Barcelona

Exploring Europe with your best friend is something many people could only dream about. I’d like to think we’ve all been guilty of tagging each other in Instagram photos saying, “We have to go here someday!” I know I have. Sorry for the IG spam bff’s. It seems like something from a movie. It is something from a movie! You take a class trip to Rome, fall for a hot Italian with a Vespa, and become a pop star. Or if you’re really lucky, a princess. 

I’m not sure how Grace and I convinced our parents to let us go to Europe alone. I mean, I was only 20, Grace had JUST turned 21. I don’t think they thought we were serious when we said we want to go on a cruise around Europe. It didn’t really hit our parents until we sat down one night, researched everything, and showed them our plans. We were going to fly to Venice, stay in a hostel next to the Rialto Bridge, board a 21 day cruise, get off at the port of Barcelona, stay in Barcelona for 5 days, and fly home. I think when you give your parents that much information it’s hard to say no. We were really doing this thing. 

I’m going to start my travel diaries with the last place Grace and I went: Barcelona, Spain. The order of these don’t matter, so hopefully this doesn’t agitate anyone. 

Before going to Barcelona, I didn’t know much about it except the famous Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and sangria. All of which we experienced on our stay in Barcelona. 

The details inside the Sagrada Família are insane! It felt other worldly walking into this church designed by Guadí. If they had churches in a Dr. Seuss book, this is what I would imagine it to look like.

We were lucky enough to get inside the church right before the sun began to set causing the colors from the windows to shine brightly through and light up all the walls. Unfortunately, even the photos taken at this time don’t do this gorgeous catholic church justice. This is something you have to see in person to truly appreciate its beauty. 

Park Güell, located on the Carmel Hill, is another site you have to see if you ever find yourself in Barcelona. Getting to the park is kinda cool too. You could either ride the escalators up the hill, take the stairs (Would not recommend. Why would anyone do this??), or take one of the many alternative routes up the hill that allows you to see street performers, shops, and restaurants.

Fair warning, try to not go on their busiest day. Like, Saturday or Sunday. Entrance to the park will have long lines and they will only allow a certain number of people to enter at a time. Grace and I were traveling in the beginning of June. Not the peak of travel season, but as you can see, there were a lot of people in the park. If crowds don’t bother you, fine; but there will be a lot of people in your way while trying to take pictures. 

What’s great about Barcelona is there is a lot to see and explore. We were only there for 5 days but we were able to see all the major tourist landmarks just by grabbing a city guide and spending all day checking things off the map. Walking to the places instead of taking the metro also helps because you’ll run into things that weren’t on the map or you didn’t realize you’d be walking past. However, we did take the metro and a trolly a few times but only when it was necessary. 

Free and paid walking tours are also great if you want to learn about the history of Barcelona or are overwhelmed by what to see and how to get there. Many hotels and hostel will give you directions on tour bookings and where the tour will meet. If you see a free walking tour advertised, it’s important to bring cash or coins with you. Free does not mean totally free. Your guide will expect you to give them a tip at the end of the tour. 

Tibidado is a great place to visit if you are traveling to Barcelona with children. You may have to take the subway, a bus, and the Funicular de Tibidado (a railway to get to the top of the mountain), but the views are breathtaking and there is a cute amusement park for kids.

What’s cool about the Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor is you can see it from all over Barcelona! It is a Roman Catholic church that is dedicated to the “Sacred Heart of Jesus.” There is something magnificent about standing on this tall mountain and look up at the Jesus statue at the very top. 

Speaking of tall mountains, if you have the time, I recommend taking a trip to Montjuïc. Start the trip from Plaça d’Espanya, walk over to The Magic Fountain and Palau Nacional, walk up the hill, go inside a few of the museums you pass along the way (such as the Modern Art Museum), the Botanical Garden, and end at the Castell de Mountjuïc for more amazing views of Barcelona plus the Port of Barcelona. 

It will probably take half the day, but you will see a lot more than what I have listed. & don’t worry, there is a Funicular de Mountjuïc that will take you back down the hill.

Torre Glòries isn’t THAT amazing, but we heard enough natives talking about it that we decided to go see it. It’s the third tallest building in the city and displays a light show in the evening. 

Where we stayed: Casa Gracia, Passeig de Gràcia, 116 Bis, 08008

Where we got sangria: Ciudad Condal, Rambla de Catalunya, 18 08007

Amazing sangria and tapas sample platter at Ciudad Condal! Our favorite was the Chicken and Ham Croquettes.