of the places i've visited over the course of my lifetime, this is my favorite city i've ever been to. the gothic quarter is lined with cobblestone streets, small alleyways filled with coffee shops, and gorgeous women with effortless style, a cigarette in one hand, doting eyes engaged in conversation or an old book. the balconies above are small but covered in vines, plants, and homegrown herbs sit above garage doors and local shops. i could sit outside a cafè, observe, and people watch all day but there is so much more to this city; it is home to spanish architect and artist antoni gaudí, and to the most famous of his works: the church Sagrada Famílía. not to mention where you find the best sangria, tapas, and the infamous camp nou stadium which seats 95,000 people.
if you're traveling to this fantastic city, here are the musts!
Park Guell (beautiful at sunset)
Sagrada Familia, this is the church which you will need to buy tickets in advance for
La Pedrera across from Casa Mila
Casa Batllo
Palau de la musica is their music hall and the architecture is insane
Arc de triomf in the park known as ‘Parc de la ciutadella'
The Montjuic & Joan Miro Museum, best kept for if you have a rainy day
Gaudi has 10 buildings he created but the others are outside of Barcelona, from what i’ve heard they are exquisite. i’m hoping to see the others one day when i go back. one is in Comillas and another on the Basque coast incase you are are continuing your travels in spain
Serras Hotel is nice for drinks and is by the beach
Boqueria Market is in the Gothic Quarter - they have vegan carts!
Las Ramblas is is the most famous street in Barcelona but be very careful with your belongings, their pick pocketers are some of the best in the world. the restaurants aren’t very good here, i'd stick to one on the outskirts.
Gothic Quarter is where we stayed and walked around in the evening. there are vegan gelato stands everywhere and a lot of tapas places with outdoor seating. all of the restaurants in this area were phenomenal, with friendly staff whom most spoke english if you struggle with spanish.
the Bishops Bridge is in the Gothic Quarter as well and a nice place for a photo. it is called ‘Pont del bisbe’ built by a disciple of gaudi
there are amazing local shops in the Gothic Quarter
take the train... their metro is the best for getting around
there is a walk up to Carmel Bunkers were you get an incredible view of the city. it’s not a labeled hike or walk, it’s through a residential area. be sure to google this before you go so you don't get lost.
monserrat mountain is about 45 minutes out of the city. most of the mountain is a steep walk, but if you're down to hike, there are areas to continue up the mountain, it is very strenuous but beautiful and a full day activity.
explore the neighborhoods
the Barri Gotic is the city’s old town
north of the city you’ll find Gracia which is where to go to get away from the tourists (yes please)
and Eixample is a huge neighborhood known for its architecture and busy boulevards
Passeig El Born which is the heart and soul of the El Born district, known for it's nightlife so be sure to go after dark.
of course there is also the beach and waterfront area of barcelona, i recommend waking around! cross the bridge and explore. the beach is manmade but on a hot summer day, it'll be nice to lay out, maybe play some volleyball. the mall here will be on a lot fo lists you'll find when doing your research but it wasn't so great if you ask me.
where to stay
happy and safe travels! the hostels here are gorgeous if you are on a budget but i recommend staying at Hostal Martinval if you can. other places? H10 Art Gallery, the Apartments Marina, and Urban Passage (where i stayed).
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