Travel Diary: Barcelona
Barcelona… I have yet to come across a city with such a good energy and fun atmosphere!! The outdoor restaurants, the beaches, the bright blue sky, the delicious meals, the gorgeous views… I loved Barcelona so much that I went back for more!! I’ve taken two weekend trips to Barcelona, and loved each one. I wanted to share my favorite activities and meals…
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Barcelona… I have yet to come across a city with such a good energy and fun atmosphere!! The outdoor restaurants, the beaches, the bright blue sky, the delicious meals, the gorgeous views… I loved Barcelona so much that I went back for more!! I’ve taken two weekend trips to Barcelona, and loved each one. I wanted to share my favorite activities and meals that I experienced when I was there!
suitcase {the lightest carry-on in the world and roomy enough for those #highmaintenancepackers.. so worth it!!} | monogrammed luggage tag | passport cover {sold out, but my girlfriend has this one which I love} | white sneakers
WHAT I DID
Definitely the spot that has the best photo op! This is one of Gaudi’s most famous works in Barcelona and you can spend an afternoon walking the beautiful grounds of the park. The gorgeous, colorful mosaic tiling was my favorite. Tip: buy your ticket to the park entry ahead of time.
This is essentially a medieval lighthouse turned fortress on top of a mountain overlooking Barcelona and the ocean. It was hands-down one of the most beautiful views I’ve seen while abroad. We took a gondola to the top of the mountain and walked all around the fortress and took in the spectacular vistas.
This is one of the most important squares in Barcelona, and it conveniently sits at the bottom of Parc Montjuïc, so you can easily stop by and walk around the square after your gondola ride back down the mountain! It is full of fountains, gorgeous statues, and more sweeping views of the city.
Another one of Gaudi’s masterpieces. This also requires a ticket to get in which you have to buy beforehand, so just be wary of that if you want to go inside! I just visited the outside of the church and it was spectacular. Gaudi left plans for the church to be expanded and built upon long after his death, so it is neat to see what more they are adding to the church as well!
This is a gorgeous, widespread, and expansive street lined with charming cafés, upscale hotels, and basically every major European store you could think of. I spent a full afternoon here just leisurely walking and popping into stores and it was all kinds of wonderful.
WHERE I ATE
Arguably the most #basic brunch place I’ve ever been to– ha! The menu is full of dishes such as salmon and avocado waffles, fresh pressed juices, and fruit bowls in real pineapples. It is adorable and delicious– perfect for brunch if you indulged in some Barcelona partying the night before!
This intimate Italian restaurant had the most amazing (you guessed it) margherita pizza! It was even comparable to Italy’s so I’d say it is definitely a must if you are an Italian food lover (who isn’t?!!).
This was the fanciest meal I had in Barcelona, which makes it perfect for a date night. I really enjoyed the elegant yet relaxed atmosphere of the restaurant and the food was beyond. It could quite possibly be the BEST meal I’ve had abroad (okay, okay, minus Rome…). Definitely get the shrimp in the avocado for an appetizer and a pasta dish for your entrée!
This is a huge old warehouse that is converted into a bunch of tapas restaurants! It is the perfect fun and noisy atmosphere to go with a larger group of people and split the tapas and a few bottles of sangria!
This is not a fancy place by any means, but anywhere you can sit outside and order a pot of steamed parmesan mussels is my kind of restaurant. I went with a bigger group of people and we ate SO MANY mussels! I definitely crave seafood abroad so getting my fix made me so happy.
Keep scrolling for a peek of Barcelona’s beauty…
I couldn’t get over the intricate architecture and vibrant mosaic tiling of Park Güell. It honestly felt like we were in a Dr. Suess book!
My tour guide:)
Me indulging in the local wildlife by stalking the colorful birds…
You can see Sagrada Familia in the distance here!
A peek of my (second.. #guilty) Brunch and Cake brunch with my friends… I told you it was yummy.
I borderline went into Zara Home on Passeig de Gracia on three different occasions… I just couldn’t even, you guys. I want to decorate my entire future home in everything I saw. Definitely check out their U.S. site!
Here are a few shots of Parc Montjuïc— the gondola ride was so fun and different because it’s the only one I’ve done abroad so far. I also really loved reading about the history of the lighthouse/fortress that makes up Parc Montjuïc in the visual history rooms they have inside the fortress!
Kiting like the hype Thetas we are:)
Passeig de Gracia… the fountains, waterfall, statues, and sweeping vista of the city. I loved stopping by this monumental Barcelona square.
My spirit animal… I could not get enough of this bird!!
There you have it! Barcelona is definitely a city where you are immediately immersed in the bustling and vibrant culture. There is an adventure (or a delish meal) around every corner which makes it very high on my list of favorite cities!
