Europe
Exploring Barcelona: Exploring Catalonia's lively capital
Ema Bakalova
May 27, 2023
Url copied!
Barcelona was the first stop on our trip around Spain. After catching a red-eye flight, we were exhausted and looking for somewhere to grab lunch and a coffee. We chose to travel to Barcelona because of the city's rich culture and iconic architecture. Barcelona is also centerally located, providing convenient access to nearby destinations like Madrid, Mallorca, and Bilbao (just to name a few), all just a few hours away.
Overcoming the jetlag
In the heart of Barcelona, conveniently near our hotel, we stumbled upon a place to eat where we enjoyed a coffee and some food. Following an overnight flight, I've found that the most effective approach is to stay active and spend as much time outdoors, resisting the temptation to sleep.
Coffee first, always
Exploring new cafes has become an integral part of my travel adventures.
It is the first thing I think about when the plane lands, and it becomes a personal quest that I embark on whenever I'm traveling. There's something that I love so much about discovering local cafes tucked away in unfamiliar corners, offering different foods, pastries and drinks, and it provides an initial glimpse into the local culture and nearby neighborhoods.
The first day is meant for exploring
The first day of any trip is typically my "let's explore and familiarize myself with the city" type of day. It's usually a bit unstructured, with no concrete plans other than finding a good coffee spot, grabbing some food, doing groceries and trying to get a feel for my new surroundings.
We stayed in a hotel in the city center, just a few minutes walking distance from La Rambla, Barcelona's most famous promenade, and that's where we headed for our first walk. It was very busy, but the streets were lined with trees, street performers, flower stalls, and cafes - it was beautiful. The highlight of the walk down La Rambla was the opportunity to explore the charming narrow side streets that branch off from the main strip. While looking at the historic buildings with their beautiful 19th-century facades, intricate detailing and ornate balconies you find yourself accidentally running into open plazas and squares, each with its own unique charm and character.
Although our preference typically leans toward Airbnb accommodations, at the time of booking there wasn't a single option available in the entire city. This increased the cost of our trip since instead of having a kitchen, buying groceries and making home-cooked meals, we had to dine out everyday.
Running into Casa Batlló
Casa Batlló is one of Antoni Gaudí's masterpieces in Barcelona. It's just a 10 minute walk from La Rambla, easy to get to, and close to the city center—no complicated plans needed. In fact, you're likely to come across the building while exploring the city without a specific plan. Its organic, skeletal façade is filled with colorful mosaics and intricate wrought-iron balconies. It stands out from the neighboring buildings with its undulating façade that makes it look as though it's alive.
Casa Batlló has a hidden secret: the design of the building follows an underwater theme. The exterior is said to resemble the scales of a dragon, and the vibrant colors and undulating shapes within the building mimic the movement and colours of the sea. Gaudí, inspired by nature, often incorporated elements from the environment into his designs, giving Casa Batlló an artistic and organic connection to the underwater world that many may not notice at first glance.
Ways to see Barcelona
Like in many European cities, the best way to experience Barcelona is by foot. There is no vehicle that can take you through the narrow streets and tight corners better than your own two feet. If you want to cover a larger part of the city at a faster pace, I would recommend paying €30 for a day pass or €40 for a two day pass on Barcelona's hop-on, hop-off bus.
We alternated between walking and using the city bus to reach places that were farther away. You can hop on either the red line or the blue line, which will transport you either north or southbound in the city. We opted for a two-day pass, which allowed us to complete the blue loop on one day and the red loop on the next, effectively covering most of the city. You can get on and off the bus wherever you want, which makes it a very flexible and convenient sight-seeing strategy. You can buy the bus tickets directly inside the busses themselves.
Street-scape
Transitioning from La Rambla to the streets of the Gothic quarter makes you feel like you're stepping back in time. The small streets of Barcelona are nothing short of amazing. Narrow cobblestone streets wind their way through historic and labyrinthine-like neighborhoods.
These winding, narrow passages have an irresistible charm, guiding you through alleys in the Gothic Quarter or the El Raval neighborhood. Many of the old buildings are tilted in one way or another, leaning towards each other creating a canopy overhead. There are hidden plazas, quiet cafes, artisan boutiques and all kinds of intimate spaces tucked away in unexpected corners of the streets. You could easily explore the city center without a plan, and I assure you, it won't disappoint.
Is it just me or do cappuccinos feel like a fancier way to enjoy your coffee on holiday?
Brunch at Cremat Lounge
Nowadays, our breakfast routine often involves drinking a couple of coffees before transitioning into brunch mode around 11 or 12. We stumbled upon a charming spot close to our hotel, where we ate almost every day. The inside was pretty, and they offered outdoor seating that was incredibly charming.
Exploring Plaça Reial
After brunch, we headed to Plaça Reial, which is lined with cafes, restaurants, and tapas bars with inviting terraces. Plaça Reial is a beloved public square in the heart of Barcelona, nestled within the Gothic Quarter. The palm trees within the plaza add a distinctive personality to the space and introduce greenery to what would otherwise be a stone-filled square. The trees cast beautiful shadows on the ground, contributing to an interplay of light and darkness that dances across the stone pavement.
The square was commissioned by King Ferdinand VII in the 19th century, and the architecture reflects the neoclassical style prevalent during that era, with its symmetrical layout and uniform facades. The purpose of this design was to create a harmonious and grand space for public gatherings, social events, and civic activities. The original purpose of this space remains relevant and lively even today.
Barcelona Cathedral
Walking deeper into the Gothic Quarter, you'll encounter a variety of impressive architectural wonders. One of my favourite was the Barcelona Cathedral, a stunning example of Catalan Gothic architecture with its intricate façade and serene cloisters. The plaza in front of the cathedral is just large enough for you to be able to step back and capture the entire building in one photo.
Through this blog, I hope to inspire you to seek out unique traveling opportunities, spark your love for travel and discover beautiful architecture. If you liked this article, sign up to get notified whenever a new post gets published!
