Barcelona

Similar to our Venice trip, Eric and I didn't arrive in Barcelona until 11:30pm. The good thing was our hostel for the night was located off of La Rambla street. The down side, our hostel was not the greatest. The room was in a separate building from the main building and the room didn't have any lockers to store our valuable things. Luckily, we only had one night there.

April 20th

In front of Arc de Triomf

Eric and I woke up early in the morning so we could get to the apartment a family friend of his was letting us borrow. When we arrived at the apartment, it was a huge step up from the hostel. We were located a few blocks from the Sagrada Familia, had our own rooms and bathrooms, and the best part was we had a balcony with an awesome view! After getting ready, we started our adventure around the city with the goal of getting to the beach. On our walk to the beach we passed Sant Joan Park, went into Salesians Church, Jetuan Square and Dr. Robert monument in Jetuan Squar. One of the bigger sights we saw was the Arc de Triomf and the Liuis Company's Passage. By continuing on our path we ran into the Ciutadella Park. In the park, we saw the National Zoology Museum, Gaudi's Cascade, and a lake. After walking for an hour, we finally made it to Barceloneta Beach. Eric and I sat along the boardwalk eating our lunch and enjoying the view. Before we left the beach, I made sure I stuck my feet in the Mediterranean Sea.

Feet in the Mediterranean Sea

Once we were done at the beach, we decided to hike up a large hill to get to the 1992 Olympic Stadium. On our way to the hill we saw the Gate of Sana Madrona and the Monument of Colon (Columbus). Eventually we made it to the hill and began our hike. At one point we lost track of the path so we ended up taking a nature path. Once we reached the top of one section we were greeted with a magnificent view of the city. 

View of the city from the hill

Olympic Stadium

After spending some time enjoying the view of the hill, we continued on our mission to find the Olympic Stadium. When we finally reached the stadium we walked around for a little. Even though both of us were tired, we continued our adventure around the city. Some of our other destinations included the National Art Museum of Catalunya, Placa d' Espanya, the Font Magic (Magic Fountain), and the Nou Camp Stadium (where FC Barcelona plays). After spending most of the day on our feet, we made our way back to the apartment to take a break before beginning our evening. Once we were a little rested we walked around the area to find a place to eat dinner. For dinner, I had a strange combination of foods. My dinner consisted of a kebab, a sunny side up egg, and salad. Since the FC Barcelona and Madrid game was on that evening we stayed in the restaurant for a little to watch the game with the locals. The rest of the evening we sat on the balcony eating cake, drinking wine and enjoying our view of the city.


April 21st

My day started with a Fat Tire Bike Tour. I did a tour like this in London and loved it so I wanted to do another one. Before our tour started, I was really excited about riding around Barcelona and for the fun to come. At the beginning of the tour, our tour guide told us if we ring our bell 3 times and people don't move we can run them over. I'm sure he was joking...I think. Our tour started in Sant Jaume Plaza, which is one of the most important squares in Barcelona. Other stops included Rei Square, Palau de la Musica Catalana, Barcelona Cathedral, Parc de la Crutadella, and Placa de Toros Monumental (where bull fights are put on). One of the bigger sights we saw the Sangrada Familia. Here our tour guide told us the church isn't finished. The city would like to have it done by 2026, but most people know that won't happen. Being added to the church is more towers so there will be a total of 18. Gaudi, the man who designed the church, said it would take 200 years to complete Sangrada Familia making the completion year 2092. After spending a few minutes there we rode to our last few stops. The last few stops were Port Olympic and Barceloneta beach. At the beach, we had a break to eat. Another girl and I decided to split a few drinks of delicious sangria. What a great way to spend the day. Enjoying the warm and sunny weather on the beach with some sangria. At 4pm our tour was over and I met up with Eric again.

Fruit stand at Boqueria Market

We went to Boqueria Market to look at all the food vendors. At the market, we enjoyed a fresh bowl of fruit. From the market we walked along La Rambla and the neighboring streets to find somewhere to eat for dinner. Next, we went back to the apartment to relax before dinner. On our way home, we stopped at Torre Agbar. Once we were somewhat rested, we started our walk to downtown for dinner. During our way we sawy Gaudi's Casa Mila La Pedera, Gaudi's Casa Batllo, Casa Amatller and Catalunya Square. That night we ate dinner at the restaurant  Les Quinze Mity in Reial Square. We had to wait an hour to get in, but we had plenty of entertainment in the square. There was a couple ballroom dancing and a woman playing the violin. The man called the Aaron Experience was the best. He juggled up to 5 bowling pins, did tumbling, and balanced kids from the line on his shoulders. Plus, his song he performed to was very catchy. Once we made it into the restaurant, Eric and I ordered Fideua a traditional Catalan dish. 

Fideua

When we finished dinner we decided to walk to the Magic Fountain to see if it was one. Of course after walking 30 minutes, the fountain wasn't on like it should have been. Oh well. The rest of the night was walking around the city. 

April 22nd

Sagrada Familia

Our last full day in Barcelona. Even though part of the day was rainy, we didn't let that stop us. We started our day with the Sagrada Familia. Once we made it in the church we were in aw. The interior was stunning and huge! We spent a while looking at everything in the church before we went to the Gaudi Nature exhibit and museum located below the church.

Afterwards, we walked along the Passeig de Gracica before going to La Rambla Street. Once on La Rambla we went to see Gaudi's Palau Guell house. Park Guell was our next stop for the day.

Hill leading up to Park Guell

Getting to the park was a bit of an adventure. Along with taking the metro we had to hike up hill. Luckily, Barcelona installs random outdoor escalators. In the park, we went to see the terrace and houses designed by Gaudi. 

Main entrance to the park

The rest of our evening consisted of walking through the modern parts of the city, seeing Hospital de la Stant Creu and Sant Pau, Barcelona Cathedral,St. Maria Square, St. Maria de Mar Church, and sitting around Reil Square. Since it was our last night in Barcelona we figured there was no better way then to enjoy sangrias and crema Catalana (a traditional dessert). 

Before we went back to the apartment one last time, we enjoyed the street entertainers on La Rambla and walked past the Sagrada Familia. 

My time in Barcelona was wonderful. I really enjoyed the city and would have to say it is one of my favorite cities I have visited. 

More pictures of my trip can be found here