We continue to believe that in the future the borders will be open, airplanes will cross oceans, people will fill restaurants, and we will all get out our passports.
As for now, take a peek at these pictures to inspire your next big adventure!
Barcelona Itinerary: Day 2
Photo credit: Barcelona Edition
Day 2
Day 1 was a perfect introduction to Barcelona, Spain, so I couldn’t wait to explore the city more today.
PARK GUELL
Day 2 started off was a trip PARK GUELL. If you’re looking for a place to truly see the masterpieces of Antoni Gaudi, a Spanish architect and an overall hero in Barcelona, Park Gϋell is the place you’ll want to be. (Read our full review of the park here.)
ARC DE TRIUMF
From there you can walk to the ARC DE TRIUMF. Take some pictures and admire the architecture of this beautiful entrance to the park.
PARK DE LA CIUTADELLA
Walk through the park and watch the street performers and artists. Cross the street and enter the PARK DE LA CIUTADELLA. Enjoy the beauty of the park and find the famous fountain.
GOTHIC QUARTERS
Since it’s time for some lunch, it’s also time to walk around the GOTHIC QUARTERS. This section of town is filled with historic buildings and mazes of adorable streets. Find somewhere that serves lunch outside and have some sangria. After lunch, keep walking around stopping for a cocktail, some gelato, or souvenir shopping. It is the best place to people watch. (Read my full review here!)
CATHEDRAL OF BARCELONA
In the Gothic Quarters, head toward the CATHEDRAL OF BARCELONA. There is often street performers and musicians playing in the square. Take a peek inside the church.
PONTE DEL BISBE
Next, take a short walk to see the PONTE DEL BISBE. You need to get a picture of this beautiful archway.
This would be a good time to head back to the Hotel Barcelona (if you’re staying there). Have a rest or go up to the rooftop to read, relax, have a swim, or drink a cocktail.
Dinners is at EUSKAL ETXEA. At this authentic tapas restaurant, you can eat as many tapas as you’d like and at the end of your meal, they will count up the toothpicks to see how much you owe. It’s a great way to try new tapas.
PALAU DALMASES FLAMENCO SHOW
After dinner, head over to the PALAU DALMASES FLAMENCO SHOW. Watch some amazing musicians, singers, and dancers put on a passionate show. (Read my full review here!)
On the way home, stop for a drink in a local pub. Still hungry? Find a place with outdoor seating and share some paella.
Barcelona Itinerary
Weekend in Barcelona , Spain
I was so excited to join my husband on a trip to Barcelona, Spain, to celebrate our 19th wedding anniversary, even if we would only be there for a few days. Here is my itinerary of how we spent two days on a romantic (kid-free) trip to Barcelona: Cheers!
Where do you fly in to Barcelona?
The best place to fly in is Barcelona International Airport
CLICK HERE TO FIND AN AMAZING FLIGHT
DAY 1
BARCELONA EDITION
After getting a good night’s sleep at our hotel, the Barcelona Edition (Read a full review of our stay here), we were ready to get out and explore the city.
The Barcelona Edition is the perfect location for exploring the city and it has some amazing features…I’ll talk more about those later.
Ok…time to get moving!
First stop of the day was to the SAGRADA FAMILIA. One name you will hear repeated throughout your visit in Barcelona, is of the Catalonian architect, Antoni Gaudi. He is a hero in these parts and after taking one look at his creations, you’ll see why. Sagrada Familia, a Roman Catholic church, is one of Gaudi’s most famous creations. It is hands-down the most beautiful church I’ve ever seen. (Read my full review here!)
LA BOQUERIA
Exploring the Gothic Quarters in Barcelona
My absolute favorite thing we did in Barcelona, Spain, was exploring the Gothic Quarters. The architecture and ambiance will make you feel transported back in time. As you stroll through the maze of cobblestone streets, stop to do some shopping, have a cocktail, eat some tapas, and of course…people watching! It is an absolute must when visiting the city and have your camera out because there are endless photo opportunities!
10 Tips for Visiting La Boqueria in Barcelona
If you want a delicious place to learn about the culture and cuisine of Barcelona, head on over to the famous La Boqueria, located off Las Ramblas, and be prepared for all your senses to go into overdrive! As you pass through the iron entrance, you will head into a world full of tempting aromas, colorful treats, and mouthwatering sights. I would recommend coming with an empty stomach because there is lots to experience. I admit that it can be a bit overwhelming, so here are 10 tips for visiting La Boqueria.
GET AN EARLY START
The market draws a crowd every day, so if possible, head there early to avoid the mobs of tourists that show up at around 11:00. The market is open from 8:00 am until 8:30 pm, Monday through Saturday. It is closed on Sundays. Some people suggest going later in the day, but I think the vendors are sometimes too busy cleaning up and putting things away that they will not pay much attention to you. Early morning is best!
LOOK FOR THE BEST PRICE
Don’t buy the first thing you see. Lots of vendors sell the same items and there can be a big price difference. Walk around the market and look for the best quality and the best value before buying something.
