I took advantage of my mother-in-law here in Portugal, the kids at school, my husband working and an excellent promotion from Ryanair and bought tickets to explore alone. Barcelona. Since Celo already knew the city and didn't want to go back, I thought it was a good time for me to go and it was simply amazing!
I went on Thursday, 6/6/24, and returned on Monday, 10/06/24, and it was really interesting to do everything at my own pace and be the main focus of the trip. I had traveled alone a few times when I was younger, but since having children, I have only done it once. very short trip last year to Sintra and now this. I had the feeling that “something is missing here”, especially when I was in the restaurants, but I was able to enjoy it a lot and see everything I wanted when I wanted. Li-ber-ting.
Preparation
I decided to do this trip kind of last minute, but I looked online to see what I needed to book in advance and every website I read talked about it. Holy Family and of the Park Guell. When I entered the official website of the Sagrada Familia, I no longer had tickets for my days, so I had to buy them on Get Your Guide for a slightly higher price (33.80 euros vs 26 euros). I bought the ticket for Parc Guell on the official website for 10 euros and then I bought the ticket of transportation released for 96 hours with a discount on the website Hola Barcelona Travel Card (29.97 euros). I got this ticket printed from the machine at the airport metro station, after entering my purchase details. Oh, I also booked the hotel with free cancellation on Booking and the rest was all sorted out there in Barcelona.
Hosting
I found everything in the city to be quite expensive and even considered staying in hostels to save money, but my husband quickly cut my budget. I found hostels for women only, and the most common, hostels with rooms for women only, but I still couldn't convince him. I ended up booking a single room at the hotel. Praktik Garden (8.1 rating on Booking), without breakfast, and I paid around 700 euros for the 4 nights. I thought the hotel was really nice, with a garden decor inside, friendly staff and a tidy room although small, but what I liked most was the location. I loved the neighborhood and the proximity to the Girona metro station and would definitely recommend it to anyone who doesn't need a lot of luxury. The only thing I have to complain about is that the TV in my room was on the ceiling and it was practically impossible to watch it from the bed. Very poorly thought out. The good thing is that I caught up on my reading. 🙂
Some photos:
Summary Itinerary
- Thursday: I arrived in Barcelona around 2pm and took the metro to the hotel. I walked to the Sagrada Familia, took a tour of the church and then went to dinner at El Nacional restaurant.
- Friday: I walked to Illa de la Discòrdia and then took the metro to the famous La Rambla street. I went into La Boqueria Market and then went to Parc de la Ciutadella. At the end of the day, I took the bus to Parc Guell, took the tour there and then had dinner near my hotel.
- Saturday: I walked around the Gothic Quarter, visited the Barcelona Cathedral, then had lunch at a really cool place called Arcano and went to see Barceloneta beach. I took the bus back to the hotel and had dinner nearby.
- Sunday: I took the metro to the Montjuic area and went to the MNAC museum (Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya). I walked along Av Passeig de Gracia at a leisurely pace, popping into several shops, and then had dinner at Ginos.
- Monday: I checked out of the hotel and took the metro to the Palau de la Música Catalana, where I took the tour that I highly recommend! I took the metro and went to the airport and after some delay, I arrived in Lisbon and was met by my 3 loves at the airport.
Map with places visited
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Thursday (06/06/2024)
I took a Ryanair flight late in the morning and arrived in Barcelona around 2pm. Since I had already bought the 96-hour travel voucher and saw that I could take the metro to my hotel, I took the metro, but I think there are also buses that take you to the city centre. I love the metro and it's very well located, so it was easy to change trains until I got to my hotel.
I went straight to check in at my hotel, Praktik Garden, and since it was very hot, I took the opportunity to take a shower, change my clothes and see if the air conditioning was working... lol. I'm glad I checked it right away, because I immediately thought the remote control was strange and went to reception to ask for it to be changed. I had a small, cool room for the entire stay!
Since I had booked the Sagrada Familia tour for later, I decided to spend a leisurely day exploring the streets between the hotel and Barcelona’s most famous attraction on foot. I loved my neighborhood, with its wide streets and sidewalks, lots of trees, blocks of equal size, and buildings with cute balconies. What a beautiful, standardized city! I was enchanted and regretted taking so long to visit one of Europe’s most popular and beloved spots.
I arrived at Holy Family a little before the scheduled tour time, but I was resting in Gaudí Square right in front. It was a sad and funny wait at the same time, because I saw many people doing ridiculous poses to post on IG. I laughed and at the same time I got angry at our reality so focused on image and emptiness. I think the saddest thing for me was seeing young girls with a lot of makeup and adornment posing like mature women, losing that innocent air, you know? All I could think about was Ju and how I hope she doesn't be like that in the future. I'll do everything in my power, that's for sure.
