Barcelona
Barcelona
As I mentioned I l can’t wait to go travelling! Last summer Matt and I crossed the first location off our list on our first holiday together to Barcelona! So this will be the first – of many I hope – posts about our travels! Everything about Barcelona is beautiful! From one street to the next you can go from sandy beach, to concrete high rise business jungle, to traditional Spanish markets and courtyards. In no other city have I ever experienced such diversity. We went from the 31st of August until the 3rd of September and although only there a short time, we packed a lot in, walking just under 30km! We got incredibly lucky with the weather, with it hitting 30 degrees on our first day. Here are a few of my favourite things we did and a few tips to pass on!
Favourite sights and things to do!
Jet Skiing at La Vila Olimpica del Poblenou. A guide takes you out of the harbour in to the sea – a massive adrenaline rush and great fun!
Swimming in the sea at the Nova Mar Bella beach
Walk along the tram line to Park Citudella
Walk along the bridge at La Barceloneta and look at all the handmade jewellery for sale
If, like me, you’re visiting with a football fanatic Camp Nou is a must. Even for someone less of a fan the enormity of the impressive stadium is awe inspiring.
The fountain at Placa De Catalunya, walk through the Gothic quarter and stroll down La Rambla watching the human statues.
Dinner at Maremagnum – honestly some of the best food ever experienced with a view to match!
The beauty of Cathedral de Barcelona
Top Tips
Find small, local cafes and restaurants to get a real taste of Barcelona. The familiarity of large chain restaurants such as McDonald’s may seem tempting, but trust me and resist! The best meals we had we independent or family run eateries with deliciously fresh and traditional Spanish food.
Use the tube to make long journeys (it’s a lot cheaper than London, less than $20 for 3 days!) but when you can I really recommend walking. The sites you can take in for free are incredible and when it’s such beautiful weather walking along the beach is a small bit of heaven.
Avoid peak times to make the most of your visit. We visited Citadel Park at around 4pm and there were barely any other visitors meaning we got fantastic views. We did the same and got up early to glide across Port Vell in the Gondola which proved great timing as when we made the return trip ques were substantial.
Go to the bar at the top of the Parc del Mirador del Poble-sec Gondala. Honestly the food and drink is incredible, but the real attraction is the view – one of the most beautiful I have ever seen.
Be careful with your money. We had been warned about La Ramblas and pickpocketers and were very vigilant, seemingly with no need to worry. When it got to the end of our trip we decided to take the Gondola and climb up the hill to Monjuic where a group of women using the guise of disability petitioning pickpocketed one hundred euros from Matt. Luckily I noticed and after arguing he managed to get all his money back, however the group of women who were also conned were less lucky.