This quirky apartment in the Eixample district of Barcelona scored plenty of ticks from us. The interior design combines classy hotel-standard touches, such as shiny wooden flooring and the gleamingly white kitchen and bathrooms, with some eclectic flourishes that add a whole lot of character — the list of French authors in cursive script on the living room wall and the inset golden display frames holding potted flowers come to mind. The balcony off the living room — as well as the Juliet in one of the bedrooms — adds some outside space to the address, while the location is close to perfect for getting the most out of the city. As well as being part of the same neighbourhood as some of Gaudi's most celebrated projects, Plaça de Catalunya is two minutes' walk around the corner and Platja de la Barceloneta can be reached in twenty minutes on the bus.