Metropolitan's guide for 2011 GSMA attendees

If you're visiting Barcelona for this year's Mobile World Congress, read our insider's guide to places to eat, see and shop in the city.

1. If you're looking for a place for a bit to eat, take a look at our restaurant directory, which has details about a range of Barcelona eateries, including restaurants specialising in Catalan and Spanish dishes, where to go for traditional tapas and more international options. And if you'd like to go for a drink after a busy day at the conference, try our bar guide, with its varied venues including classic cocktail bars, places off-the-beaten-track and city centre favourites.

2. To discover the latest eating and drinking places to open in Barcelona (as well as some that have been around a lot longer), check the restaurant reviews and regular blogs from our expert writer Tara Stevens. Recommended venues that have been featured recently include just-opened Asian pub-grub food venue, The Tatami Room and the new place for brunch, the Australian-style café, Federal.

3. Barcelona is always a busy city in cultural terms and this week is no exception. If you'd like to enjoy some of the many art shows currently on in Barcelona, take a look at our cultural agenda (where you'll find details of everything that's on in the coming days)—highlights include an exhibition by Spanish photographer Ibon Aranberri at the recently renovated Fundació Tàpies, a show at the Picasso Museum exploring themes of science, poverty and illness, including work by the master artist himself and the newly-opened '27 works, 18 artists' at the beautiful Fundación Suñol that includes work by Andy Warhol amongst others.

4. For anyone planning to stay in Barcelona once the congress is over, you might be looking for some ideas for getting out of the city. Skiers should take advantage of the recent snowfall to head to one of the many resorts in the Pyrenees, just a few hours from Barcelona. If you prefer a more relaxing time, try one of Catalunya's spas. Alternatively, for an easy day trip, head half an hour down the coast to Sitges, a beautiful seaside resort where you can enjoy delicious paella and wander the town's narrow streets.

5. Don't forget to buy souvenirs for families and friends back home. But best to avoid the sombreros on the Rambla (which are, of course, Mexican and not Spanish or Catalan!) and look for something a little more original. How about some cava? Catalunya's equivalent to champagne is just about as delicious but significantly cheaper than the French type. Or some local wine—while Rioja is the best-known Spanish wine, the Catalan region of Penedés, just south of Barcelona, is known for its whites, while the Priorat region has become a favourite amongst connoisseurs in recent times. Click here for a range of reviews and articles on suggested labels. Other places to look for unusual presents are the many museum shops around the city—read here for a few recommendations.

6. If you'd like to get away from the crowds and discover some hidden Barcelona spots in Barcelona, here are a few suggestions: Plaça Concòrdia, Gràcia and smaller museums off the tourist trail.

7. Find out what's making the headlines in Barcelona and Spain while you're here, with our Informer news blog, updated each morning and explaining the main stories in English with links to the full stories in Castilian or Catalan.

8. Try the typical Catalan dish of calçots—these 'large onions' are in season now, and although the eating experience can be rather messy, it's definitely worth it.

9. Finally, if you've come to Barcelona with your families and are looking for ideas for them to do while you're at the congress, check out our suggestion of 10 things to do that are suitable for all ages.