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When I first started dating my now wife, almost ten years ago, I remember her telling me about Barcelona. Its winding streets, its lively nightlife, its packed street vendors, its unique architecture, its colourful cuisine - her list of things to love about Barcelona did not stop. And since then, although we've been to Europe probably 15 times, we never ever made it to Spain. That all changed when we dad decided to celebrate his 65th birthday with a family trip across the Atlantic. We decided on Mykonos and Barcelona, and frankly speaking, I couldn't have been more excited. Luckily, there is a ton of travel guides on Barcelona on the internet, but today, I am sharing just a few of my absolute must see, must eat, and must do while in this famous Spanish city.
““We crossed spacious streets, with building resembling palaces, in La Rambla promenade; the shops were well illuminated and there was movement and life… I did not decide to go to sleep, even though I wished to, so I could rise early and contemplate, in daylight, this city, unknown to me: Barcelona, capital of Catalonia.” --– Hans Christian Andersen
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- where to stay -
Because this was a family trip, instead of hotel rooms, we opted for a large traditional Barcelona apartment that we found on AirBnB. The design apartment was full of Catalonian details and modern touches. The best part was the classic balconies (and our room had one!) and having the ability to prepare our own meals at home was definitely a bonus.
- what to eat -
We did a handful of research on good spots to eat, but as always, the most quaint places are ones that appear to you as you're walking along the street. This cute cafe was just off of a main square while we were en route to La Rambla, and the coffee matched the picturesque atmosphere.
- what to do -
Shooooooopping! The first night we were in Barcelona we walked over from our AirBnB to the L'Eixample neighbourhood and knew that we would be back over and over. This is flanked by Passeig de Gràcia, a wide tree lined boulevard of luxury boutiques and white table clothed dining options. We found ourselves back on this street (and at the Gucci boutique) over and over.
- where to eat -
As I mentioned, the beauty of the AirBnb was the option to have a fun European breakfast spread. We found an amazing boulangerie right in our neighbourhood that we popped over to every morning for fresh baguettes and croissants. For our last morning there, Monika set up breakfast right off the balcony and honestly, that moment, pure magic. Out of a movie!
- what to do -
Apart from Gucci (lol), we made sure to check out other boutique shops, department stores, and local Spanish luxury brand Loewe. We spent a ton of time inside the flagship (incidentally also on Passeig de Gràcia) and this is truly special for the fashion lover.
- what to see -
Of course every list of Barcelona must-sees will include the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, and of course, we definitely checked out this UNESCO world heritage site, but my little tip for this is to grab a coffee at the McCafe right behind and sit down by the scattered tables. Perfect little budget friendly sight-seeing moment.
- where to eat -
La Boqueria Food Market in Barcelona is one of Europe's largest and most famous (and some say original) Food Halls, featuring local and fresh foods in various food stalls. Located just off of La Rambla, this was a spot we visited more for snacks and not for full meals.
My first time in Barcelona definitely can not be the last, and my wife always said this to me. The city has an enchanting power and the food, the atmosphere, the sangria! Have you been here? Would you ever?
