My Barcelona Adventure
One of my favorite things about living in Italy is the close proximity I am to so many incredible destinations. One weekend I’m driving to France . The next weekend in two hours I’m landing in Morocco . It takes one hour to fly to Barcelona , Spain from Venice , Italy ! Barcelona has always been one of those cities that feels larger than life — a place where history, art, food, and sunshine all collide in the most magical way. On my visit, I found myself swept up in the energy of the Gothic Quarter’s winding streets, dazzled by Gaudí’s surreal architecture, and devouring tapas within the vibrant chaos of La Boqueria Market.
Things to do in Barcelona
Explore the Iconic Works of Gaudí (Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Casa Batlló)
My first trip to Barcelona back in 2018 Sagrada Familia was draped in sheets with the ever present scaffolding , however it’s still visually stunning . You can purchase tickets here
Park Güell was like stepping into a storybook. The colorful mosaics and curved benches were even more beautiful in person, and you notice all the playful details Gaudí tucked into every corner. We wandered slowly through the gardens, stopping often just to take it all in. From the terrace, the view stretched across Barcelona all the way to the sea, and it was one of those moments where I just had to ask Alberto to take photos of me from every angle!
Travel tip: Tickets to the park are limited, so it’s best to book online in advance. Visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon helps you avoid crowds and enjoy the park at a more relaxed pace.
Stroll Down Las Ramblas
Las Ramblas feels like the heartbeat of Barcelona. This lively tree-lined boulevard stretches from Plaça de Catalunya to the waterfront, and it’s always buzzing with life. Street performers in colorful costumes gave me Hollywood blvd. vibes , while flower stalls, artists, and open-air cafés line the way. Wander slowly, stop for a café and just people-watch. I like browsing the little kiosks filled with books and souvenirs for family or something unique for our home. It’s touristy, yes, but there’s something about the energy , a place where locals, travelers, art, and culture all mix together . It’s chaotic but super fun !
Visit the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic)
The Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) is one of Barcelona’s most fascinating neighborhoods. Located between La Rambla and Via Laietana, it’s the historic heart of the city, filled with narrow medieval streets, and incredible architecture. The highlight is the stunning Barcelona Cathedral, Check their website for their hours and if you’ll need a ticket to enter . Plaça del Rei, or “Kings Square” is where you can get a glimpse into the city’s Roman and medieval past. The area is also packed with tapas bars, boutique shops, and local cafés perfect for taking a break after exploring. Whether you’re into history, culture, or just soaking up the atmosphere, the Gothic Quarter offers a little bit of everything.
Where we stayed – Places we Ate
El -Prat is the main international (and domestic) airport. You can get to the center of Barcelona easily in 20-30 mins. We stayed here This was our first time staying at this beautiful hotel chain but we’ll be back! For me the location was perfect to explore on foot. So many great shops , rooftop bars and they have a great breakfast!
We had an incredible first dinner at Patka
Even though Patka is now closed World Renowned chef and cookbook author Albert Adria has other restaurants worth checking out so I’ve left their link up ..
Nino Viejo was so nice. We ate lunch outside. we had two rounds of jalapeño margaritas before our first tacos came so they just made us a carafe to keep us “hydrated” That’s amazing service in my opinion!
Why I’ll Be Back to Barcelona
Barcelona is a city where every corner offers something new — from stunning architecture and historic streets to vibrant markets and delicious food. In just a few days, I was able to see and do so much, yet I left craving more: more tapas, more sunsets over the Mediterranean, and more wandering through its colorful neighborhoods. I know this won’t be my last visit, and I can’t wait to return to uncover even more of its magic. I hope my tips and suggestions were helpful and inspire you to start planning your own unforgettable trip to Barcelona! XO. Tera
