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Traveling Abroad: A Weekend in Barcelona

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Shannon Peropat Student Contributor, Fairfield University
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Amanda McKelvey Student Contributor, Fairfield University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Fairfield chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

For students studying abroad, weekends are the perfect time to hop on a flight and explore your surroundings. In only a matter of hours you can be in a new country taking in the sights and culture. It is crazy to think that your morning starts with a 9am class in one country and ends wandering the streets of another. So for those looking for adventure, weekends are the time to do it! Luckily enough Florence is in such a central location that traveling is a breeze. In fact, this past weekend my friends and I packed our bags dreaming of the sunny skies and beaches of Barcelona, Spain.  Here are some places you absolutely cannot miss!

Parc Guell

This park is home to some amazing works by Antoni Gaudi. Although it’s quite a hike up the hill it is well worth it for amazing panoramic views of the entire city! The park is also a nice spot to hang out and enjoy the unique architecture and mosaics. And of course don’t forget to get that classic Instagram photo!

La Sagrada Familia

Next up is this beautiful church right near the center of the city. To make things easier I suggest booking tickets online or you will be waiting for a while. Another masterpiece by Gaudi, this church is as beautiful on the outside as it is on the inside.  This basilica is sure to be unlike anything you have ever seen. 

Las Ramblas

This popular pedestrian road is a hotspot for outdoor markets full of authentic Spanish cuisine. It is a great place to explore and pick up some souvenirs for friends at home. Close by is the gothic area, Port Vell, and the beach!

La Playa

What better way to finish off a weekend getaway then hitting the beach? Even in the later months Barcelona is warm enough that people are still trying to get that last minute tan and swim in the ocean. Head down to the popular Barceloneta area to soak up the sun during the day or to enjoy the lively nightlife later on.  

Happy travels!

Amanda McKelvey is a Co-Campus Correspondent and a senior at Fairfield University. She is a Journalism major with minors in Psychology and Communications. In addition to being a CC she has held internships with Michael Kors, CollegeFashionista.com and the Rockville Centre and Baldwin Heralds. In her free time, Amanda enjoys days on the beaches of Long Island, watching Scandal, Chicago Fire and the Bachelorette, eating anything sweet (chocolate, ice cream, cupcakes—you name it!) and reading a good book. She’s excited to spend her senior year living at Fairfield Beach with her best friends including fellow CC Danielle Tullo! You can follow her on Twitter @theAMANDAshowww or on Instagram @ammckelvey.