Everything you can do in 3 days!
Barcelona, Spain is such a beautiful city with lots of character. If you love unique architecture, this city is home to some of the most awe-inspiring buildings in the world.
The city of Barcelona sits between mountains and the ocean, with so much to see and only 3 days we had to be deliberate about what we saw in that short time! Sorry that we didn't go to the beach in Barcelona! We were going to Mallorca next so we knew we'd get some beach action there.
I visited Barcelona in August, the heat and humidity was no joke, it must have been around 90ºF. Tip for my girls with thick thighs make sure to use this trick and put deodorant on the part of your thighs that touch. It will prevent what my prima (girl cousin) calls, "Chub rub" when walking in the heat. #ThickThighsSavesLives
Accommodations:
Negresco Princess-
The hotel was about $100/night. It was clean and in the Gothic Quarter. Just a 15 minute walk from major city attractions.
Pros: Good location, clean, robe and slippers included (yaaaasss)
Cons: Although it makes for a cute selfie, the pool was tiny and not appealing
Tip: For short trips, make sure you stay near the attractions you want to see, or at least be close to city transit.
Arts and Culture:
Catedral de Barcelona- (Gothic Cathedral)
Whether you're religious or not, you must visit this cathedral in the gothic quarter, for its intricate details and marvelous architecture. This cathedral was completed in the year 1448. It's absolutely mind-blowing that it's older than anything in the U.S. and it's so beautiful and detailed. There is a garden that sits next to the cathedral which has lush green plants, geese, and intricately carved gold alters.
If you're cheap... I mean, good with money like me! You will love that the entry is FREE between 8 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and after 3:15 p.m. Any other time you make a donation of your choice.
P.S. Be aware that most cathedrals in Spain typically don't allow mid-drifts, strapless tops, and short dresses. Some locations may provide wraps/scarves for you to borrow to cover the girls but be prepared if you're planning on visting.
Not only will your abuelita (granny) be proud that you came here but you will thank yourself too.
Palau de la Música Catalana in Barcelona- (Palace of Music)
You can purchase a guided tour of the palace or you can purchase show tickets and arrive early to admire breathtaking auditorium. Marvel at the stained glass ceiling and the carved columns while you listen to a musical performance.
We saw a classical piano performance for about 20 euro, seeing the stunning intricate interior was well worth the price. This has to be one of my favorite activities we did in Barcelona, make sure you check it out for a sophisticated date night.
Tip: If you get sleepy while listening to live classical music like me, try to imagine a storyline behind the music. So of course I was imagining Disney's Fantasia centaurs and naked little angels floating around them. No, I'm not a weirdo, watch it here and you'll see what I mean.
Sagrada Familia-
Sagrada Familia is the most popular attraction of Barcelona for a REASON. Antoni Gaudí began working on the design and construction in 1883 until his death in 1926. This grand Basilica is still in construction today and is expected to be completed in 2026. There is so much symbolism and story telling on the walls and design of the Basilica, you may want to consider an audio or guided tour. Every inch of this place has been thoughtfully designed and you will not see any Basilica in the world like this one.
You can save time from waiting in lines, by buying your tickets in advance, one or two days prior should be sufficient.
Again, make sure you cover the girls up before arriving and of course don't forget to send your abuelita (granny) a picture while you're here too.
Casa Batlló-
The home was originally built in 1877. Antoni Gaudí was hired to redesign and remodel it in 1904 to the home you see today. Just like his work with the Sagrada Familia, it is an architectural masterpiece and you will find nothing like it outside of Barcelona. Walk through the colorful home and unique rooms each with its own theme.
TIP: We arrived early and waited in line before it opened and were some of the first people in the house. We sped up though the first rooms so that we could be alone for the rest of the tour and take some awesome pictures.
Another tip, just the tip: If you don't feel like paying to see Casa Batlló, across the street there is another home designed by Gaudí, Casa Mila. There is a corner cafe inside called Cafe de la Pedrera. This is the perfect place to have a beer or a coffee and sit in a Gaudí-designed beauty for the cost of your drinks!
