Travel Tuesday: Barcelona
I'm just going to awkwardly start blogging again without really addressing the fact that I've been MIA for like, half a year. SHIT'S BEEN BUSY, OKAY? (OKAY, MY THREE READERS?)
Barcelona, Spain, was the first stop of my two-week journey. I was there for about six days. Here's a quick chronicle of where I went and what I did, and I'll sprinkle some tips and tricks throughout the story!
Join the constant flow of pedestrians exploring the shops and bistros, and snapping pictures of all the incredible architecture. Definitely check out Casa Battló, which is a brief walk from the cathedral.
There's tons of ancient bars sprinkled throughout Barcelona. I did a lot of Googling to create the perfect historic bar-hopping plan for myself. Try these stunning spots (which, by the way, offer pretty cheap drinks and great conversation) for a boozy night steeped in Barcelona culture...
Casa Almirall | c. 1860 | El Raval neighbourhood
Hopping back in now, though, and I want to start off with a seriously long overdue series of posts about my Europe trip this past summer! As my first real solo traveling experience, and my first time in Europe at all, I learned so much that I want to share with other young (...ish) female travelers who are considering planning their own adventure.
Starting with BARTHELONA!
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| Casa Battló by Gaudi |
Barcelona, Spain, was the first stop of my two-week journey. I was there for about six days. Here's a quick chronicle of where I went and what I did, and I'll sprinkle some tips and tricks throughout the story!
Before I dive in, I must say that if you're considering traveling to Barcelona I strongly suggest reading a book called The Shadow of the Wind. It's set in mid-century Barcelona and is my all-time favourite book. Having read it gave me such fun context to the city as I explored it!
Where I stayed: I found an incredible Airbnb right at the base of La Sagrada FamÍlia, Gaudi's famous, still-unfinished Gothic cathedral. Khris was the most incredible host and became a friend during my stay, and she shared some super helpful safety tips (more on that below). I highly recommend checking out her space. The room I stayed in had a tiny Juliet balcony that overlooked the cathedral and the lush parkette at its feet.
The Sagrada neighbourhood is the best. It's central and connected, very easy to explore surrounding areas on foot, on bike or via the subway. 10/10 would recommend looking into staying here. It's also not incredibly rowdy, yet not too far removed from the party scene if that's what you're into.
What I did:
I was only in Barcelona for less than a week, and I was determined to pack as much in as possible (...that's what she said?). I knew it would probably take decades to fully experience Barcelona, so I researched the CRAP out of it and managed to chisel down a really rad itinerary. Consider this approximate five-day schedule as a perfect first date with the city.
I was only in Barcelona for less than a week, and I was determined to pack as much in as possible (...that's what she said?). I knew it would probably take decades to fully experience Barcelona, so I researched the CRAP out of it and managed to chisel down a really rad itinerary. Consider this approximate five-day schedule as a perfect first date with the city.
Explored La Sagrada Familia neighbourhood.
Join the constant flow of pedestrians exploring the shops and bistros, and snapping pictures of all the incredible architecture. Definitely check out Casa Battló, which is a brief walk from the cathedral.
Note: I didn't actually go inside the cathedral - tickets were super expensive and constantly sold out. If you really want to, locals suggested buying tickets beforehand online. But honestly, if you want to experience the Sagrada without the hassle, just finding a nearby cafe, settling down at its sidewalk patio with a personal bottle of cava, and staring up in awe at the magnificent (and almost creepy) structure will do the trick.
Did a historic bar-hop.
There's tons of ancient bars sprinkled throughout Barcelona. I did a lot of Googling to create the perfect historic bar-hopping plan for myself. Try these stunning spots (which, by the way, offer pretty cheap drinks and great conversation) for a boozy night steeped in Barcelona culture...
La Confiteria | c. 1912 | El Raval neighbourhood
Bar Marsella | c. 1820 | El Raval neighbourhood
- Perfectly crafted cocktails
- Rustic decor with stained glass, tarnished wood and patterned tiles
Bar Marsella | c. 1820 | El Raval neighbourhood
- Iconic absinthe bar (but you can order other drinks there, too)
- Rumoured to be Barcelona's first bar
Casa Almirall | c. 1860 | El Raval neighbourhood
- Famous for their Oliveta, a traditional vermouth
- Antique, bohemian atmosphere
Meson Jesus | c. (unknown) | Gothic Quarter
- Sip wine in this ancient hole-in-the-wall
- Beautiful, crumbling medieval feel
Another note: Obviously, if you're going solo like I did, drink and explore with extra caution! No matter where you are, be cautious of creeps!
