You can see much of Barcelona for the cost of a little shoe leather (or rubber). The Centro Hotel, in the heart of Eixample AKA Gaixample, even throws in a free walking tour of the city in Spanish or English if you stay three nights. 

The Centro is not far from La Rambla promenade and La Boqueria public market where you can start your day seeing how the locals shop and find an inexpensive breakfast in a stall or mom-and-pop restaurant. 

Move on to explore the Gothic Quarter, a labyrinth of medieval streets and peaceful squares were you'll find handicraft shops, a 6th century synagogue and Santa Maria del Pi, a 14th century church that often hosts classical guitar concerts. Before you leave the neighborhood, drop in Santa Caterina Market, recently redesigned and updated by an architectural firm that made a statement with the colorful roof, designed to be seen from above. It still has traditional stalls and restaurants, but some stall merchants now to fill email order. Stop for tapas or pick up the makings of a picnic on the beach..

If weather permits, spend the afternoon at Barceloneta, the closest sand to the city center, or head north to La Mar Bella, the nudist beach popular with young LGBTQ locals and tourists. High season is June-August, but the 2.6-mile-long Barcelona beach is open spring and fall as well. Not a beach day? Spend the rest of the afternoon getting lost in the Gothic Quarter.

Start your evening around Career Diputació where you'll see rainbow flags flying outside of shops, bars and restaurants. Osbar - named after the owner, not Spanish for Bear Bar - is a pleasant gay eatery offering breakfast through late night snack. Most restaurants don't start serving until after 8 pm. 

For after-dinner action, check out Arena Madre, a mainly gay bar/disco that has theme nights.