There are also some super exciting things in the pipeline for my blog that I can’t share with you juuuuusst yet, but time will reveal soon enough!
I’m finally getting around to sharing my trip to Barcelona (Barca)! This city has a reputation for being a young, exciting and upbeat city, attracting the youth demographic, myself included, from all over the world, to soak up this unique beach side city’s energy.
And whilst the nightlife is something you definitely should experience, Barca for me encapsulated this Spaniard/Catalonian way of living to a tee. There was something for every sense to be ensnared (Snaaaaaape!) and keep me very much occupied.
I spent an awesome chilled out week in Spain’s most internationally famed city. I walked from the beach up to Parc Guell, explored Monteserrat, hit the clubs with some new friends, gawked at Gaudi, and ate and drank far too much paella and sangria, exploring, unwinding and simply enjoying the city.
Here are a few of my favourite things to do in beautiful Barca. I will be doing some more in depth photo essay type posts on specific areas and sites like Parc Güell and La Boqueria within Barcelona in subsequent posts.
Take a paella cooking class.
The paella couldn’t be more fitting a dish to represent the Spanish ethos and people. Vibrant, colourful, full of flabour and packed with a concoction of ingredients, the best way to enjoy this national dish is to try your hand at cooking it. I did a cooking class that included a trip to the amazing markets where I got to pick out my ingredients and produce. Seeing the entire process through from conception to table featuring unlimited sangria and good conversation made for a pleasant night.
Visit bustling La Boquieria Markets
This is by far my favourite thing about Barcelona. It is crazy. Colourful. And a foodies paradise. I’d go as far as to say that it trumps any other food market I have been to in Europe. Fresh fruits, juices to freakin’ die for, tapas bars, candy, hanging cured meats (iberian ham), fresh seafood. Just come here and get lost. And grab yourself a juice at the entrance to sip on as you explore (mango and coconut is good!).
Everything Gaudi
I’m by no means an art buff, but there is something ‘mad scientist’ about Barcelonian famed and world renowned Gaudi. His architecture is dotted throughout the city and weird and wonderful. You will never see anything like it. I met an architect from Melbourne and together we forked out the little hefty entrance to Casa Batlló on Passeig de Gràcia. The building basically is what I imagine an acid trip to be. Warped, abstract, sick.
Parc Güell
Another Gaudi masterpiece, the park is known for this famous mosaic wall. For me however, I enjoyed the raw earthy tones of the free area with giant cacti and structures of earthy stone and rock. It felt like a lush desert retreat in the middle of a city. Just perfect.
Sagrada Familia
Take me to church! An impressive striking combination of gothic and art nouveau form the incredible Sagrada Familia. This large Roman Catholic basilica is iconic to Barca. With an expected finish date of 2026, the centenary of Gaudi’s death, the building is still embraced by cranes and other sore eyed construction equipment. Whilst some are irritated by this, it adds to the understanding of the grandiosity of this building to me. Don’t leave without seeing it from the outside at least.
Barcelona Beach
Europe’s Venice Beach is the general vibe I got from Barca beach. Not many cities in Europe let alone the world can boast a beach on it’s doorstep. And for a girl from Sydney, this was just perfect being close to water in the bustle of a city. Perfect spot to relax and grab some local eats from food trucks and recover from last night’s insult to the body. Be mindful, spanish women aren’t afraid to get their tops off on the beach. This is normal! #freethenipple
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