Barcelona - a Distinct Vibe
Introduction
We landed in Barcelona in the wee hours of the night (one of the cons of purchasing budget airfare). Nothing was open, so we were not able to purchase international sim cards. No data, no texting, and no calls. We simply had to hope that our taxi driver was not a serial killer, and would actually drop us off at the correct destination. Luckily for us, our taxi driver was a good dude and delivered us to the correct location. Unfortunately our host was not present on the premise to let us inside. We sat outside the apartment debating if we should walk to a random hotel and ask for lodging. In the midst of our desperation some fellow housemates arrived from a night out and saved us by letting us into the airbnb and showing us to our room where we promptly crashed from exhaustion.
Tip: If you are going to an international destination only for a few days, then check with your phone provider and see if they have an international plan that they can hook you up with. This will save you the worry and stress of looking for an international sim card.
After resurrecting from our deep sleep we set out to explore Barcelona. The first item on our agenda was getting some nourishment. We settled on Garden Fresh and ordered a fresh and delicious summer burrata salad with bread.
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Gothic Quarter
Following acquiring sustenance we forged a path to the Gothic Quarter. The Gothic Quarter is renowned for its slender streets, being the core of the old city, and its medieval architecture. It is best to simply wander and get lost among the numerous alleyways. You will end up stumbling upon unexpected and pleasant surprises like we did. In the midst of our confusion we meandered down an unassuming street and uncovered the Temple of Augustus. With the rise of christianity the temple was largely destroyed as paganism was being stamped out of Spain. It was only rediscovered by mistake in a building project in the 19th century. But now it is expertly preserved and you can go and see it for yourself, and it is absolutely free!
Book your half-day bike tour of Barcelona HERE
One of the many narrow streets in the Gothic Quarter
We then made our way adjacently to the Catedral de Barcelona. Yes, the one that is famous for having a samsung advertisement plastered right dead smack in the middle of its imposing and magnificent architecture. I will never be able to fathom why anyone would allow advertisements on historic landmarks. It is beyond me. But nonetheless it is a beautiful church and something to behold.
Catedral de Barcelona
Ciutadella Park
Upcoming, we journeyed to Ciutadella Park.
Tip: You have probably heard that you will accumulate an exorbitant amount of steps when visiting Europe. This is true. I am currently living in Europe and can say that my daily step average is around 10,000 steps, and it is not uncommon for me to walk over 27,000 steps on a given day. Do yourself a favor and wear comfortable shoes. The last thing you want is blisters or sore feet.
Barcelona does not have a lot of greenery. It is literally a concrete jungle. Don’t get me wrong, Barcelona is a cool city with a unique vibe, but it basically has zero plant life. This is why Ciutadella Park should be high on your Barcelona bucket list. It is a massive park totalling nearly 77 acres and houses the city zoo, has a lake that is home to diverse wildlife, and has a massive and spectacular fountain for you to marvel at.
Book your Complete Tour of Barcelona HERE
Fountain in Ciutadella Park
Arc De Triumph
Arc de Triumph is adjacent to Ciutadella Park. It is a prominent landmark in Barcelona and world renown. It is basically the same Arc as in Paris but with Barcelona flavor. Walk down the promenade and snap some photos of you walking through the middle like all the other tourists do. It does not require much time but you might as well see it if you find yourself in the area.
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Arc de Triumph
Tapas
We had our first of many tapas in Spain while in Barcelona. If you go to Spain and do not try tapas, then you missed the point of going to Spain. Tapas are a massive part of Spanish culture. The best part about Tapas is that they are super cheap and tasty. My wife and I have eaten out numerous times while in Spain and frequently spent less than 12 euros total for both of us. Some of the tapas that I would recommend for first time visitors to Barcelona are the following: patatas bravas, spinach croquettes, and coca bread. After gorging ourselves on Spanish Tapas we nestled into bed and entered into dream realm excited about our last day in Barcelona the following day.
Book your Tapas Tour HERE
Book your Paella Experience with a Professional Chef HERE
Learn how to make Tapas Experience HERE
Sagrada Familia
Barcelona's most renowned landmark. Presently it is the largest unfinished Catholic church in the entire world and also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was planned by the world famous architect, Antoni Gaudi, whose works are spread across all of Barcelona.
Tip: If you want to tour the inside, then consider purchasing your tickets in advance. The lines can get stupid long. The last thing you want is a three hour wait.
We opted not to go inside and simply admired the imposing and magnificent church from a distance. There are parks on either side of the park that offer you some breathtaking views of the church.
Book your Best of Barcelona Tour + Sagrada Familia HERE
Book your Fast Track Sagrada Familia Guided Tour Ticket HERE
Sagrada Familia
Park Guell
Mistakes were made. I read online that you can see most of the park for free and that only a small portion of the park required payment. Well, that information was false. We arrived at the park full of excitement to see the famous architecture of Gaudi, and were disappointed when we discovered that you had to pay to enter, and also book in advance. So, let this be a lesson to you. Do not repeat my mistake. Book well in advance if you want to see the park. I will visit for sure on my next trip to Barcelona.
Book your Barcelona in One Day Tour + Park Guell HERE
Conclusion
Barcelona is a cool city that has a unique vibe like no other Spanish city. You can tell that the Catalonians take a lot of pride in being different from the rest of Spain. If you like beaches, urban architecture, and funky vibes then Barcelona is perfect for you.
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Links:
Book your Flight to Barcelona HERE
Book your Hotel in Barcelona HERE
