Always a step ahead, always on the verge of reinventing itself, Barcelona is a creative metropolis on the Mediterranean, a tourist magnet, and a favorite destination for urban cosmopolitans. Its success story began in the early ’90s with the Olympic Games when the city rebuilt the waterfront, dilapidated warehouses became chic shopping centers, stylish restaurants and clubs opened their doors, and entire districts were redeveloped. Gaudí’s Modernisme masterpieces were joined by avant-garde architecture icons from Jean Nouvel to Santiago Calatrava. The love of experimentation can be felt everywhere, but most sensually in the Catalan cuisine, considered one of the most creative in Europe since Ferran Adrià’s former employees put their stamp on the Barcelona restaurant scene by creating multi-course tapas menus with flavors to die for.