Now back to talking about the church….lol
The Holy Family
Official website – https://sagradafamilia.org/en/
What a strange, confusing and even tacky building on the outside. It's such a mishmash that I was tired of it...lol. Part of the church was still under construction and therefore the view was even more polluted, but I imagine that in 2026 when it's finished it will be more interesting to appreciate. I got in line shortly before the tour time and they let me in. I scanned the QR codes spread throughout the church to learn about it and followed the indicated path. The tour this way is really cool, because you can do it at your own pace and people are spread out throughout the space, so you don't feel suffocated despite there being hundreds of people inside.
A summary of CHATGPT
The Sagrada Familia, located in Barcelona, is one of the most emblematic works of architect Antoni Gaudí and an icon of Catalan modernist architecture. Begun in 1882, construction of this monumental basilica is still ongoing, an ambitious project that reflects Gaudí's devotion and innovative vision. The structure is known for its impressive towers, detailed facades and a interior that evokes the feeling of an enchanted forest, with columns that branch out like trees. Gaudí dedicated a large part of his life to the Sagrada Família, and after his death in 1926, the work continued under the direction of other architects, faithfully following the drawings and plans he left behind.
A fascinating fact is that Gaudí knew he would not live to see his work completed, and so he designed the Sagrada Familia with a long-term vision, using techniques and materials that were innovative for his time. Another interesting fact is that during the Spanish Civil War, many of Gaudí's original models and drawings were destroyed, which represented a huge challenge for subsequent architects. Even so, the Sagrada Familia remains a symbol of faith and perseverance, attracting millions of visitors annually and being recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Furthermore, the basilica is expected to be completed in 2026, coinciding with the centenary of Gaudí's death, which makes the completion of the work even more symbolic.
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I loved the interior with its colorful stained glass windows, which makes you feel like you’re actually in a forest. The height is impressive, as is the amount of detail. I spent a long time there, taking it all in at my leisure. It was definitely worth the visit, even without the possibility of climbing the tower – it was already sold out.
I left there energized and took the subway to the restaurant that a friend recommended, The National. Its entrance is well hidden on Av. Pg de Gracia, but when you enter the building, you are immediately surprised. What a beautiful and pleasant place, guys! A must see in Barcelona, for sure.
As it was starting to get crowded, I went straight to the part of LA TAPERIA where there were empty tables and I immediately secured my place for dinner. I ordered two tapas dishes that were more than enough – shrimp and meatballs – and a cold beer to end this day full of beauty with a flourish.
I walked back to the hotel and took the opportunity to stop at one of the many oriental markets to buy water and snacks for the room. I had a wonderful night of calm and silence in my cool little room. A much-needed – and deserved – rest after so many months of dedication to the little ones.
Day 2 – Friday (06/07/2024)
I woke up in my own time – yay!!! – and got ready for a happy day of sightseeing. I started walking around the streets and stopped at a trendy place – I don’t remember the name and I couldn’t find it on Google Maps right now – for breakfast and that’s where I went in to eat. I ordered a delicious snack and an orange juice and took the opportunity to review what I would see on the day’s attractions.
Island of Discord
I walked to the most talked about block in the city, the Island of Discord, which has three iconic works of Catalan modernism, each designed by different renowned architects. The featured buildings are the Casa Batllo, by Antoni Gaudí; Amatller House, by Josep Puig i Cadafalch; and the Lleó Morera House, by Lluís Domènech i Montaner. The name “Illa de la Discòrdia” (Island of Discord) reflects the stylistic contrast and architectural rivalry between these works, which, despite sharing the same space, present distinct and innovative styles, demonstrating the diversity and creativity of the modernist movement.
The Stone
I admired the houses from the outside, took lots of photos and then headed to another impressive house nearby, La Casa de la Pedrera. Designed by Antoni Gaudí and built between 1906 and 1912, the structure stands out for its undulating shapes and stone façade, which resemble a quarry. The building currently has several inhabited apartments and tourists can pay to go up to its terrace if they want, but I wasn't interested.
La Rambla
I took the subway and went straight to the famous street. The Rambla. After so many warnings from well-known people about the danger of pick pockets in Barcelona, especially on this tourist street, of course I was nervous walking around there, right? Luckily I didn't see anything, nor did I suffer anything, so now of course I regret having been so careful and worried about it, but anyway, it was worth it to be careful...
