Barcelona grabbed me by the heart the moment I stepped off the plane.
I still remember that first evening, walking through narrow medieval streets while the setting sun painted Gaudí’s masterpieces in gold.
This city is both authentically historic and wildly bizarre, with romantic alleys in the Gothic Quarter and colorful trails through whimsical parks – and honestly, I’ve never experienced anything quite like it.
I’ve returned to Barcelona four times now, and each visit reveals something new.
Barcelona is a city best enjoyed at a slower pace, and I learned that the hard way during my first trip when I tried cramming everything into three days.
These are my absolute favorite experiences, the ones that made me fall head over heels for this Mediterranean gem.
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Get Your Japan Guide NowStand in Awe at Sagrada Família
There’s no attraction more synonymous with Barcelona than Sagrada Familia, a Gaudí creation that has been in the works for over 140 years.
I’ll be honest with you – I almost skipped going inside during my first visit.
I thought seeing it from the outside was enough, that it was just another overpriced tourist trap.
Then I finally went in on my fourth trip to Barcelona, and I literally gasped.
Despite the tourist crowds, the interior, especially the stain-glassed windows, is simply magnificent.
When sunlight streams through those windows, the entire basilica transforms into a kaleidoscope of colors dancing across stone columns.
With three intricate facades and 18 towers, there’s truly no church like it in the world, with distinctive elements including a lack of right angles anywhere in the design.
My tip: Book your tickets in advance to avoid long queues, and visit during early mornings or late afternoons for a quieter experience.
If you can, splurge for the tower climb – the views over Barcelona are absolutely worth it.
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When I first landed in Tokyo, I thought I was prepared. Spoiler alert: I WASN’T. 😅
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🎯 Grab Your Copy Now!Get Lost in Park Güell’s Wonderland
Located higher than the rest of the city, Park Güell is filled with art by Antoni Gaudí, and the true beauty is in the Monumental Zone.
This place feels like stepping into a fairy tale designed by someone who had the most colorful, wildest dreams.
The quirky colorful mosaics and undulating curves are a signature of the legendary Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi.
I spent an entire afternoon here during my second visit, just sitting on the mosaic bench and watching the city spread out below.
The famous mosaic salamander (locals call it “el drac”) is perfect for photos, but honestly, every corner of this park is Instagram gold.
Pro tip: The free area of the park is just as stunning as the ticketed monumental zone.
Arrive early in the morning or late afternoon when the light is softer and the crowds thin out.
Wear comfortable shoes – the walk up to the park is steep, but you can take a bus if you’re not up for the climb.
Wander Through the Gothic Quarter’s Medieval Magic
Step back in time as you wander through the Gothic Quarter, the heart of old Barcelona, where this labyrinth of narrow streets is filled with history and ancient Roman walls meet medieval buildings.
I could spend days just wandering these cobblestone streets.
Every turn reveals something unexpected – a tiny plaza with musicians playing, a centuries-old cathedral, or a hole-in-the-wall tapas bar that becomes your new favorite spot.
Keep an eye out for hidden gems like the charming Plaça del Pi and the tranquil courtyard of the Cathedral of Barcelona.
My favorite thing to do here is getting deliberately lost.
Turn off Google Maps, put your phone in your pocket, and just wander.
You’ll stumble upon the most amazing discoveries this way.
I found my favorite Barcelona café like this – a tiny place where the owner remembers your order after just one visit.
Visit early morning when delivery trucks navigate the narrow streets and locals grab their morning coffee.
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I wasted THOUSANDS on travel mistakes you can EASILY AVOID. ✨ My book shares every lesson I learned the hard way in Japan—so you can have the smooth, amazing trip you deserve without the stress and extra cost.
Get Your Japan Guide NowCatch Sunset at Bunkers del Carmel
While Carmel Bunkers is no longer a hidden gem, it is still my favorite spot to catch a sunset, and this is one of the few places where the crowds might actually augment the experience.
I’ve watched the sun set from countless viewpoints around the world, but there’s something magical about this one.
You’re sitting on old civil war bunkers with 360-degree views of Barcelona spread beneath you.
As the sun dips toward the Mediterranean, the entire city glows orange and pink.
Everyone around you breaks into spontaneous applause when the sun finally disappears.
Bring a blanket, some wine, and maybe some cheese and crackers.
Get there about an hour before sunset to claim a good spot.
The walk up is steep, but locals and tourists alike make the trek – it’s become this beautiful communal experience.
Fair warning: there are no facilities up here, so plan accordingly.
🗾 I Wrote a Book About My BIGGEST Japan Travel Mistakes!
When I first landed in Tokyo, I thought I was prepared. Spoiler alert: I WASN’T. 😅
💸 I brought a suitcase that was WAY TOO BIG for the tiny hotel rooms and train aisles. I completely missed the last train because I didn’t understand the schedule. I spent HUNDREDS extra on things I could’ve gotten for cheap. Sound familiar?
“Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Japan” is your shortcut to avoiding ALL my stressful mistakes. ✨ Inside, you’ll find practical, NO-NONSENSE tips on etiquette, transport, money, and hidden gems that will save you time, money, and a whole lot of confusion.
🎯 Grab Your Copy Now!Experience Casa Batlló’s Immersive Journey
Casa Batlló is undoubtedly the most iconic choice, and Gaudí’s impressive building located on Passeig de Gràcia is considered one of his masterpieces.
In 2021, the visitor experience was completely renewed, and in 2022, the site was awarded Europe’s Best Immersive Experience.
This isn’t just looking at a building – it’s experiencing Gaudí’s vision through augmented reality.
You put on these special glasses, and suddenly you’re seeing the building come alive around you.
