Looking for recommendations on where to stay/things to do/eat while we are there. Gonna have 3 days in Lisbon and 4 in Barcelona bracketing a cruise between them that we are taking the in-laws on.

Trying to stay near the beach in Barcelona so we can spend the afternoons hanging out there.

Not sure of your budget, but for Lisbon my faves are:
- Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon
- Bairro Alto Hotel
- Palacio Ludovice Wine Experience Hotel

For Barcelona:
- Sofitel Barcelona Skipper
- Hotel Arts Barcelona
- Serras Barcelona (a few blocks from the beach)

Happy to answer any questions or assist in putting it together if you're looking for help - no additional cost to you. All hotels mentioned above have benefits available.

Best of luck!

We stayed at the H10 Casa Mimosa in Barcelona. It's right around the corner from Gaudi's Casa Mila and it has a nice courtyard garden for drinks.

Also stayed at the H10 Duque De Loule in Lisbon.
It's south of a major park and near the Pombal monument. It's on a hill and the rooftop bar has a great view looking down the city to the river.

Barcelona I recommend Gothic Quarter. Lisbon around Rossi.

I quoted both of these just this week if you would like assistance.

We always stay in Airbnbs in Europe. We were in the L'Eixample area, but the Gothic Quarter is closer to the beach. I wouldn't stay on the beach if you want a more "Barcelona" feel. Barceloneta is newer and doesn't have the historic feel. It's nice, but not my favorite.

Restaurant: Candela en Rama - can't go wrong, it's delicious and very reasonably priced. It was our favorite meal in Barca. We've recommend it to several people and they've all enjoyed.

Lisbon - like mentioned above Chiado and Rossio are great areas. We really loved Lisbon.