After exploring the beautiful Andalusia region in the south of Spain, we took a short flight to the enchanting city of Barcelona. On the northeastern coast of Spain, sits this vibrant tapestry of culture, history, and architectural wonders. Our recent trip to Barcelona left a mark on us as we explored as much of the city during our weekend getaway. Here, I share our memorable weekend discovering the magic of Barcelona, a city that effortlessly marries the old and the new.
For this 8 day adventure to Spain, I somehow managed to pack only a carry on, and I go into details in this blog post. Absolute game changer for me.
Where we stayed:
With so many neighborhoods, and so many options for hotels I found picking a hotel in Barcelona quite difficult. But ultimately I decided on the Corner Hotel mainly for the beautiful design of the hotel, the cleanliness of the room, the great reviews and its reasonable price.
We stayed in room 304, and I loved the room. It was clean spacious, and the little balcony that came with ours, was my favorite part. Every morning and evening I would step outside and just take the city in.
Other 4 star hotels we considered:
What we did:
Arc de Triomf:
Our Barcelona escapade commenced with a visit to the Arc de Triomf, a majestic archway that stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and architectural prowess. Built as the main entrance for the 1888 Barcelona World Fair, this crimson-colored masterpiece immediately captures your attention with its intricate details and ornate designs.
The surrounding park area, shaded by leafy trees and lined with performers, made for a perfect spot to soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. The Arc de Triomf was not just an architectural marvel but also a warm, inviting embrace from Barcelona itself.
La Ramblas:
From the Arc de Triomf, our journey led us to one of Barcelona’s most iconic streets, La Ramblas. This bustling pedestrian boulevard stretches for 1.2 kilometers, serving as a vibrant artery of the city. The lively ambiance, lined with street performers, open-air cafes, and souvenir shops, makes it a quintessential Barcelona experience.
Park Güell:
The next leg of our journey took us to Park Güell, a surreal creation by the brilliant architect Antoni Gaudí. This UNESCO World Heritage site felt like stepping into a whimsical dreamscape. The colorful mosaics, undulating pathways, and eccentric architecture transported me to a world of imagination and wonder.
Our guided tour revealed the genius behind Gaudí’s designs. From the iconic mosaic lizard, known as “El Drac,” to the serpentine bench adorned with vibrant tilework, every corner of Park Güell was a testament to Gaudí’s unique vision. The panoramic view of Barcelona from the main terrace was simply breathtaking, offering a glimpse of the city’s beauty from a different angle.
La Sagrada Família:
After visiting the park the tour included a shuttle to continue our tour of La Sagrada Família. This colossal basilica, though still under construction, left me in awe of its grandeur and intricacy. The façade was a breathtaking showcase of biblical stories, with each detail meticulously crafted.
Inside, the soaring columns and ethereal light filtering through the stained glass windows created a sense of spiritual serenity. The sheer scale and ambition of the project were humbling, reminding me of the timeless dedication it takes to create something truly extraordinary.
What a beautiful experience, and I highly recommend going with a tour guide, so many beautiful details pointed out that completely changed our entire experience, and would have gone completely unnoticed without a guide.
Where we ate:
Oh patatas bravas, how we miss you. We luckily got to enjoy it in Malaga, Ronda, and in Barcelona each location having a different take on how to make it and each place being equally as delicious. How could you go wrong, with fried potatoes and a creamy garlic spicey sauce.
While on our way to the Arc De Triomf, we passed by this little bao/gyoza restaurant and couldn’t resist. They were unfortunately out of bao, so we had the pork & chive, and the prawn gyoza, both fried, and they were so good. They were fresh and flavorful. I absolutely recommend giving them a try if you’re in the area.
On our final night we were really craving sushi, we looked up a resteraunt close by, and let me tell you Sushiraku did not dissapoint. The staff were so attentive, and provided many recommendation. And the sushi was so fresh and delicious. All the pieces sushi and maki rolls we had were mouth watering, but if I had to recommend one, definitely give the butterfish a try. My husband said this was the best piece of sushi he has ever tried. I would say this one is a close second my favorite piece so far was the uni I had during our trip to San Francisco.
Our trip to Barcelona was a sensory journey through history, art, culture, and food. Every moment in this captivating city left us with cherished memories. Barcelona is more than a destination; it’s an experience that lingers in your heart long after you’ve bid it farewell.
~LB
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