Travel Journal: Barcelona
BARCELONA BABY.
A place so great that Ed Sheeran, George Ezra AND D-Block Europe all wrote a song about it.
The home to one of Europe’s biggest football stadiums and biggest teams… not to mention you could catch Shakira bellydancing her way around the Gothic Quarter with Piqué. And oh my Christ, I don’t know about you, but after the Super Bowl, my Shakira obsession was doused with petrol and furiously reignited. “Whenever, Wherever”, wonders will never cease… the song and the spectacular green-screened music video complete me.
BUT ANYWAY, getting side-tracked – Barcelona! The perfect place for a girls/guys trip, weekend break, family holiday or romantic getaway. It ticks all of the boxes.
Although I’d been to Barcelona once before with my family, when I went back for a second time with friends it still felt like there was plenty left to do and see.
So, without further ado, here’s a quick run down of what we ate, drank and got up to, starting with some highlights and lowlights:
The Highlights:
- The food! If you’re struggling to narrow down you’re options (because there are SO MANY amazing options), check out some of my recommendations below. There are some absolutely fabulous foodie spots, you’ve just got to know where to look! Avoid any restaurants in popular tourist spots like La Rambla. Not only do most of them have pictures of their food on the menu,*blood-curdling scream*, but they will also charge you out of business and into liquidation. Seriously, abort mission with food in any of the busy tourist spots.
- The sights! There are SO many amazing sights to see, and they’re not just 2 minute wonders either. Barcelona’s architecture is truly unreal and a feast for the eyes. I’ve listed my favourites further down!
- The weather during the Summer is usually en pointe, ranging from 20-30 degrees C with a few days of rain. Plus, you get that slight breeze because it’s coastal; so there’s non of that unbearable, sticky heat going on that often results in frizz disasters and clingy t-shirts, which is a bonus.
- The nightlife. SO FUN. SO SO FUN. if you go with friends and want to go out in the evenings, you’re spoilt for choice. I’ve linked a few ideas below. Also, just a heads up, keep an eye on your wallet/phone when you do go out. Speaking from experience, things do vanish from your pockets in Barca if you’re not careful, so just be aware!
The Lowlights:
- Leading on from my last point – watch your stuff! Sad, but it’s true. Although things can get nicked anywhere, Barcelona still seems to have a noticeable problem with this. But in all seriousness, if you’re careful enough and aware of your belongings, you have nothing to worry about! However, if you’re a few sangrias in, don’t go putting loose cash or cards in your pockets… trust me, they may just disappear.
- The beach… I mean, you don’t really go to Barca for the beach, but it really is a bit of a sh*thole. Although the boardwalk is fun during the day, with lots of great shops and restaurants, I wouldn’t put a “beach day” at the top of your list of things to do whilst visiting. If you don’t mind holiday reps badgering you every 5 minutes to buy their exclusive “VIP CANAGE CLUBBING PASS” for €50, or men trying to sell you tie dye, elephant-printed wall tapestries that you’d find in a 2nd years uni room, I’d probably avoid Barceloneta Beach. However, if you do fancy a bit of sunbathing by the sea, take a taxi to Playa de Bogatell or Platja de la Mar Bella. They’re much quieter, with far more space and nicer places to sit – unlike at Barceloneta Beach, where you will all resort to sitting cross-legged on one towel amongst a sea of people doing the exact same thing.
WHAT TO SEE:
- La Sagrada Familia is AN ABSOLUTE MUST. Advice: Buy tickets in advance so that you can skip the queue – trust me on this!
- Park Güell. Go for a walk around the park and then go and catch the sunset at Bunker Del Carmel. Take up some food and beers and you’ll be set for the evening.
- Go to a gig at Palau de la Música Catalana. It not only pulls in some amazing musicians, but the hall is a spectacle in itself.
- Casa Battló, also known as the House of Bones, is one of Gaudí’s many masterpieces. I was obsessed – deffo worth the hype. I actually preferred it to Casa Milá (which is also very cool), but if you’re torn between the two because of budgeting, i’d recommend going for Casa Battló.
- Camp Nou – Go for a tour around the infamous football ground, or even catch a game if you can!
- Magic Fountain of Montjuïc – The light show is usually on between 8-9pm. So worth the hype! However, do double check timings, as they do change in peak holiday months!
WHERE TO EAT:
- Flax & Kale – Feel like you need a health quick after a big night out, or just fancy a nice brunch? This is the place. This vegan-friendly spot provides the goods at a pretty decent price! Head up to the rooftop for the best seats + views. $$
- Enigma – Use the secret code from your reservation to get into this mysterious place. It may burn a hole in your pocket, but the 40-to-50-course tasting menu is famous for a reason. So if you fancy cashing out, head over to this Michelin starred restaurant! $$$$
- Bar Pinotxo – An amazing tapas counter opposite the market (which is also amazing and so worth a visit). $$
- Don Kilo – A fab Pizzeria near Diagonal Avenue. $$
- Sushifresh – Sushi for DAYS. This place is great value for money, super fresh, AND, if you fancy a night in, you can order a takeaway.
WHERE TO GO OUT:
- La Terrazza – Av. Francesc Ferrer i Guárdia 13
- Jamboree – Plaça Reial
- Disco City Hall – Rambla de Catalunya
- Razzmatazz – Carrer dels Almogávers
- Moog – Carrer de l’Arc del Teatre
- Opium – Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta
- Sidecar – Plaça Reial
- Otto Zutz Club – Carrer de Lincoln
WHERE TO STAY:
Where I’ve stayed:
Hotel Dö – AMAZING location. This boutique hotel was a great find, with lovely rooms and a rooftop bar and pool for the hotter days when you just want to chill out.
Airbnb: I did this with my mates and had a corker of a time. Most apartments are a reasonable price, even in peak months. So just pick yourself a good location and you’re set! Check out the Gothic Quarter, Sarriá, El Raval and Dreta de l-Eixample.
Other highly recommended spots to stay:
- Ohla Barcelona (if you don’t stay hear, at least head up to the rooftop for a drink – such an amazing view!)
- Hotel Miramar Barcelona
- Soho House Barcelona
- The Barcelona EDITION
- Casa Garcia Hostel
And BOOM, that’s a wrap.
Ta,
xoxo
The Atomic Blonde
The Atomic Blonde
