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As European Union passport holders, my family and I recently had the pleasure of traveling to Barcelona — and it certainly exceeded our expectations.
Barcelona is Spain’s second-largest city after Madrid, and sits on the northeast coast in the region of Catalonia. This stunning Mediterranean city truly encapsulates Europe as a whole. From jaw-dropping architecture to an incredible food scene (and, of course, FC Barcelona), Barcelona truly offers something for everyone.
Without further ado, here is my ultimate Barcelona travel guide that will have you averaging at least 25,000 steps a day.
Day 1: Passeig de Gràcia, Gothic Quarter & The Cathedral
Although my family and I were quite jet-lagged on the first day, FOMO certainly got us up and out the door on day one. We began our day strolling down Passeig de Gràcia, which is essentially Barcelona’s Fifth Avenue. This gorgeous, tree-lined street is home to some of the city’s most famous landmarks and numerous designer stores.
Walking down the avenue, you will first see La Pedrera – Casa Milà to your left. La Pedrera was the last residence designed by Antoni Gaudí, a Spanish architect considered the father of Catalan Modernisme. Then, just a few blocks further down and to the right is Casa Batlló, yet another Gaudí masterpiece. The exterior is covered in blue and green mosaics along with stained-glass designs. Inside, the walls and tiles are a beautiful turquoise hue that purposely makes the space feel like you’re in the sea.
I suggest purchasing tickets for Casa Batlló in advance because the line is no joke.
Afterward, walk down La Rambla until you hit the coast of Port Vell, a bustling seaport harbor. We got paella for lunch and enjoyed the warm sun while eating. Mediterranean winters are so mild that a jacket is really all you need.
We spent the afternoon exploring the Gothic Quarter and Plaça Sant Jaume, which is full of narrow streets of both Gothic and colorful infrastructure. I suggest wandering through some markets and finishing the night off at the stunning Cathedral of Barcelona. With violinists playing nearby and children running around, you feel a sense of calmness and slowness that one only receives in Europe. All these areas are pedestrianized, another great European amenity: the freedom to walk without worrying about traffic.
Day 2: Museu Picasso & La Sagrada Família
We started day two at the Museu Picasso, which houses 4,251 of Pablo Picasso’s works. Having taken AP Art History in high school, I find that a trip to a foreign country isn’t complete without visiting a museum. I was happy to recognize several of his works I had studied previously, and was eager to observe even more.
Then, make your way to one of, if not the, most famous landmarks in Barcelona, the Basílica de La Sagrada Família. Be prepared to strain your neck, because that’s how tall this Catholic church designed by Gaudí is. La Sagrada Família has been under construction for over 140 years, yet it remains accessible to the public.
I highly recommend doing the full tour of the interior and exterior because there is so much symbolic detail and history to take in. Merely going in for a few minutes is not enough; we were here for hours. The sculptures and engravings on the front facade tell the story of Jesus’ birth, while the back facade depicts Jesus’ death. The interior features colorful stained-glass windows and columns representative of trees.
Day 3: Day Trip to Montserrat
On day three, we took a day trip to Montserrat, a mountain range about an hour from Barcelona by train. A tram on an incline then takes you up into the mountains, where there are aerial views surrounding you.
At the top, I recommend visiting Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey, a monastery built right into the cliffside. It’s home to the Black Madonna, which is one of the most important religious figures in Catalonia. The monastery is beautiful throughout, and so are the mountain-top views surrounding the area. The air was cooler and quieter, representing an escape from the city life of Barcelona.
Day 4: Park Güell & Plaça de Catalunya
Park Güell is a fun landmark of colorful parks and gardens. Situated on Turó del Carmel hill, be sure to wear your sneakers and get ready to walk up. Fortunately, the city skyline view that awaits you at the top is worth it. There are so many different areas to explore, but nothing beats the iconic blue-and-white tiled tower at the main entrance. The park is bright and playful, evoking a fairy tale.
Later in the day, we headed to Plaça de Catalunya, a huge open square with fountains and a constant buzz of people. We happened to catch a traditional Catalan performance with acrobatics and folk dancing. Everyone was out and about, and the vibes were unlike any other.
Day 5: Montjuïc
Our last day was spent up at Montjuïc. We started at the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, a remarkable stone-and-marble palace with a dome, accompanied by rows of ascending fountains as you walk up.
It was at this museum that I really understood both the differences and the connections between Barcelona and Catalonia. Catalonia is an autonomous city with its own language and identity, distinct from the rest of Spain and Barcelona. After the museum, walk up and through the gardens, where you’ll find the Montjuïc Castle, ending the day with panoramic views before heading back to the hotel to pack and get ready for the flight home.
Hope this itinerary helps. safe travels!
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