DON’T SHOP AT THE FRONT OF THE MARKET
Vendors at the front of the market have a higher rent than those in the back, so they will most likely sell their food at a higher price. Head deeper inside to find a good deal.
BE POLITE TO VENDORS
Tips About the Cabaret at the Barcelona Edition
One of the best meals we had in Spain was at the Cabaret show at the Barcelona Edition. This was such a unique way to spend the night eating delicious local cuisine and drinking cava while watching some talented dancers. This sexy show is perfect for a romantic night out! Read on for tips about the Cabaret Show at the Barcelona Edition, in Spain.
TAKE A PEEK INTO THIS ROMANTIC RESTAURANT…
The Cabaret restaurant is tucked away on the basement floor, and feels like no other restaurant I’ve ever been in.
Dim lighting sets the mood and dark red velvet curtains hang throughout the room and drape around the bar.
THE CHEF’S TASTING MENU IS A MUST!
We had the Chef’s Tasting Menu (100 EUR per person) that consisted of about a 10-course meal (I lost count after a while…lol).
Take a peek at this amazing meal…
Picasso Museum, A Gem in Barcelona, Spain
The Picasso Museum, which opened in 1963, is another must-see attraction while in Barcelona. The museum shows the deep connection Picasso had to the city, and you will learn all about what made Picasso one of the most famous artist in history. Let me tell you all about it…
Where is this fabulous building located?
Getting to the museum is a delight, because you will weave through small dark alleyways in a gorgeous section of Barcelona. The building itself is a work of art, and it fits in well with the Gothic architecture of the city.
All about museum tickets…
The Picasso Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Barcelona, so I would suggest buying tickets online before you go. They like to keep crowds to a minimum, so they only allow a certain number of people in at a time. As with most attractions, the tickets are timed and you will need to arrive during your window or you will not be allowed to enter.
Ticket costs…
Tips on Seeing the Palau Dalmases Flamenco Show in Barcelona
Photo Credit: Palau Dalmases
Although there are lots of places to watch flamenco dancing in Barcelona, Spain, it becomes an unforgettable experience when you find an authentic, high-quality show. One of the most memorable nights we had in Barcelona was when we visited the Palau Dalmases. I can hardly wait to tell you all about it!
Where is Palau Dalmases located?
Tucked into the dark side street of Calle Montcada, the former Baroque Palace hosts nightly performances. Since it is right near the Picasso Museum, we decided to visit the museum before our show. You may miss this unimposing doorway if you’re not paying attention.
Tips on Visiting Park Gϋell: A Gaudi Masterpiece in Barcelona
If you’re looking for a place to truly see the masterpieces of Antoni Gaudi, a Spanish architect and an overall hero in Barcelona, Park Gϋell is the place you’ll want to be. I’m sure Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s famous church, is on your itinerary, and if it’s not then you’ll definitely be missing out. (Click here for tips on a perfect visit to Sagrada Familia.) But today is all about the outrageous architecture of Park Gϋell! First, I’ll fill you in on ten tips to make the most of your visit, and then I’ll take you on a little tour of my favorite areas of the park.
FIRST OFF…WHAT IN THE WORLD IS PARK GϋELL?
Park Gϋell (pronounced Gwell, as my cab driver corrected me) was intended to be a housing development for the wealthy citizens of Barcelona. Eusebi Gϋell contracted Gaudi to design it, but the plans fell through because of lack of interest and funds and only two out of the 60 planned houses were actually constructed there. The city, who has a love…and I mean LOVE for Gaudi, turned it into a public park. It is now one of the most visited places in Barcelona.
READY FOR SOME TIPS?
Tips on Visiting Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s Must-See Creation in Barcelona
One name you will hear repeated throughout your visit in Barcelona, is of the Catalonian architect, Antoni Gaudi. He is a hero in these parts and after taking one look at his creations, you’ll see why. Sagrada Familia, a Roman Catholic church, is one of Gaudi’s most famous creations. Construction began in 1883 and he worked on it until his death in 1926. Construction continued throughout the years and as of now it is about 70% complete. But don’t let the fact that it’s not finished stop you from visiting because it is hands-down the most beautiful church I’ve ever seen. It is my #1 recommendation for Barcelona, but trust me…lots of people will have it on their agenda too, so here are…
10 Tips for a Perfect Visit to Sagrada Familia
BUY YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE…SERIOUSLY! This is the one tip that I would stress the most. I felt so bad seeing the look on people’s faces when they showed up at the gates and saw the sign that read, “No tickets left for purchase today.” The best way to purchase tickets is through the website. You can keep your tickets right on your phone, or print them out. (FYI…I always print out my tickets and keep them on me as a backup.) I would recommend buying tickets at least 2-3 weeks in advance. (I’m pretty sure they are available 2 months ahead of time.)
GET THERE ON TIME: Tickets are allocated in 15-minute time slots and they are not joking when they say you MUST be there at your assigned time. They do this so it keeps the entrance to the church running smoothly, so don’t expect them to make an exception for you. I’ve heard they will turn you away if you miss your time slot and that would be a waste of money. Once you get inside you can stay for as long as you want.
