Bornliving 

This 12th Century street was once upon a time quite an upmarket street with compact mansions of the medieval trading families built around large open courtyards, closed off from nosy eyes of the curious or the hostile behind thick wooden doorways.

Many of these buildings have now been converted into bars, museums and galleries making Carrer Montcada one of the most popular streets in the city partly due to its biggest attraction, the Museu Picasso.

Even though its a busy street with many tourists, its largely free of kitch souvenir shops and has some smart galleries and shops which fit the mood and style of the street. The Gallery Maeght at No 25, has a sweeping courtyard with a staircase of wonderful light columns. It exhibits the work of new and established artists and also has an excellent bookshop. At No 20 the 17th-century Palau Dalmases, complete with overblown staircase and spacious inner court, now promotes itself as an Espai Barroc (Baroque Space), where you can sip an expensive cocktail amid red velvet and dripping candles.

At Carrer Montcada No 12, the Museu Textil is a fashionista’s dream. Housed in the Palau dels Marquesos de Llió and further down on the right is the Museu Picasso spectacularly housed in a string of adjoining palaces at Nos 15-23.