In:DestinationsEuropeSpain

Visit Barcelona, Spain

, By: Marissa

Planning to visit Barcelona, Spain? Ever since I saw Cheetah Girls 2, I knew I needed to bless Barcelona with my presence. I am sure you feel the same way.

barcelona cheetah girls gif

Barcelona was actually the very first place I traveled to in 2015 when I was studying abroad. And I was skkkuurrreeedd AF. I was afraid to leave the hostel at night. Which is fine to be on my A-game but, I shouldn’t have let my fears control my trip. But I did. And I didn’t have much fun. Barcelona became my least favorite trip I ever took during my time in Europe. SO I NEEDED A REDO. The second time back in 2017 was SO FUN. Now that I am a seasoned traveler and wasn’t as scared, it has now become one of my favorite destinations and I recommend it to everyone!

It’s now 2025 and I went back for my third time—this time, for a wedding. I spent 2 days in the city center with my mother before attending the wedding.

Language: Spanish, Catalan 
Currency: Euros

Where to Eat in Barcelona

Sit back and indulge. Stuff your face with tapas. And then top it off with some paella. You’re welcome.

Breakfast in Barcelona

  • Citizen Café: My favorite breakfast place. I FRICKEN love it. The croissant sandwiches, fresh-squeezed juice and the yogurt is all to die for. 2025 addition: I have been to this restaurant every single time I’ve been to Barcelona and let me tell you, it slaps every. single. time.
2017
2025
  • Federal: A cute little breakfast cafe.
  • Villa Bakery – 2025 addition: My mom’s friend sent us here. It was outstanding! My mom said it was one of the best quiches shes every had.
  • Firebug – Brunch
  • Brunch and Cake – to be honest, they had me at cake. – Multiple Locations
  • Cheese and Cake– wait, do I have a thing for places with cake in their name?
  • Eixampeling Brunch Cafe & Bar – The inside is so cute as well as all the food. Instagram worthy

Lunch/ Dinner in Barcelona

Dessert in Barcelona

What to Do in Barcelona

Barcelona is filled with tons of things to see, do and shop. Honestly, one of my favorite things is just wandering around the streets. There are little walkways and streets filled with cute shops and great food. Barcelona is filled with clubs and nightlife but, that isn’t really my cup of tea.

  • Arc de Triomfe: Right as you enter the Park. 
  • Parc Ciutadella: Great place to walk around. Little ponds, fountains and statues all around. 
  • Badalona: If you want to lay out on the beach and not be surrounded by a thousand tourists, I recommend taking a train up the coast a bit to this little beach town. Loved swimming over here.
  • Basilica La Sagrada Familia– Amazing Basilica. Even if you’ve seen a bazillion churches and cathedrals, this is a must see. It is still being built, so don’t be surprised when you see construction workers and cranes everywhere.
  • Casa Batlló– If you are trying to be budget friendly, I would put this as my third must see of Antoni Gaudí’s work. Seeing it from the outside and Google Imaging the inside is fine.
  • Park Güell– This is my top favvvv in Barcelona. You will probably spend an hour or two walking around here.
  • La Rambla– Shopping street. Be aware of your belongings here!
  • La Boqueria– Right off of La Rambla is a huge open air market. I love me an open air market. Ya feel? 
  • Aire Ancient Baths – If you are more in the mo0o0oood for a spa kinda day
  • Bunker del Carmel – Arguably the best views of the city. Read HERE on how to get to the Bunkers the easiest way!
  • Cooking Class – 2025 addition: There is no better way to taste the city than with a cooking class! My mom did the paella and tapas class. She said it was her favorite thing she did the whole trip!

Nightlife in Barcelona

So, I’m not much of a nightlife kinda gal. But I have plenty of friends who are and they go clubbing when they visit Barcelona! Below are their suggestions for a Bueno time in Barcelonaaaaa.

Dancing and Shows

If you are more like me and love dancing and shows I recommend checking out a flamenco show for when you visit Barcelona! Some include dinner and or drinks. Check out this LIST for the top 5 Flamenco shows in Barcelona.

Where to Stay in Barcelona

I would try to stay near the city center, so you can just walk everywhere. My favorite area is the Gothic Quarter. It’s such a cutal location. But, these two locations are more expensive. Obvi. Location, location, location. I listed the places we stayed below.

  • Hostel: I stayed at the 360 Barcelona Arts & Culture Hostel and I LOOOOVED IT. Everything was great. Staff, amenities, activities, kitchen, bathrooms. All good. This place was my very first hostel experience, and it was a superb first hostel experience.
  • Airbnb: I stayed here- Nice Apartment in Central BCN. It wasn’t thaaaaaaat centrally located but, it was cheap. Plus the metro was right around the corner.
  • Hotel Constanza: 2025 addition: I loved everything about this hotel. It was perfect for our stay. Large, AC, centrally located.

Tips for Barcelona, Spain

  • Take the metro.
  • Watch your stuff! Barcelona is known for pickpockets.
  • Don’t be stupid.
  • Switch off between ordering mojitos and sangria. It’s a super hard decision to make but switching off between two fabulous drink choices saves time for eating more paella. Or tapas. Or paella… Shit idk this is another tough decision.
  • Some places close down for siesta in the afternoon, check times online just in case.
  • Remember that places open up late. And if you arrive to dinner at 6ish, you might be the only ones there hahaha.

That concludes my Visit Barcelona, Spain list!! The city is huge and there is plenty to eat, see and do! If you are visiting Madrid as well, check out my Madrid Destination Blog as well. Make sure to check out my Travel Diary about my time in Spain, HERE! I have tons more blogs on other destinations around Europe as well! Enjoy your visit to Barcelona!

Adiossssss

, , , , , , , , , , ,

Related Posts
Barcelona y Escuela
The Neitzel’s 2018 Year in…
Sunny Days in the Netherlands

Translate

gingerandivory is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Contact