Barcelona, Spain

 
 
 

LOCATION & DESTINATION FACTS

Barcelona is the capital of the Catalonia region of Spain, located on the east coast of the country. It is the second largest city in Spain after Madrid. Barcelona is known for its fútbol, Antoni Gaudi’s architecture, and hosting the 1992 Summer Olympic Games.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS

  • La Sagrada Familia

  • Parc Güell

  • Camp Nou & Barcelona FC

  • Las Ramblas

  • Mercado de La Boqueria

  • Montjuic

  • Museo de Picasso

  • Plaça de Catalunya

  • La Barceloneta

TOP MUST-DO’S

  • Take a tour of La Sagrada Familia and see the city from its towers

  • See Messi & FC Barcelona in-action at Camp Nou

  • Stroll down Las Ramblas & into the famous Mercado de La Boqueria for a bite to eat

  • Eat brunch at the incredible Cake & Brunch

  • Spend an afternoon soaking up the sun on the beach at La Barceloneta

  • Take the Teleférico up to Montjuic to overlook the city & see the 1992 Olympic Games centers

  • Have a picnic in Parc Güell after taking the Gaudi experience

  • Hit up the nightlife right on the beach at clubs like Agua, Opium, & Shôko

REVIEW

I have been to Barcelona a few times during my travels, one of the few perks of studying abroad in Spain and speaking the language. Barcelona is an incredible city, and if I was not introduced to Madrid first, I would say it is my favorite city. The city is located right on the water of the Mediterranean Sea, so you have that beach-feel and nice breeze most days. The cool thing about Barcelona is it has a little bit of everything: the beach, the urban city, the mountains, the parks, the nightlife, the shopping, the cuisine, the sightseeing, the sports. It is the perfect place to accommodate a family or large group looking to travel to a place that would be enjoyable for everyone. There are still things I have not done that I need to go back a third time for. At that point, probably a fourth and a fifth time.

                Now, Barcelona Spanish culture is a little different than Madrid Spanish culture. Just like any city, it has its own roots and influences that may differ from the country as a whole. From what I have learned during my time in Spain, Barcelona and its government had always wanted to separate themselves as an entirely country outside of Spain altogether. In their region of Catalonia, they speak their own form of Spanish called Catalunya (compared to the Castellano Spanish we know from Spain and are even taught in school). When hearing it on the streets, it sounded like an interesting mix between Spanish, French & Portuguese. Catalunya does not use the famous Spanish “ñ” and “z” is converted to “ç” among other changes that you may see. A good example of that change is Plaça de Catalunya. Fear not, if you speak Castellano Spanish, they still understand it! But be advised, you may hear both as you roam the city.

                Antoni Gaudi’s architecture is incomparable and will be awed by anyone regardless of their love for architecture or sightseeing. His influence is all over the city and is still being constructed in their current buildings, such as La Sagrada Familia. I have seen some incredible things in my travels, but I would have to say La Sagrada Familia is probably the most incredible thing I have seen (or at least top 3, because I have probably said the same things about other places in other blogs). It is still being built after more than 125 years – and should be done in the next 15 years. In addition to the amazing sights, I was fascinated by all the places you can view the city from above – the towers at La Sagrada Familia, Parc Güell, Montjuic to name a few. It was definitely a journey to get to some of these locations but definitely worth the final view! The final thing I will say before I leave you with the inside scoop is Spanish football never disappoints. While a major Madrid fan, I had to see a game at Camp Nou. And regardless of who I root for when it comes to soccer, I knew I would appreciate the beautiful game from another historically successful team. You must see a game if your travels align with La Liga’s season.

Finally, through my own research, walking the streets, and getting some insights from my friends, I thought I would leave you with a few recommendations you may not find on the web:

  • Barcelona’s metro system is very unique, as it closes different times on different days. For example, on a Monday it would close at midnight. But a Saturday, it is open 24 hours. So, feel free to go out an enjoy your night knowing you won’t have to wait till the morning to catch the first metro or walk all the way home.

  • Espit Cupitos is known for its extremely unique shots of alcohol. From props to putting candy or other desserts in them to colors to drinks on fire, they have over 100 shots to take. Stop in to see what it is all about.

  • Le Cyrano is the most underrated bar to load up on a cheap drink for the evening. At the front, you buy a type of liquor (rum, gin, vodka, etc.) and whatever you would like to mix it with (sprite, coke, fanta, soda water, juice, etc.) and the bartender hands you both bottles. You then get to make your own drink however you like, for that very small price. After you are done, the owner (one of the sweetest ladies I have met) hands you a shot to-go. Can’t beat that type of hospitality.

  • Cake & Brunch is one of the most unique restaurants I have eaten at in Barcelona. Go look up pictures of some of the food they sell – from red pancakes, to pink egg omelets, to green bagels, they are known for some decedent and colorful brunch options. It is a must-eat while in Barcelona, but make sure to go at a decent time or you may have to wait.

 
Ryan HarrisonComment