5. Barcelona Guide

How did it take me so long to make it to Barcelona?!

The majority of my trips to Europe are in the months surrounding summer, and I feel like it was only recently that I had a proper taste of what summer in Europe properly is really like. In 2022, I had a taste of Lisbon right at the end of summer, but that still felt like deep summer, and it made me really want to come back and experience the Mediterranean coast. Instagram posts making summers in Europe a literal aesthetic was something that I was trying to not be sucked into, as I’m also very cautious about traveling during peak seasons as I like to avoid crowds. But a opportunity that brought us to Mannheim, Germany ended up being the perfect opportunity to extend our trip and make it out to a Mediterranean city that has definitely been on my list, but that I haven’t gotten around to yet. Barcelona, Spain!

Spain has always been high on my list of countries to visit because history intrigues me and we all know Spain has a very long and devastating history of colonization that has changed the world dramatically, and this is always something that to me is important to acknowledge when traveling. History is comprised of both the good and the bad. But history is always history and I’m always wanting to keep learning. Especially after my visits to Mexico City and understanding how this city that I love so much has come to be, I’ve become even more curious of its historical relationship to Spain. And so then, we found ourselves in Barcelona for a trip that actually felt far too short, but definitely set in stone the decision to come back to explore more in the future.

The first thing that I noticed was the casual, free-spirited energy that carries you through the city in a way that makes you feel like nothing at all can bother you or interrupt your feeling of slow ease. The sun and the heat makes you speed down your pace. There is no sense of urgency. No sense of commitment to plans. No sense of a normal perception of time. Time, in a way, does not exist as much here. And I really enjoyed that freedom. Now that’s what I call a real vacation.

What I found to be most comforting, was that the only commitment really revolved around a daily midday nap. A requirement to rejuvenate the body from the heat and the sun of midday Barcelona, before jumping into the second or third swing of your day. It’s as if you get two mornings, the second at 5pm and you still have hours left of exploring without a particular plan and can continue doing so far into the night. Tomorrow? What tomorrow! There is only now.

And walking. Well, Barcelona is now high up on my list of favorite cities to walk around in. Stop and have a glass of 3 euro wine and a tapa. Get up and walk some more. There's always something to stumble upon. The oldest bookstore in Barcelona. The oldest cathedral and all of its intricacies and glory. A corner where 3 deep voiced men sing opera songs that melancholically echos through the antiquated streets. A man on a violin just around the other corner. An endless exploration of paella, mussels and tapas to share alongside chilled red wine as we make our way through the streets of Barcelona. There is no such thing as too much pan con tomato here. No such thing as too much socializing. We made many pit stops to balance out all the time the sun would hit our shoulders. A mild sunburn is the best souvenir. And I left this city with a full belly, a full heart, a brain filled with a little bit more knowledge and a better appreciation of what it means to embrace that very European mindset of “working to live” as opposed to “living to work.”

Now, please enjoy this little guide to Barcelona of the places we went to during our trip.

Mandarin Oriental Barcelona

I couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful and convenient location to stay while in Barcelona. We were very lucky to get the chance to spend a few nights of our stay here thanks to our friends at Mandarin Oriental. From our sun drenched balcony at our suite we could look down on all the vibrant movement of the city. Gaudi’s Casa Batlló to the right and we got to pass by its surrealist nature everyday. The Plaça de Catalunya where everyone celebrated Spain winning the Eurocup and we witnessed celebrations in real time to the left. What a time to be in the city. Barcelona doesn’t sleep (though the beds at here really lulls one to sleep so easily).

Playa de La Barceloneta

Even big city beaches can have their charm and vibrancies. The local beach in Barcelona is a simple one, but it is also expsansive and most definitely is full of life. A little something for everyone. The ones who like loud music and partying with an ice cold beer in hand, the ones who just want a nap and a tan, the ones who like to play volleyball, the ones who want to read in the shade, the ones who want to bike ride through to their next destination. I’d love to come back and experience the beach at sunrise or closer to sunset, when the amount of people is much less. I love how much a beach setting can change in an instant throughout the hours of a day. A reflection of all the people in the city who enjoy the water for different reasons.

Casa Batlló and La Pedrera - Casa Milà

When one thinks of Barcelona, it is hard to not think of the artist Antoni Gaudí. He is an iconic fixture that comes to mind in so much of the architecture that you see around the city. His work is completely unique and stands out so much with its curved shapes, ceramics, stained glass windows, and wrought ironwork forging. It’s like something out of a fever dreams, and you can’t help but try to get a little but more inside his mind and his imagination when standing in front one of his great works of architecture. Our hotel was right down the street from Casa Batlló, which was his residence, and just a short walk from Casa Milà, which was the last private residence designed by Gaudí. The amount of tourists was quite overwhelming and we actually didn’t have time to book a time slot to go in because of the lines and making the mistake of not planning ahead of time, but we were definitely able to admire from the outside, and I’ll be planning to go inside the next time I’m back in Barcelona.