The building features multiple floors with curved spaces, unique windows, colorful mosaics, and imaginative designs that resemble a fantastical world.
The rooftop is my favorite part – those dragon-scale tiles and chimney sculptures look like they belong in a fantasy novel.
I recommend the early morning visit for smaller crowds, and definitely spring for the AR experience.
It transforms your understanding of what Gaudí was trying to create.
Explore Montjuïc Hill’s Treasures
Montjuïc is a hill offering gorgeous views of Barcelona and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, as it offers a wide range of cultural and recreational activities.
I dedicated an entire day to Montjuïc on my last trip, and I still didn’t see everything.
This coastal hill is home to a veritable treasure chest of attractions, including Montjuic Castle, the Olympic Stadium, the Botanical Gardens and the Joan Miro Foundation.
Montjuïc Castle offers the best view of Barcelona, and perched atop the scenic Montjuïc Hill, this historic fortress offers panoramic vistas.
The Montjuic cable car is the most fun way to arrive, as you can enjoy sensational views over the city as you ascend.
I rode the cable car both ways and regretted nothing – it’s touristy but absolutely thrilling.
Don’t miss the Magic Fountain show at night.
Constructed during the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition, these fountains are now one of the most well-known attractions in Barcelona, with a dazzling light, music and water show.
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I wasted THOUSANDS on travel mistakes you can EASILY AVOID. ✨ My book shares every lesson I learned the hard way in Japan—so you can have the smooth, amazing trip you deserve without the stress and extra cost.
Get Your Japan Guide NowIndulge in Tapas Culture
Barcelona transformed how I think about food.
In Barcelona there are a lot of tapas restaurants, and if you like to taste a lot of dishes instead of only one big one, then the world of tapas is exactly what you need.
Forget sitting down for one massive meal – tapas is about variety, sharing, and taking your time.
My favorite approach is bar hopping through El Born or Gràcia neighborhoods.
Order one or two plates at each stop, have a glass of wine or vermouth, then move to the next place.
Barcelona is just as rich in cuisine as it is in culture, and there are no shortage of incredible restaurants to fit any budget.
Some of my go-to dishes: patatas bravas (crispy potatoes with spicy sauce), pan con tomate (tomato bread – sounds simple but it’s addictive), jamón ibérico, and anything with fresh seafood.
Visit local markets like Santa Caterina in the morning to see where restaurants source their ingredients.
The energy, colors, and smells are intoxicating.
Relax at Barceloneta Beach
After days of architectural sightseeing, I always need beach time.
Barceloneta is the most famous city beach, and yes, it gets crowded, but there’s something wonderful about being in a major European city and having the Mediterranean at your doorstep.
I love grabbing a spot in late afternoon when the sun isn’t quite so intense.
The beach has a completely different vibe in the evening – locals playing volleyball, friends sharing bottles of wine, street performers doing their thing.
Walk along the boardwalk and pop into the chiringuitos (beach bars) for fresh grilled seafood and cold beer.
My insider tip: if you want quieter beaches, take the train north to towns like Montgat or Ocata.
Mataro is a quaint seaside town with beaches that aren’t as busy as Barcelona’s, and for a taste of small-town life in Spain, head here.
Just 30 minutes away and you feel like you’ve escaped to a different world.
Visit Palau de la Música Catalana
This stunning concert hall showcases the city’s rich cultural heritage, with intricate details, colourful stained glass windows, and ornate decorations.
I went for a morning guided tour and ended up buying tickets to an evening concert the same day.
Attend a live performance to experience the magic of the Palau de la Música Catalana firsthand.
The building is a masterpiece of Catalan Modernism, and when you sit inside during a performance, watching light filter through that incredible stained-glass ceiling, you understand why people call it one of the most beautiful concert halls in the world.
Even if you’re not into classical music, the tour is worth it.
Book the English tour in advance – they sell out quickly.
If you can catch a performance, even better, but the building itself is the real star.
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I wasted THOUSANDS on travel mistakes you can EASILY AVOID. ✨ My book shares every lesson I learned the hard way in Japan—so you can have the smooth, amazing trip you deserve without the stress and extra cost.
Get Your Japan Guide NowTake a Day Trip to Montserrat
Montserrat Abbey plus organic wine tasting became one of my favorite day trips from Barcelona.
This jagged mountain monastery sits about an hour from the city, and the journey itself is spectacular.
You take a train, then either a cable car or rack railway up the mountain.
The monastery houses the Black Madonna, but for me, the real draw is the landscape.
Those rock formations look otherworldly – like massive fingers reaching toward the sky.
The hiking trails around Montserrat offer incredible views.
Even a short 30-minute walk takes you to viewpoints where you can see all the way to the Pyrenees on clear days.
Combination tickets like the Trans Montserrat or Tot Montserrat include transport from Barcelona, up the mountain via cable car or rack railway, and access to other attractions.
Pack a lunch and make a full day of it.
Stroll Down Las Ramblas (But Know What to Expect)
Walk down La Rambla, the most famous street in all of Barcelona, and the road is pedestrian-only and lined by shops and restaurants.
I’ll level with you – Las Ramblas is touristy, crowded, and you need to watch your belongings like a hawk.
But it’s also iconic Barcelona, and experiencing it at least once is part of the adventure.
My strategy: walk it early morning or late evening when it’s less chaotic.
The street performers are entertaining, the flower stands are beautiful, and it connects several neighborhoods worth exploring.
Las Ramblas is a tree lined pedestrian street known for shopping and local delicacies.
Use it as a starting point to duck into side streets where the real magic happens.
The best parts of Barcelona are always just off Las Ramblas, not on it.
