia needs no introduction either, as THE landmark of the whole city. I went inside for the first time, and nearly cried when I saw the immeasurable work that has gone on in this church. Once again, if you can get a guide to explain the details, even better, but the sheer views are enough to take you aback.

There were many more visits during my short stay, including the unavoidable Parque Guell, and the chocolate museum.

Although the latter is not the best museum of its kind (if you're a chocoholic like me, I recommend the one in Koln, Germany), it has an unbeatable admission ticket!