I LOVED the street! With its wide sidewalk in the middle, full of newspaper vendors, street artists and even restaurants with terraces, I felt really good walking around there. I stopped to take pictures in some places that my Spain Guide mentioned and went to see one of the best markets in the world, the The Boqueria.
Boquería Market
This colorful and hidden market on La Rambla is full of stands selling everything! Juices, fruits, peppers, spices, meats, seafood, eggs, chocolates, hams, etc. There are so many colors, so many smells, so many flavors that you can even feel a little dizzy in there.
I had to walk very slowly to be able to enjoy it and I stopped to have a nice fruit juice while I looked for something to snack on. What captivated me was the stall BOQUERIA BRANCHES (1939) who sold slices of Ham 5J, or “Five Jotas”, which is a high-quality Iberian ham, produced from purebred Iberian pigs fed on acorns in the Jabugo region of Andalusia. Known for its unique flavor and smooth texture, it is considered one of the best hams in the world, with an artisanal curing process that lasts from 24 to 36 months.
I paid a lot for these slices but they were simply delicious!
I walked down the street to the Royal Square, where I stopped at a cafe to buy water and go to the bathroom, and then walked to the Monument to Colom, a statue dedicated to Christopher Columbus that is 60 meters high and stands in an important roundabout in the city.
There I took a bus to the Arc de Triomphe, which was built as the main entrance to the 1888 Barcelona Universal Exhibition and designed by architect Josep Vilaseca i Casanovas. Made of red brick in the neo-Mudejar style, the Arc de Triomf is decorated with sculptures symbolizing agriculture, industry and commerce, representing the city's progress and prosperity.
Ciutadella Park
I walked to the Ciutadella Park, which was opened in 1877, the park occupies the site of an old military citadel and is one of the city's main green spaces. I strolled leisurely along the paths, watched people rowing their boats on the lake and sat inside the Umbracle to read my book in peace and enjoy so many plants gathered around me. Then I entered the Greenhouse with some exhibitions and then I took the V19 bus to the Park Guell because I had booked the tour for the late afternoon of that day.
My idea was to get to the neighborhood early and walk around, but I didn't have time. There's nothing around the park where the bus dropped me off, except for stalls selling snacks and drinks, so I had to have a snack and sit on the ground – why don't they put more benches in that place??? – to finish my book. I had time to finish it and I even started a new one because I had to wait so long…
Park Guell
When it was time for the tour, I went inside and explored the park at my own pace. Also designed by Gaudí, it was built between 1900 and 1914 and is famous for its staircase with the dragon sculpture and the pavilion of the hypostyle hall. I passed by some interesting places, but nothing is cooler than the lower part of the park, where you can sit on a large balcony and enjoy the view of the city. After spending a good amount of time there on the balcony, I went down the famous staircase and walked through the rooms. You can go up to the houses near the gate, but I was so tired that I didn't even go in.
I took the bus to near my hotel and stopped for dinner at FAIRE Tapas & Wine, which was right next door. I ordered a delicious burger and a cold beer at a little table on the balcony to end the day in style. I went back to the hotel, took a shower and read my book until I fell asleep. A wonderful, peaceful day.
Day 3 – Saturday (06/08/2024)
I ate some muffins at the hotel – they don’t have coffee, but they leave coffee, tea and muffins in the common area for anyone who wants to grab them – and went exploring. Gothic Quarter.
Gothic Quarter
What an interesting neighborhood! So many alleys, so many different things to see…
I ended up in Barcelona Cathedral and I was enchanted by the building from the outside. I paid 14 euros to explore the inside and I didn't regret it. Built between the 13th and 15th centuries, it pays homage to Saint Eulalia, the patron saint of Barcelona. It stands out for its imposing towers, colorful stained glass windows and a cloister with gardens and fountains, where 13 geese live in tribute to the saint (which I didn't find). I found its interior impressive and the view from the terrace up there very nice, even with the wind.
I decided to go have lunch at a nice place that I had read good reviews about, ARCANE, and it was a great experience. Cozy atmosphere, excellent service and very tasty food and cava. I missed having Celo there with me, but I was able to enjoy reading a little of my book and observing the people around me.
La Barceloneta
I took a bus to La Barceloneta, a very popular neighborhood in the city. There is the beach of the same name, which I was very curious to visit, but because of the dust from Africa, I couldn't see all of its beauty. I sat for a long time on the sand and listened to the sea and watched the people around me. The water was cold, but warmer than in Portugal, but since the water was very rough and the sky was kind of orange, I confess that I didn't even feel like going in.
