Barcelona is one of my favorite cities in Europe. It is fun, colorful, and cheap (compared to many places)! We spent two nights and almost two full days in Barcelona over the long Easter weekend (we also stopped along the French Riviera on our way there and back).
Fortunately, I've been to Barcelona before and had already explored much of the city's amazing history (it was a Roman city) and architecture (famous for Gaudi's incredible work and influence). Because of this, I let myself relax a bit and spent much of my time just strolling, eating, and shopping (Barcelona has great shopping)!
We arrived in Barcelona late Friday night and woke up early Saturday morning for a walking tour of the city. After our walking tour, the students dispersed and Anna and I grabbed some lunch and set off on a serious shopping mission. Anna needed jeans and I wanted espadrilles (so cute and cheap there) and a summer hat. After shopping until we dropped, we quickly changed at the hotel and grabbed a cab (cabs are so cheap in Barcelona!) to the Placa Reial for a Flamenco show and tapas. Both are musts in Barcelona. That evening everyone went out to enjoy the famous (and fancy) nightlight of Barcelona.
Sunday morning was Easter, which meant not much was open. So, we took a fun bike tour of the city before heading north to explore Gaudi's Park Güell (make sure to reserve online before going). That afternoon we ducked into a little cafe for an amazing brunch (FYI, cava is the Spanish version of prosecco). We explored a bit more that afternoon before departing. It was a short getaway but it was full of everything I needed -- good food, good shopping, lots of strolling, and colorful pictures!
Obviously, if you haven't been to Barcelona before, there is a lot more to this city than strolling, eating, and shopping. If it's your first time, don't miss the Cathedral, La Sagrada Familia, Las Ramblas, the gorgeous beaches, Picasso Museum, and the Gothic Quarter.
Have you been to Barcelona?
Labels: Barcelona, Europe, my travels, Postcards, Spain, travel