Saw an authentic Flamenco Show.
This was so fun. I pre-bought my ticket to a Flamenco show at Palau Dalmases and maybe I'm just an ignorant tourist but it felt like a super authentic Barcelona experience!
The venue itself was a delightful surprise. It was tucked away behind yet another old, crumbling stone wall. Slip through the door and find yourself in an open-air courtyard, which then leads into the dimly lit and intimate stage area.
I recommend buying front-row seats. But whatever seat you snag, every ticket comes with a free drink. Sipping some wine and watching the super passionate, ultra-talented dancers is a must-do in Barcelona.
Meandered up and down La Rambla.
Possibly one of the most famous parts of Barcelona, La Rambla is basically an enormous, colourful street market. Start at the north end and work your way south. As fun as it is to stick to the main avenue and spend all your cash at the various vendors (whose wares range from cultural jewellery and beautiful artwork to toys and cheesy souvenirs), be sure to branch off and explore the many cobblestone streets that feed off of it. You'll find ancient bars and shops embedded in crumbling stone facades.
If you stick to the left of La Rambla, you'll eventually enter the Gothic Quarter, my favourite Barcelona neighbourhood. If you stick to the main street and walk south to the end, you'll arrive at Barcelona Beach.
Became shooketh by the beauty of the Gothic Quarter.
Like I said, the Gothic Quarter stole my heart. Its decadent architecture will captivate you - with some buildings dating back to the 1300s - and every corner is an idyllic spot for photography. On top of its beauty and history, the Gothic Quarter is also home to tons of artisan shops and cosy bars. I recommend devoting some budget to scouring the handmade treasures in the area, plus on a few glasses of local red wine at Meson Jesus. And if you're there on a Thursday, I HIGHLY FUCKIN' SUGGEST going to Craft Barcelona's Open Mic and Music Jam.
Listened to great music and met some cool people at Craft Barcelona.
This was one of the highlights of my trip. This bar in the Gothic Quarter hosts an "Open Mic and Music Jam" every Thursday night and I was set on checking it out.
The bar was difficult to find - it, like many other shops and bars in the neighbourhood, was tucked away at the very end of a crumbling alleyway (sounds sketchy, but it was actually super pretty). Just put the address in Google Maps and it should take you to the vicinity.
I'll be honest, I think the only locals there were the bartenders. But the crowd gathered at the open mic was a fun and diverse crowd of young travelers from all over the world. I met a musician from the States and a group of guys from the U.K. It was really fun bonding with other travelers and listening to the amazing, impromptu sets by talented people.
Beach-hopped!
Barcelona has some amazing, hot, beautiful beaches. I started at Mar Bella Beach, the northern-most one, and walked along the boardwalk until I reached Barcelona Beach.
Bring some cash, because vendors will come around selling beers, pretty beach blankets and more for cheap. Also, a lot of the beachside bars and restaurants are cash-only.
Be super careful of your belongings. The speakers scattered across the beach were continuously warning tourists of thieves. It was tough dealing with this by myself because I needed to ask a trustworthy-looking family to watch my crap while I took a quick dip in the ocean (which, by the way, was gloriously warm), but it was worth it.
What I wish I'd done:
That's pretty much all I had to share about my experience in Barcelona. It's a colourful, beautiful place that will steal your heart in a matter of hours. I'd love to return one day and take a deeper dive into the Spanish culture - but for now, I'm just happy I was able to get to know the city in just a few days. 10/10 would recommend. ;)
What I wish I'd done:
- Taken the trolley to Montjüic Castle
- Had some drinks at the rooftop bar at the Barceló Raval Hotel
- Found the Barcelona Flea Market
- Watched an acoustic show at The Pulitzer Terrace
That's pretty much all I had to share about my experience in Barcelona. It's a colourful, beautiful place that will steal your heart in a matter of hours. I'd love to return one day and take a deeper dive into the Spanish culture - but for now, I'm just happy I was able to get to know the city in just a few days. 10/10 would recommend. ;)
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