Barcelona: Third Time's Still a Charm

Barcelona has a way of calling you back. This was my third trip, and I'm happy to report it’s still as lively as I remember. Read on for my experience staying in this creative marvel of a city for a week.

Our Quaint Stay

We made our home in a charming Airbnb in the Gothic Quarter, a neighbourhood that feels like a step back in time. But, heads up – the lively chatter and music from the bars spill into the streets and squares, keeping the neighbourhood buzzing into the night. So, check on the noise situation before you book your accommodations!

Our apartment was just the right size with ample working space and good wifi to get some work done. It was within walking distance of everything and had lots of great restaurants nearby! If it weren’t for the noisy bars below, I would stay here again.

Wandering the Gothic Quarter

Exploring the Gothic Quarter is a dream though. Picture narrow alleys and stone streets, packed with local shops and restaurants constantly filled with locals and tourists alike. We loved getting lost here, discovering hidden squares, filled with art and life.

Here you'll discover museums, galleries, and an abundance of street art. A great place to get inspiration, take in the scenes and do some shopping. You’ll come across the Picasso Museum in this neighbourhood. Unfortunately, it didn't make the cut this time, but definitely add it to your list!

Standing in Awe of La Sagrada Familia

No trip to Barcelona is complete without a look at La Sagrada Familia. This place is a sight to behold, with its massive size and its indescribable details. You could visit multiple times and still find something new to admire, as I have.

Every inch of this place sparkles in its own way - from the facades, to the towers, to the stained-glass.

I recommend doing the audio tour to get the most out of this visit. It’s simple to use, just remember to download the app and bring your own headphones. You'll learn about Antoni Gaudi, his ideas and how they were brought to life in this extraordinary place.

As construction is still ongoing, you can bet I will be back again and again.

Immersed in Colour: A Day at Park Guell

Next up was Park Guell. A stop that everyone makes in Barcelona. This colourful park, with its stunning city views, was the perfect spot for a break from the noisy city. Even in January, this place was great for a leisurely walk.

Every corner of the park was filled with Gaudi's signature style. From the playful mosaics to the unique structures offering panoramic views of the city, it's easy to spend hours exploring.

An Unexpected Surprise: Casa Vicens

While planning our trip, we found Casa Vicens, Gaudi's hidden gem. We knew about his famous Sagrada Familia and Park Guell, but discovering his first masterpiece was a real treat.

It was like stepping into a fairytale. As we walked through the house, I was amazed by the unique architecture and the attention to detail in every nook and cranny. The vibrant colours and textures seemed to transport us to another world entirely.

It was fascinating to see how Gaudi incorporated different elements of natural and cultural influences into his design, creating a truly one-of-a-kind living space. The creativity and craftsmanship were mind-blowing, and we couldn’t stop talking about it after leaving. I won’t attempt to describe it further, you’ll have to go visit yourself.

Our Transit Adventure in Barcelona:

Getting around Barcelona was straightforward and efficient. We chose the hop-on hop-off bus, which proved to be a valuable tool in our exploration of the city. The bus covered most of the significant sights we had on our list and provided interesting historical insights along the way. It’s not the fastest of transport, but it’s easy, comfortable and gives you background on places you are probably going to visit already.

Plus, it took us places we never would’ve seen otherwise. One notable mention was the hill of Montjuïc. While we didn't disembark the bus, the sights we passed were interesting. Even in the evening light, Montjuïc, with its historic castle, the Magic Fountain, and the Olympic Stadium, intrigued us for a future visit.

If bus tours aren't to your liking, Barcelona's metro system is an easy alternative. The metro network provides quick and convenient travel throughout the city. Additionally, much of Barcelona is quite walkable, providing yet an excellent way to explore if you're feet aren't troublesome like mine...

La Rambla: A Vibrant Street

Speaking of walking the streets, no doubt you’ve heard about La Rambla. It’s a bustling pedestrian street filled with tourists, restaurants, and street performers.

You are sure to come across this street a few times during your stay, so don’t make it a destination in and of itself. And, as multiple locals have mentioned, don’t eat on this street! It’s not worth it. Instead, use it to take a stroll from Plaça de Catalunya all the way to the Christopher Columbus Monument at the water. Of course, please watch out for pickpockets.

A Foodie's Paradise: The Local Market

The local market was a real highlight, just off La Rambla. This place was a sensory overload in the best possible way.

From the sights and sounds to the smells of local delicacies, there was so much to experience. One of the standouts was the eye-catching rainbow display of fresh juices, so refreshing!

The best part of the market though, was chatting with the vendors, hearing about their products, and getting tips on the best local food spots. You better believe we left here with a bag full of bread, meats and cheeses!

Breakfast at the Market: A Delicious Show

We were told about a good spot to eat in the market by Strictly Dumpling, a channel we watch on YouTube and thought we'd give it a go. And wow, it was a sight to see. This bar, right in the middle of the market, was all sorts of busy. But here's the thing - you can't just walk in and expect to find a seat, especially if you're a group of three, like us.

So, we did a lap around the market, keeping one eye on the bar. The place was buzzing, every seat was taken, and it looked like we might be out of luck. But we stayed patient, and it paid off. Just as we were finishing a lap around the market, we spotted some people leaving. We quickly grabbed the seats, just in time. It's real first come first serve here!

As we settled in, we ordered fresh orange juice and coffee to start. Then, came the food. We kicked things off by sharing some razor clams - always a delight and one of our favourites during our month-long adventure. Of course, the padron peppers were a must, followed by sausage and mushrooms with eggs. Every dish was a new experience, a new flavour to relish.

All the while, the bar was a spectacle of its own. The cooks crammed into the small kitchen, each one in their own world, shouting out orders and cooking up a storm. It wasn't just a breakfast; it was a performance.

This was an experience we'd remember.

Working Remotely in Barcelona: A Perfect Balance

One of the most surprising aspects of our Barcelona trip was how well-suited the city was for working remotely. The Spanish lifestyle gave us the flexibility to enjoy the city in a way that regular tourists may not be able to. From quiet morning strolls through the Gothic Quarter to late-night tapas crawls, we were able to savour the city without sacrificing our work commitments.

Barcelona operates on a slightly different timetable than what we were used to. Dinner at 9 pm? That's the norm here. So, instead of interrupting our workflow, this late dining schedule fits seamlessly into our Pacific Time-based work sessions. Our afternoon work remained undisturbed, and we could head out to enjoy the local cuisine once our work was wrapped up.

So, if you're considering a remote work setup and love the idea of mixing history, culture, and delicious food with your job, Barcelona might just be the perfect fit for you.

Wrapping Up Our Barcelona Adventure

Barcelona, with its constant buzz and delightful surprises, was the most lively stop on our month-long trip. From Gaudi's incredible architecture to the delicious local cuisine, Barcelona has something for everyone. Whether you're a family, a student, or a digital nomad, Barcelona promises an unforgettable adventure.

Please leave a comment below if you’ve visited Barcelona or plan to soon! I’d love to hear about your experience.

As always, look out for my next post all about our dining experience in Barcelona.

After that, dive into our one-day excursion from Barcelona to Montserrat. It's an adventure so captivating it deserves its very own post.