Mercado de La Boqueria

Welcome to the ultimate guide for unlocking the full magic of Barcelona, one of Europe's most captivating cities. Barcelona truly has it all: art, a rich history, culture, mouthwatering cuisine, inviting beaches, and architectural wonders. It's no wonder that Barcelona consistently ranks as one of the world's top tourist destinations. I've had the pleasure of visiting this vibrant city over ten times, drawn not only by my many friends who call Barcelona home but also by the unique energy that surrounds it. My first solo trip to Barcelona at the age of 19 left me instantly enamored with its charm, and now, at 31, the city continues to dazzle me in countless ways. Let me be your guide to ensuring that your Barcelona adventure is nothing short of extraordinary, with my personal recommendations and insights." ✨🇪🇸 This itinerary includes: - Essential tips to know before traveling. - Four full days in Barcelona, featuring renowned landmarks alongside hidden gems, with an optional day trip to either the beach or the mountains. - Within each neighborhood, you'll discover my curated recommendations for restaurants, bars, cafes, and brunch spots. - I've also meticulously selected accommodations that prioritize affordability, prime locations, and high-quality amenities. - Some exciting plans to enjoy in Barcelona beyond sightseeing

First trip out of the country in 2+ years! Headed to Portugal, south of France, and Spain. Documenting our activities.

Barcelona - the capital of Catalonia - is a vibrant and dynamic city, full of exciting things to do. From its stunning architecture to its delicious food and lively culture, there's never a dull moment in this city. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks such as the Sagrada Familia and Palau Nacional, or stroll along the famous La Rambla promenade, taking in the sights and sounds of street performers and vendors. Barcelona is also renowned for its art scene, with world-class museums and galleries showcasing the works of famous artists like Picasso and Miro. Catalans have their own traditional dishes. Chief among them is pork sausage both cooked (butifarra) and cured (fuet), as well as the ubiquitous pa amb tomàquet (pan con tomate in Spanish), grilled bread rubbed with tomato and garlic, drizzled with olive oil, and sprinkled with sea salt. For something more local, try fideuà, essentially the Catalan version of paella, made with short noodles instead of rice. Make sure to sweeten up your trip with: - xuxo: traditional Catalan pastry with sweet cream filling and sugar coating; - mel i mato: dessert made from fresh goat cheese drizzled with honey; - tarta de Santiago: a Galician almond cake made with ground almonds; - panellets: small, round pastries made from ground almonds and flavored with coffee or lemon For drinks, have a vermut (vermouth) instead of sangria; it's served over ice and garnished with a slice of orange and/or olives. Also, you can try Cava, which got its name back in 1970 with the idea of distinguishing it from French champagne, the word meaning ‘Cave’ or ‘cellar’. Cava is rapidly gaining prominence in the world and rivaling champagne, 95% of all Catalan cava is made in Penedès in the vineyards surrounding the village of Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, close to Barcelona. 🏵️ The famous Antoni Gaudí - Spanish architect and designer from Catalonia, known as the greatest exponent of Catalan Modernism - worked almost entirely in or near Barcelona, therefore the city boasts with his works: Casa Batlló, Casa Milá La Pedrera (you can grasp a sight of the interior while having a coffee at Cafe de la Pedrera DON'T MISS: the gift shop is amazing), Casa Vicens, Park Güell, Sagrada Família church, etc. ⚽️ For football enthusiats: you have to take a look around Camp Nou. 💡A trip to Abbey of Montserrat would also make a great idea. ⛱️Perhaps a day trip to Costa Brava (90 min by bus)?! 😎 🛍️When it comes to shopping, make sure you visit Girona Street. Here, outlet stores welcome visitors with open arms, offering tempting deals and unique finds.