Leaving for Spain in a couple and haven't planned a thing

https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/barcelona-guidebook

Ditto what Dave said. If you don't want to read guidebooks there is a ton of great info on the net. One of my "go to: websites for travel info is Wikitravel if you don't want to buy a book.

You will love Barcelona, probably not so much unless you plan a few things ahead. If you don't want to do a guidebook, do Wikitravel or go to Trip Advisor and look at their "Things to Do" under Barcelona. Anything that you want to do that allows advance ticketing is worth it so you don't end up standing in lin for ages. Barcelona is so fun that everyone wants to go there.

Have a great trip.

George, how long are you in Spain for?
Have you been there before?
Do you fly out of Barcelona as well?

Hi George. Barcelona is lots of fun, tons to see and do. It will save you much time and money to do your "homework" now.

The first language is Catalan but most everything is written in Spanish as well (and usually English). I's easy to manage in English is most situations, but knowing Spanish can be useful. Flamenco is native to Andalucia, most performances in Barcelona are for tourists.

The RS Barcelona guidebook is very useful, both for practical information (how to use the metro, what's open on what days, etc.). You can also buy it as an ebook. It details the top sights and many more, and includes self-guided walking tours.

Use the official Barcelona Tourism website as a resource too. They offer a number of inexpensive walking tours. I've taken 2 and they were both very good. They also sell tours and activities run by other companies. I took one tour that was very expensive and really awful, another that was excellent, so check them out carefully.

Research the hostels now. Start with a website like hostelworld.com. If you want a smaller room (private single/double or even a small (4 or 6 person) dorm room, you may need to book in advance. A lot of the sights are within walking distance of the historic center (Bari Gotic/El Born area), but many are not. You'll use the metro to get around, so staying in the center isn't that important.

For some of the sights, you need to book in advance (they sell out). The top two are La Sagrada Familia and the Palace of Catalan Music tours. For several others, buying in advance will save you hours of standing in line for tickets.

There are several options for day trips - depends on how long your trip is.

Back in the last century a subcontractor of mine had a poster up on the wall basically saying, "Your failure to plan does not constitute an emergency on my part".

You might find that "expensive camera" and "hostels" are not always good bedfellows. It will be your responsibility to look after it so it doesn't waste your time or money.

What kind of food? What type of art?

It time to get your nose in a book. Online if you prefer. But it is your trip. Plan it so you can enjoy it.

The OP does have an interesting posting history.

The OP does have an interesting posting history.

No kidding.

And never comes back to clarify or help find his own answers.

Ray is so right! "George" was planning a trip to Barcelona back in 2010.

Lesson learned, check out the OP before spending a lot of time on giving good advice that is just wasted.

Frustrating for sure, but maybe someone else can use the information given. It's not a waste.

Thanks everybody this helps.