Gothic Quarter

Many days, we walked the entire way back to our hotel through the Gothic Quarter, which I could get lost in everyday and be happy admiring the architecture and cafes. I highly recommend this area of Barcelona for those who love history. The area still holds so much of the stories of its past in its cracks and crevices. Much of this part is closed off from car traffic, so you can find yourself exploring so many hidden spots that will leave you feeling curious and surprised. This is the oldest part of Barcelona, with many notable medieval landmarks. So many things stopped me in my tracks and held me for long moments. I recommend getting a nice ice cold helado and get lost in these streets admiring everything around you. The Cathedral of Barcelona is a must see.

Casa Alfonso

This was the first place we stumbled upon as soon as we arrived in the city. It was hard for us to decide where to go for our first meal in the city. There was literally a SEA of options and everything looked so good! I’m always hungry straight off the plane, and I knew that we had to have paella for our first meal. We scoped out a few spots and considered the ones who had the most delicious looking paella, and then we ended up at Casa Alfonso because it also had a very relaxed environment. There was a lot of unfamiliar things on the menu, but our waiter patiently talked us through a few items to share. I definitely recommend this cute little spot in the heart of Barcelona.

Bo de B

This place was recommended by a new friend we met on our Germany trip who just happened to also be spending her whole summer in Barcelona. She said we had to go to this small mom-and-pop sandwich shop because it’s the best sandwich in Barcelona and also very cheap. Sounded like the perfect place for a casual to-go style dinner after spending the afternoon at the beach. We loved the Middle Eastern style sandwich, full of fresh veggies and amazing sauces, and they cook the meat fresh right there, so your sandwich is hot which is the way I like it! The whole thing was full of flavor. The chicken sandwich was sooooo legit. And they can make it spicy if you want. Cash only and only 5 euros a sandwich, which are large enough to each be shared by two people.

Bar Muy Buenas

This old school traditional Catalan restaurant was one of those that stopped us in our track as we walked by. The entrance is eye catching and the interiors so gorgeous. It makes you wonder who dined here back in the early days of a very bohemian and Modernist Barcelona. They have many local wines, and I chose a delicious chilled red to go along with a few tapas we shared. Now I understand why so many artists gathered in these places to discuss their ideas and concepts. An inspiring environment never disappoints the mind.

Mustafa's Can Gemüse Kebap

This one of those places we probably wouldn’t have found if we didn’t pay attention and watched the locals in their natural habitats. We were meandering the streets, a bit hungry and ready for dinner, when we noticed people sprinkled throughout the area, park benches, in passing, heading down the subway steps, chowing down on these amazing looking doner wraps. It looked very appealing. So we basically played the game of follow the doner, and found this place which did not disappoint at all. A very cute, hip spot while still being super casual. The thing is, the food is incredible. It’s exactly what we were craving at the moment. The doner kebab originated in Berlin, a dish of Turkish origin made of meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, and you can taste the real thing right here.

Tosca Tapas y Vino

We walked past this place late night, and decided to come back for a drink the following night. We loved the liveliness and energy this place put out there from across the street with its large windows going around the corner. Peeking inside and seeing so many people having a good time is what brought us in. I love to say that Barcelona is definitely the place where you should follow the energy and you will find exactly what you need.

Els 4Gats

This Art Nouveau-style cafe that originally opened in 1896 is absolutely stunning. Definitely worth it to even stop by for just a coffee or a glass of wine to take in the beauty of the interior. You can see why it was a popular meeting place for famous artists throughout the Modernisme art period back in the day. Pablo Picasso would come here, as well as Gaudí. This is the spot if you want to get a piece of history, love art and want to take in that traditional Catalan cuisine.

Chacinas Reina Cristina

We took the long walk from the beach and back to the center of the city, and this was right at the edge of the beach and where the Gothic Quarter is about to begin. It was such a lovely afternoon, and the shady outside area full of people sitting on high stools and sharing conversation, tapas and drinks was super duper lovely. Highly recommend :)

Mistral

If you are looking for pastries and breads, then come here. This is another place we just stumbled upon, because the window display of baked goods was very, very salivation inducing. So fresh, so chewy, so delicious. I love how a meal in Barcelona can be so many things, and it can definitely be a pastry on the go.

Sitges Beach

We were recommended by more than of few people to take the train less than hour outside of Barcelona to visit the beach town of Sitges. Totally worth the trip. Known as the St. Tropez of Spain and for being the center of a counterculture movement in the 60s, Sitges has so much amazing history. Not to mention, absolutely beautifully quaint streets and colorful beaches. I love the personalities of the balcony lining the streets. Little imperfectly perfect touches of this and that that make up the people who call this place their summer home. It was hot hot hot this day, but we found rejuvenation in a cold local beer in the shady cafes.