I walked along the boardwalk and passed several groups of bachelor parties walking or sitting at the beach restaurants. What a great vibe. I saw a lot of people riding bikes and rollerblading, and some groups playing games. footvolley and doing slackline, that is, an environment very similar to Rio de Janeiro. The difference is that everyone was relaxed and I didn't see any robberies or muggings. Pretty good, right?
I walked to the W Hotel, passed some huge yachts and took a bus back to the area of my hotel, as I wanted to have dinner nearby again. This time I went to a simpler place, the THE TAVERN OF L´EIXAMPLE and ordered a full burrito with red wine. Cheap and tasty, and best of all, I sat at a table on the balcony again. Loved it!
I returned to the hotel and in less than an hour, I was already lying down with my book ready to sleep.
Day 4 – Sunday (06/09/2024)
This time I didn't want to eat the muffins and went to a place near the hotel to have coffee. I chose a super smoothie that was delicious and kept me full for a long time.
Montjuic
I tried to take a bus to the Montjuic area, but after some delay, I decided to give up and take the metro. I loved walking along Av de la Reina Maria Cristina to the MNAC (National Museum of Catalonia).
Located in the National Palace in Montjuïc, this museum has a vast collection spanning a thousand years of art, from the Romanesque period to the 20th century. It stands out for its works of Catalan Romanesque and Modernist art, including pieces by Gaudí and Casas, and is an important cultural center for Catalan art and culture.
Before arriving at the museum, I was able to see the Magic Fountain of Montjuic, famous for its water and light show, but as I had already researched before, it was not working due to water rationing that was happening in the city. What a shame… they say the show is beautiful and I wanted to go back to see it.
I paid 12 euros to enter the museum – see more details here, especially since you can visit for free – and I spent hours admiring the permanent and temporary exhibitions. Only now am I writing this post and accessing the website from the museum I discovered that my ticket gave me access to the terrace with a 360º view of the city and nobody told me that. Shit! I'll try to go back one day without having to pay anything...lol.
I left there very tired after walking almost 10 thousand steps and I still had the idea of walking to a place that I had read could be interesting, called Spanish People. When I arrived at the ticket office and saw that it was quite empty, I reread the information on the website and ended up giving up on going in.
I went to the bus stop to wait for the bus to Montjuic Castle, but after waiting for more than 40 minutes, I gave up waiting and walked to that main avenue that led to the MNAC. There was a big event going on, but I couldn't understand what it was, and no buses were passing through the area. It started to rain heavily and I thought it was a sign to give up walking around there. I took the metro to the Passeig de Gracia area and ended the day browsing the shops, revisiting the Island of Discord and I went to dinner at a very average Italian restaurant that was quite full, Ginos. I didn't die of love...
I returned to the hotel early and got plenty of rest to wake up early the next day.
Day 5 – Monday (10/06/2024)
Last day of this trip… How sad to leave such a spectacular city but how happy to return home to my beloved family. This trip alone showed me how much I love my own company, but how much I love theirs. 🙂
I packed my things, checked out of the hotel and because it was raining heavily, the guy at reception ended up giving me an umbrella as a gift, which was essential for my morning as a tourist in Barcelona.
Palau de la Música Catalana
I walked with my backpack on my back, which is not recommended because of the pickpockets, but I left everything important in my shoulder bag. I took the subway to Palau de la Música Catalana and I paid 22 euros for the guided tour in English.
I found the visit to be very complete, because they started with an explanatory video of the Palau, then the guide took us to explore the building and finally we heard beautiful music played by the organ inside the impressive Concert Hall. I found the place so beautiful, so beautiful that I even made a point of posting it on Instagram in real time, something very rare for me…lol. I highly recommend the visit!!
Just one detail: I researched shows inside the Palau for the dates of my trip so I wouldn't have to pay for the tour, but I only found one interesting one in a room called Petit Palau, which is nothing more than a boring room inside the Palau. If I had bought it so I wouldn't do the tour, it wouldn't have been any use, because I wouldn't have seen the Concert Hall. If you're going to do this, pay attention to the place inside the Palau where the show will be, ok!
I left there very satisfied with the tour and I went straight to catch the subway to the airport to have lunch and escape the rain. I knew I would arrive before the time indicated by Ryanair, but I thought it would be okay because I could have lunch at my leisure. What I didn't know was that for the first time in my life my Ryanair flight would be delayed by more than 2 hours and I would have even more time to spare at the airport. It was excellent for finishing my book, talking to people on WhatsApp and taking stock of this whole experience in my head.
What a privilege, God! Thank you, thank you, thank you. 🙂
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