10/15/2021
Chase and I took a flight from Seville to Barcelona that was a little under 2 hours. We originally were going to take a train but the one that we had booked, over booked us. And the only train available was going to be a 9 hour trip (the previous one was 6 hours). On top of that, the longer train was going to be more expensive than flying. I would check to see the prices of flights and trains and compare them, because flights in Europe tend to be cheaper than flying in the United States.
I also pre booked a taxi service to pick us up from the airport and take us to where we were staying. I used Sun Transfers and used them throughout our trip for all of our transfers to and from the airport/hotel if we weren’t using Uber. I loved our experience– easy to use, professional drivers, and the driver will greet you after you leave the terminal so you don’t have to worry about finding them. You can also choose between different cars depending on comfort,luxury, and space.
My sister-in-law, Cassidy and her boyfriend, Ollie live in Barcelona, so Chase and I were very lucky that they let us stay with them. It made our experience and our time in Barcelona more special and memorable.
Depending on your destination, will determine what mode of transportation will be best. We used taxis more just because it was easier and quicker. But the metro system was clean and easy to use. We also walked our fair share but definitely walked less here than in Seville and Madrid.
It’s important to note that Uber is not used in Barcelona, only taxis.
Luckily we Cassidy and Ollie to show us around Barcelona so we didn’t plan too much ahead of time. Here is a list of what we did:
- La sagrada Familia— If you only have time to do a couple of things I would add this to the top of your list. The architecture on the outside of the basilica is very unique and beautiful. But the inside of the basilica and the way the light hits the stained glass windows is something that I’ve never seen before–it’s truly remarkable.
- Your ticket comes with access to listen to a tour guide on the La Sagrada Familia app and I recommend listening to it (it’s about an hour long).
- Park Guell— A beautiful park with unique architectural elements.
- Make sure to wear comfy shoes.
- If you’re visiting during the summer, wear light clothing and try to go in the early morning or later in the day when it’s cooler.
- Ciutadella Park
- Beach day at Playa del Bogatell— It’s my sister-in-law’s favorite beach because it’s less crowded and cleaner.
- Get there early to rent a beach chair and umbrella
- Casa batllo— appreciated its beauty from the outside. You can purchase tickets to go inside but it’s not worth it from what I’ve heard. Unless you have an unhealthy love for Gaudí’s work.
- Walk around the Gothic quarter— Probably my favorite part of Barcelona.
- Picasso Museum— I was very excited for this and it lived up to my expectations.
- Search for any exhibitions that are going on while you visit. We came across a Toulouse-lautrec and Chagall exhibit while we were walking around the Gothic quarter. And they were very cheap.
- Day trip to Girona— It’s about a 30 minute train from Barcelona. It’s known for its medieval architecture and quaint streets. But most recently known for being one of the filming locations of Game of Thrones.
We went to some great restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops that Cassidy and Ollie suggested and I wish I wrote down the names. Here a few that I remember:
- Santagustina— Located in the gothic quarter. Good food and ambience
- El Nacional— A cool space with multiple restaurants and bars. Great for getting drinks and winding down after a long day or for a midday break.
- Surf House Barcelona— Cute and trendy cafe on the boardwalk. It’s vegan and vegetarian friendly. The food was delicious and fresh and I had the best matcha green tea latte I’ve ever drank.
- El Cercle— Come here for the terrace. We didn’t eat but we enjoyed a few too many cocktails and the ambiance.
- Most restaurants start serving dinner at 8 PM but locals don’t show up until 9/10 PM.
- During the summer, the sun sets around 930 PM.
- The best picture you can take of Sagrada Familia is from Gaudí Park
- Buy tickets for top attractions in advance.
- Uber is not used in Barcelona
- Like most popular cities be aware of pickpocketing, especially in touristy areas
- Most businesses give you an option to pay in Euros or USD when paying by card.
