Barcelona is home to great artists Dali, Picasso and Gaudi. The small alleyways are packed with boutiques, bodegas, and the hole in the walls selling amazing tapas and cava for super cheap. Mixed with a great vibe and outdoor cafes at every turn it’s my dream city. It was love at first sight. Here’s a list of things I did while I was in Barcelona.
VISIT BARCELONA’S BEACH AND WATERFRONT
Being a water girl, one of the first things I did was walk Barcelona’s water-front and spend time at the beach. The waterfront is filled with seaside restaurants and shops. There’s also a mall and an aquarium too. The beach is packed with locals and tourists a like. It’s a great day out and feels like you’re nowhere near the city when you’re really only a couple of blocks away.
WITNESS GAUDI’S ART
One can not come to Barcelona without visiting at least one of Gaudi’s pieces of art, whether you visit the famous dragon at Park Guell, the amazing house of Casa Batllo, or the La Pedrera residences. His works of art will amaze you. I could have stayed in Casa Batllo all day!
VISIT LA SAGRADA FAMILIA
One of Gaudi’s most famous art work is the Sagrada Familia which has been under construction since 1892. This Catholic church is a whole façade of sculptures of Gaudi’s vision. It is a UNESCO world heritage site, and Pope Benedict XVI consecrated it in 2010. It is planned to be completed in 2026 which is the 100th anniversary of Gaudi’s death.
EXPLORE SANTA CLARITA MARKET
I loved this market! You can find everything here from fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, cheese, and wine. There are also a few cafes outside and inside the market. Don’t miss out on eating at Bar Joan and having their Menu Del Dia (Menu of the day)!
STUFF YOURSELF SILLY ON TAPAS
I stuffed myself silly on tapas! Spain knows how to do it right! From potato bravas to la bombas, there really wasn’t anything I didn’t like! My friends over at In Pursuit Of Adventure published a guide to eating Catalan cuisine having lived there during their travels. I ate at over 15 restaurants in their book! If you’re heading to Barcelona, this book is a must have on your Kindle!
WANDER THE STREETS OF BARCELONA
I had the best time just walking the streets of Barcelona. The windy alleys were so inviting. There are so many boutiques and cafes in each nook and cranny. I’d wander through alleys and Bodega hop, stopping for wine and tapas along the way.
PICASSO MUSEUM
I wasn’t allowed to take pictures inside, but this is definitely worth visiting. It showcases Picasso’s work from the very beginning to his death. It was beautiful to see the progression of his craft through the years.