Whenever I am planning a trip or a weekend away, I always find myself looking up different blogs and Trip Advisor reviews for inspiration of how to fill my time correctly.
At the back end of February, myself and my 2 friends had booked a last-minute long weekend away to Barcelona. I was a Barcelona first timer and I had read that there was much to see and do, so I was interested to see what we would manage to fit in in such a short space of time. There was definitely some tourist spots that we all wanted to check out like the Sagrada Familia and the Gothic Quarter, but I was also looking forward to the hidden gems that we were bound to stumble across (and trust me, there were a few).
Have a read on to see what my top recommendations are for a short stay in Barcelona!
- GOTHIC QUARTER -
The Gothic Quarter is in the heart of the old city. There are plenty of small winding streets and narrow alleys to get lost amongst and plenty of shops and restaurants to discover. It is the best place to emerge yourself into Barcelona's history. The architecture here is well - preserved so you can definitely get a sense of what Barcelona used to be like. In the heart of the Gothic Quarter lies the Barcelona Cathedral. This building is exceptionally beautiful and is definitely worth 10 minutes of your time.
- SAGRADA FAMILIA -
La Sagrada Familia is one of the most famous landmarks in Barcelona and was designed by Antonio Gaudi. Construction began in 1882 on this masterpiece and is due to be completed in 2026, on the 100th anniversary of Gaudi's death. This holy place was built to be seen from all points of the city. It has glass mosaics at its highest points, which when reflected by sun or moonlight acts as beacons to guide seafarers home.
When Gaudi was asked why he was putting so much time and effort into making the spires so elaborate, when no one could see them properly, he responded 'The angels will see them'.
This landmark is unlike anything you will have ever seen before and although the outside of the building is mesmerising the inside is truly something else.
This has to be on your list!
- BOQUERIA FOOD MARKET -
The Boqueria Food Market is a must-see during a trip to Barcelona. This famous market is located in El Ravel with an entrance to the market from Las Ramblas. It provides a wide range of fresh fruit and vegetables, seafood, meats, cheeses and so much more. (Our personal favourites were the fresh fruit smoothies... SO GOOD!) Even if you're not looking to buy anything, it is still a great place to soak up the atmosphere and embrace all of the different sights and smells.
Originally this wasn't on our 'to-do' list and in all honestly none of us had even heard of it, so I am so glad we stumbled across this market and fit it in on our last day!
- PARK GÜELL -
Park Güell is a public park composed of gardens and architectural elements located on Carmel Hill in Barcelona. The park was designed by Antonio Gaudi and was built between 1900 and 1914 and was officially opened as a public park in 1926. It is free to access so you can wander for as long as you want and take as many pictures as you please. My personal favourite attraction to the park is its terrace, which overlooks Barcelona, the views are astounding.
If I could only recommend one thing for you to do whilst you are here, it is this place!
- PANORAMIC TERRACE -
Hotel Colon is located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. This hotel faces the Barcelona Cathedral and has one of the best rooftop bars in the city- Panoramic Terrace. The rooftop bar is set over two levels and is modern yet simple. From the bar, you can order refreshing cocktails, wine and bar snacks whilst taking in the great views of the city. Treasure this time and treasure the people who you're with. (Definitely stop off here for an Aperol Spritz and a few pics for the gram!)
- PLACES TO EAT -
If there is one thing that Barcelona has a lot of its bars, restaurants and cafes. There are hundreds of different places to eat and I wish that we had the time to visit every single place, luckily for us the eateries that we did to get to eat at, we loved and I have shared my top ones below for you.
Flax and Kale - This cafe is known for its healthy food scene. They serve fresh and modern dishes and the star of the show for us was their brunch choices. The menu has great indications of vegetarian, gluten-free and refined sugar-free items. Flax & Kale has expanded its empire to several locations in Barcelona so wherever you might be exploring I am sure there will be a Flax and Kale nearby. (Where else would you have a muffin for brunch and feel good about it? THIS PLACE!)
Enkel - Tucked away in the vibrant Gothic Quarter is Enkel. Enkel is a modern European restaurant that serves hearty brunch and lunch, fresh juices, smoothies and speciality coffee. Every meal has been crafted using the freshest ingredients and all of the dishes are influenced by the Mediterranean and Latin America.
Their brunch is a culinary delight!
Pans and Company - Pans and Company is a chain restaurant. (I know, I said a bad word). You might wonder why I am mentioning a chain restaurant in these recommendations, but I have to tell you that you will have THE best coffee of your life here! Honestly! Along with the best coffee in the world, cafe pans also serve traditional sandwiches, salads and pizza slices so if you are just wanting a quick refresh and a snack, find a Pans!
...And there we have it. I hope you managed to get at least 1 top tip from this post and I know for definite that when we can all travel the world again, Barcelona will be back on my list.
Stay safe!
Thanks for reading!
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