Visiting Barcelona

Barcelona is a vibrant city with beautiful beaches along the Mediterranean Sea and unique architecture that defines the Gothic Quarter. This city is a must see if you are visiting Europe. While in the country of Spain, Barcelona is self-defined by its claim to the Catalonia region. As you walk the streets, it is the Catalonia flag that you will see waving from the balconies. 

Catalonia flag waving from the balconies of homes in Barcelona

Unlike some cities where you want to book a tour to fill each moment of the day, Barcelona is a city for wandering. For happening upon a great restaurant or a stumbling past the incredible architecture of a cathedral. It is easy to wander in a city filled with so much culture.

Flight & Hotel Check In 

We flew in from Nice and took the Aerobus from the Josep Tarradellas Barcelona - El Prat Airport (BCN) into the city. It left shortly after arriving at the staging area and cost only 7.25 Euros to get to the city center. We walked from the stop at Place de Catalunya to our hotel. We stayed in the Gothic Quarter where the apartment balconies overlook the narrow cobblestone streets filled with pedestrians rather than cars. We checked into our hotel room at the Kimpton Vividora Hotel, Barcelona. They welcomed us with a glass of Cava, sparkling wine from Catalonia. This is what 5-star hotel dreams are made of!

View from the rooftop of the Kimpton Vividora Hotel

Day 1: Park Güell & Mercat de la Boqueria 

Day 1 started with a visit to one of the most popular places in Barcelona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with clear views of the city and sea, Park Güell. We booked a morning time slot which was nice as it was a warm day and the park is on a hill. We strolled around the park taking in the unique architecture and panoramic views. 

Architecture at Park Güell and View of Barcelona from Park Güell

The park was designed by architect Antoni Gaudí, whose work is found throughout Barcelona. Some of the most famous that we visited while there include Casa Batlló, Casa Milà, and Basílica de la Sagrada Família. Gaudí’s designs are influenced by his observations of nature and his deep faith. You can see this in his various works, but most notably at the awe-inspiring Sagrada Família. But more on thay in Day 4! 

After walking around the paths of Park Güell, we were ready for lunch. There is no place better than the Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria. We used the entrance off of La Rambla, the most well known street in Barcelona, lined with trees and shops. La Boqueria immediately feeds your senses (pun intended). The sights, smalls, and sounds of this busselling market make this a can’t-miss experience. Walk around and get a smorgasbord of samplings from the countless shops. There are so many options so don't be afraid to explore all there is on offer. This is the place to do it! 

Mercat de la Boqueria

Note: There are other markets in the city so if you are staying in a different neighborhood. While the La Boqueria found off La Rambla is the largest, check out one that is local to you. La Boqueria is closed on Sundays so plan accordingly. The rest of the day was spent walking along the waterfront and eating more delish food.

Day 2: Sightseeing 

Walking around with the sole purpose of exploring is a wonderful way to spend a day in Barcelona. We started with a walk to the Arc de Triomf and Ciutadella Park. Along the way we stopped to see some street art entitled El món neix en cada besada (The World Comes to Life with Each Kiss). This is a large image of a kiss created by combining many small images. 

‘The World Comes to Life with Each Kiss’ street art

We headed to the Arc de Triomf and walked through this beautiful brick colored arch. 

Arc de Triomf in Barcelona

A wide walking path leads directly from the Arc de Triomf to Ciutadella Park. Here we happened upon something every plant-lover wants to see - a greenhouse called ‘Hivernacle del Parc de la Ciutadella’. 

We also saw a grand fountain with a statue titled “El Carro de la Aurora” which was designed by Jose Fontserè with assistance from a then architecture student - Gaudí himself. 

El Carro de la Aurora at Ciutadella Park

It is a 45 minute walk or short bus ride over to two more of Gaudí’s designs: Casa Batlló & Casa Milà. 

Casa Batlló and Casa Milà

Day 3: Sagrada Família Tour & the Mediterranean Sea

The Basílica de la Segrada Família was the highlight of my trip. You must book a tour time to visit unless you are going to mass on Sunday, where people start standing in line as early as 6AM. We selected to do a guided tour and I highly recommend it as we learned so much about the intention behind the design. We also added on the tower so we could experience all of the magnificent Sagrada Família. 

When you select to have access to the tower, there are two options. One looks out to the hills and city (the Nativity Facade), while the other (the Passion Facade) looks out to the sea and the city. We went with the Passion Facade. When you book the guided tour with tour access, you will have the time the tour starts which is the time you need to arrive at Sagrada Família by and the time you have access to the tower. You will go to the tower without the rest of your group but the guide will point out where to find the entrance.

I was not prepared to be overcome by the level of emotion I felt when seeing the interior of Sagrada Família. The grandness of the pillars designed like the trees and canopy of a forest meet with the vibrancy of the color reflecting from the stained glass windows onto the walls of the church. Sagrada Família is a must-see for anyone visiting Barcelona. 

Sagrada Família

Depending on the time of your tour at Sagrada Família, I recommend spending the morning or afternoon near the water. If it's cold out, follow the waterfront pathway along the beaches and harbor. And if it's summer, go for a swim in the refreshing water of the Mediterranean Sea. The natural beauty juxtaposed by the incredible architecture makes Barcelona a truly special place. 

Must Knows for Barcelona 

• The food is amazing! 

• Restaurants typically close between lunch and dinner, from late afternoon to early evening (3PM-7PM). Dinner is from 7PM to 11PM. 

• No need to tip more than 1 Euro. 

• Book tickets for Park Güell and Sagrada Família ahead of time - guided tour recommended for Sagrada Família.

Agenda: 3 Days in Barcelona

Day 1

• Park Güell 

• Mercat de la Boqueria
  

Day 2

• Arc de Triomf

• Ciutadella Park
  

• Casa Batlló 

• Casa Milà

Day 3

• Walk along the waterfront or go for a swim in the sea depending on the time of year 

• Sagrada Família