“Spain is the working-class country that somehow makes you feel rich — in food, history, and friendliness.”

💬 First Impressions

Sagrada de Familia-Spanish translation- “always under construction”

First, I love Spain. It’s the working-class country that has nice people, good food, deep history (remember — I love old stuff), and an easy, friendly vibe, if i was a country, I would be Spain.

Barcelona had always been on my shortlist, and when Covid finally faded, the city didn’t just wake up — it roared back to life. Bravado, art, food — all in technicolor.

We stayed in the Gothic District, and after walking the city, it was the best choice for us. Close to everything, felt safe, and surrounded by centuries of stories. Sure, there’s some homelessness like in most big cities, but nothing that ever felt unsafe.

We weren’t there during football season, but as a lifelong soccer fan, seeing Camp Nou (home of FC Barcelona) was still a thrill. The tours were closed, but just standing outside that massive cathedral of football was worth it. And as Arnold says… “I’ll be back.”

Barcelona is BIG. Skip the walking tour and go straight for an e-bike tour (details below). It gets you to hidden corners you’d never reach on foot and gives you an overview of what to revisit later. We also did a walking food tour, which was great for the neighborhood vibe — but for the full city, the e-bikes win.

🏨 Where We Stayed

We found a perfect spot on the edge of the Gothic District — K+K Hotel Picasso, in El Born. Clean rooms, friendly staff, great breakfast, and you can walk just about everywhere.

There are tons of options, but for central location and easy exploring, Gothic District is hard to beat.

I dont know what this cool arch is, but it has a nice park behind it

🎨 Fun Stuff to Do

Barcelona’s cultural energy is off the charts, it goes to 11 — you could fill a week and still miss half of it.

E-Bike Tour → My favorite experience of the trip. Emphasis on the “E”. We saw a ton of the city, including some killer viewpoints. One bike battery died mid-ride (it happens), but the guide swapped it fast and kept things moving. Highly recommend for first-time visitors. Big fun.

There is no graceful way to drink from a Porron.

Barcelona Tapas and Wine Experience Small-Group Walking Tour** → A total highlight. Fried sardines from Dixie cups, mystery tapas, and learning how to drink wine from a porrón (think medieval wine funnel). Chaotic, authentic, and way too fun.

Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC) → My top pick. Incredible collection, killer views, and free Saturdays after 3 PM (open ’til 6). Great vibe, not too crowded. Definitely top-20 for me, and I’ve seen the Louvre.

Sagrada Família → It’s impossible to miss, and impossible to fully describe. i went inside, if i went back, I wouldnt pay to go in, its cool, but long lines, not cheap ticket and honestly, i think the outside is enough for me. that being said, Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece is equal parts genius and fever dream. Even if you skip the interior, walk around the outside — it’s architectural insanity in the best way.

Park Güell → A colorful maze of mosaics, curves, and lizards. You feel like you’ve stepped into Dr. Seuss meets Catalonia. Id give this a 6, it is cool, but the line was long and unless you are a Gaudi fanboy, think twice. The tour is good though(link above)

Picasso Museum (El Born District) → Trace Picasso’s early evolution from sketches to brilliance. It’s a must-see for any art nerd (guilty). Yeah, do this one. I loved it, admittedly, Ima a fanboy.

Camp Nou → A mecca for football fans. Even from the outside, it’s iconic. Tours were closed during our visit, but it still gave me chills. Viva BARCA!!!!

La Rambla→We walked La Rambla — fun once, but mostly tourist shirts and keychains. To me, no big deal.

Souvenir's and Shopping alternative**→ For something authentic, hit the local weekend flea markets scattered across the city. That’s where you’ll find antiques, art, and genuine local souvenirs — not “I ❤️ Barca” magnets.

🍴 The Bite Test

Food in Barcelona is an adventure at times, high in taste and play value.

Sardine from a dixie cup-tastes like chicken

🥐 Breakfast / Coffee

So- given the stay up late culture, these are mostly brunch and pastry shops. Sweet breakfast is a tradition here. This is a short list, look around, if you see something fun, do it.

Funky Baker→ Great sweets and interesting take on traditional main stuff. Worth a brunch

Dolceria De La Colmena→ Not diet food. Truly amazing, fresh pastries, sweets etc. You can find many places like this, this one just happened to be in my neighborhood and for that, I’m grateful.

🥪 Lunch

El Xampanyet → Ohhhh- this one is good. Its authentic, locals love it, super good- thank me later.

Els Quatre Gats → Famous café from the Modernista period and one of Picasso’s old haunts. Go for the coffee and dessert, or eat big- BUT-IMHO- the food is only ok, and overpriced, Go for the atmosphere. Service? Eh. Vibe? Perfect.

🍝 Dinner

We ate around town, snacked a lot-mostly neighborhood spots, and never had a bad meal— though nothing beat Bitácora for personality.

Bitacora →Doesnt look like anything special, but it is. Authentic, simple foods done really well. This one is no secret- but believe the hype.

El Xampanyet → Great for dinner too,,,(see above)

🍺 Drinks

Wine everywhere, beer cheap, and gin-tonics served in fishbowls. Find a terrace, order a drink, and let the night unspool. You cant miss.

🌙 Snacks & Treats

Street churros. Fried sardines in paper cups. Fresh margaritas delivered beachside.
Calories? Irrelevant. Happiness? High.

🚋 The Getting-Around Bit

Barcelona rewards walking — bring your best shoes. It ain’t easy-the hills are real, take the e-bike tour and thank yourself later. We uber’d into the gothic district and walked for 4 days- lots of shin splints and sore ankles. Other than whining-no issues.

Public transport is solid, taxis easy, but if you’re staying central (Gothic or El Born), you’ll mostly walk.

💎 Hidden Gems – My Favs

Barcelona Tapas and Wine Experience Small-Group Walking Tour → Chaotic, delicious, unforgettable.

Els Quatre Gats → Not for the food — for the feeling. Sit, look around, and imagine the conversations that happened there a century ago.

Flea Markets** → Skip the tourist traps, find local treasures.

Overrated (but still worth a look):
Sagrada Família → Yes, it’s iconic, but for me it felt a bit Disney does church. Long lines, expensive tickets. I’d admire it from the street with a coffee and save the euros for tapas.

See the full Barcelona gallery here!

Barcelona-Sardines in a Cup