Park Guell-
Book your tickets before your visit!!!! When we arrived in the late afternoon and the tickets were sold out for the day. However, there are portions of the park that can be accessed without paying admission including beautiful gardens and various architecual structures that are totally insta-worthy. This place is known to be the perfect mix between art and nature.
Without tickets we were not able to enter the monumental zone which holds the main homes and architecual designs. I repeat, buy your tickets beforehand or arrive in the morning if you wish to tour this park fully.
Picasso Museum- If you're into the artsy stuff then you cannot miss the Picasso Museum. I wonder why Picasso's name is the most well known around the world, when it comes to art? Maybe you will find out when you go here.
The museum was interesting to say the least. There was mixed medium art, portraits, landscapes and even some drawings depicting orgies! Yeah you heard that right, I guess he was quite the ladies man.
So if you're interested in seeing a million dollar butthole you can see it at the Picasso museum. Actually, I am not sure what that drawing would cost but it's probably up there in the most expense butthole drawings in the world. Pictures aren't allowed inside, so I may or may not have a pic. Teehee.
The Best Views of Barcelona:
Castell de Montjuïc-
This 1600's castle sits upon the hills of Barcelona. The castle was used for military defense, it showcases canons and even a moat. The entry was less than 10 euros and you get to enjoy 360º views of the city.
For a good laugh you can copy the canon picture I suggested my boyfriend take. LOL. You will see him a lot since he is my main travel buddy.
Note: You can take the Telefèric de Montjuïc (cable car) up to the castle for additional panoramic views. The castle is near the various jardines (gardens) and you can also take a peek at the 1992 olympic's stadium while you're in the area.
View from museum terrace (left) &
view from Òleum (right)
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (National Museum of Art)-
This post is not about the Museum, which I am sure is great, but about the spectacular views of the city! As you walk up the front steps of the Museum you will see an outdoor terrace cafe. Here you can have a cold beer or light snack while you soak up some sun and watch the fountains or the city go by.
The walk here from Castell de Montjuïc, was 30 minutes. Along the way you will see the 1992 Olympic Stadium and some beautiful gardens (Jardines de Laribal).
Òleum Restaurant-
This restaurant is located within the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya discussed above. You will have to enter the museum and ask the employees how to get to this restaurant. The interior is elegant and the prices reflect that so make sure you look at the menu before deciding this is the spot you want to dine at. We treated ourselves to a lunch here with some white wine and red vermouth on the rocks.
The view at the restaurant is the same as the terrace cafe listed above, the difference is the ambiance, food, and price.
Once we finished with lunch we asked about the rooftop patio that is one flight of stairs above the restaurant. We had the patio all to ourselves for some selfies of course.
Drinks:
One of my coworkers told me about this Chai place and we happened to stumble across it while walking through the Gothic quarter. Even for a 90 degree day, the cafe was a nice cool reprieve. They serve Chai hot or cold and each cup was made to order, don't come here if you are in a hurry. The chai was spicy, made from loose leaf and high quality ingredients. There are no powdered chai mixes here, good ish only! I purchased some to bring home and I cherish it like gold.
Boadas Cocktails- (The oldest cocktail bar in Barcelona)
I had some of the best cocktails of my life at this bar. They are known for their cuban drinks so make sure to ask for recommendations if you're up to it. Opened in the 1930's this bar is still ran by the Boadas family and they have some of the most talented bartenders in the city.
This was a bar that Ernest Hemingway used to frequent and you can even try his drink! I was surprised that his drink was quite sweet and fruity for such a macho man he is portrayed out to be. No shade to Ernie though, it was great!
Come here for exciting tropical cocktails! All the drinks here were flashy, flavorful or on fire (literally). The mood was upbeat on a lively Saturday night and the bartenders were having fun too! (Watch my video below)
Every drink we tried here was delicious and full of flavor! If you love fun vibes, have a good sense of humor, and love delicious cocktails come here. If you're bland, boring, blah, and your name is Bob then stay home. Jk about the Bob part, I was on a role with the B words...
Thanks for reading!
I will end this post with a video of the bartender at Creps al Born sticking his finger in my drink. LOL It's all in good fun when your drink is on fire and you're drunk >.<
-Andrea (published May 26, 2020)
