An easy hello and a hard goodbye.
Our time spent in Barcelona was nothing short of spectacular. We covered almost every tourist-worthy inch of the city as well as discovered some hidden gems of our own.
Here are some of my top favorite attractions, locations and moments from the trip to one of Spain’s most iconic cities.
Attractions:
1. La Sagrada Familia
A moment of true awe washed over me when we walked up the metro steps to the foot of La Sagrada Familia. This basilica, designed by Gaudí, cannot be described justly with words Whether you are religious or not, it was magnificent – the detail, the height, the history. I highly recommend taking a tour of the inside because it is just as spectacular as the outside. My group and I bought tickets for an audio guide tour and it was the best decision ever. Touring the basilica without the proper knowledge would have made us miss out on over half of the experience.
A little tip: tickets must be bought in advance and the process is easy.
Additionally, it worked out that we saw La Sagrada Familia after touring the Cathedral of Barcelona. Don’t get me wrong, the Cathedral was absolutely beautiful and the self guided tours were free before 12p.m., but the Cathedral can’t even begin to compare to La Sagrada Familia.
2. The Beach
The most popular beach destination is La Barceloneta. But at the recommendation of my cousin, my friends and I took the R1 train to the Ocata beach located farther outside of the city. The 30 minute train ride was worth it because the Ocata beach was less touristy, less crowded, had minimum beach vendors and had the clearest, bluest water I had ever swam in. No fish, no seaweed, just sand and ocean waves.
3. Mercado de La Boqueria
A major tourist destination located immediately off of La Rambla, La Boqueria was a gem of a food market. It was filled with colorful/exotic fruit, freshly caught seafood, meat that could make a vegetarian’s mouth water and miscellaneous stands packed with nuts, breads, spices, sandwiches, candy, juices and more. This was a great stop for lunch. We grabbed fruit, empanadas and popsicles as we walked around the market.
The only tip I have is to be prepared for a large crowd and hold on to your wallet/purse.
4. Park Güell Lookout
One of the best views to overlook all of Barcelona. The majority of the park is free with paths to explore, climb and walk. The most famous part of the park (the monumental zone) required tickets booked in advance… which we unfortunately didn’t reserve. Nonetheless the views and scenery around the park were one of a kind.
Locations:
1. Black Swan Hostel
The success and enjoyment of our trip to Barcelona was aided by the place we stayed at – The Black Swan. The location (right by the Arc de Triomf) was ideal for walking around the city, hopping on the metro or getting to/ from the airport. The rooms were clean, the staff was friendly and helpful and the atmosphere held energy. The hostel offered free walking tours, paella and sangria making classes, bar/club hopping nights, etc. It was a great place for students to stay and meet people from around the world.
2. Mimo’s Born
Located in the Gothic Quarter, this restaurant was an absolute hidden gem that we stumbled upon. The prices were a little on the high side for a student budget, but we wanted to treat ourselves to a good dinner and drinks. The restaurant, which sits in a quaint square, had the best tapas and sangria I ate/drank in Barcelona. We ate inside which was just as great as eating outside. The large windows even allowed us to see the talented street acrobats who stop by Mimo’s almost every night.
3. El Café d’En Víctor
Paella, Spanish olives and sangria at the foot of the gorgeously built Cathedral of Barcelona… enough said. Reservations are recommended for outside seating, but anyone can eat inside. Eating outside would have been ideal, but we had a great time inside.
Moments
1. La Fiesta de Gràcia
We couldn’t have asked for more perfect timing in Barcelona. The festival, located in the Gràcia district of Barcelona, is put on by locals every year from Aug. 15-21. The locals decorated the streets, set up beer tents and played live music from all different streets and squares around the district. Each street or square choose a theme and competes for best decorated/most lively. We did not go during the day, but at night. The night life was vibrant, high-spirited and welcoming. This was my favorite night out in Barcelona.
2. Meeting up with my Cousin
My cousin, who is backpacking through Europe, happened to be in Barcelona at the same time as me. What are the odds?! We met up at the festival and the beach and it was great to catch up, hear her traveling stories and get advice.
There is so much more to our time in Barcelona… this only skims the surface. We checked off the whole city except maybe the soccer stadium. But hopefully my tippy-top highlights give you a better insight on our trip.
Now we are off to start a new day in a new city in a new country – Nice, France!
BRYNN ADELINE 