Our Spanish road trip began in Barcelona, where we spent the first four days exploring the city and its attractions.
Barcelona is known as a vibrant and trendy city that seamlessly combines urban and beach vacation vibes. Architecturally, Barcelona is famous for the stunning and distinctive buildings designed by Antoni Gaudí, which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Barcelona Hotel and the Raval District
We booked accommodation in the Raval district at the relatively new Barceló Raval hotel. When booking the hotel, we only considered its location and reviews, both of which were good. The location seemed convenient, just a few hundred meters from La Rambla main street and within reasonable distance to other downtown attractions.
However, perhaps it would have been wise to research a bit more, as we only found out later that Raval is one of Barcelona’s notorious areas. If you’re not familiar with the area or are an inexperienced traveler, it may not be advisable to stay in the Raval district.
Nevertheless, our experiences with the hotel and the area were good, and we didn’t notice anything particularly concerning. Only one evening, while exploring the dark streets near the hotel, did we feel a bit uneasy, and we quickly hurried back to the busier streets.
The hotel itself was clean and comfortable. Its interior was slightly different from usual, with a round-shaped building and dark, somewhat unusual décor in the common areas, but still new and clean. Breakfast was good, and they offered a gluten-free option, which was a big plus. Upon arrival, we were greeted with glasses of sparkling wine, which was a nice surprise.
The hotel also had a rooftop terrace, accessible even if you’re not staying at the hotel, and we definitely recommend visiting it. The terrace wraps around the building, offering nice panoramic views in every direction.
During the day, the Raval area seemed quite pleasant, with beautiful old narrow streets lined with local cafes, bakeries, and shops. However, in the evenings, the atmosphere changed a bit, as most shops closed their shutters or gates and many were covered in graffiti, diminishing the coziness. Of course, it depends on which areas/streets you walk through; we mostly stayed near the hotel and headed towards La Rambla.
Barcelona itself was incredibly beautiful and had a lot to offer, from great shopping streets to beautiful beaches, parks, and stunning buildings, among others.
Here are a few attractions and experiences that are a must-visit in Barcelona:
Park Güell
This is a place you cannot miss. Park Güell is a beautiful park designed by Antoni Gaudí, filled with unique buildings, statues, and ornaments, such as mosaic houses and Roman columns. Visiting the park feels like stepping into a fairy tale, with new surprises around every corner. The park also features beautiful green areas and gardens.
There’s an entrance fee to the park, which was €10 per person, but definitely worth the money. Note that there is only one small café in the area, with limited seating. We recommend bringing your own snacks, as there’s plenty of space in the park to enjoy them and the beautiful views.
Try Local Food at La Boqueria
Barcelona is known for its delicious food, and the best place to experience local cuisine is La Boqueria, the city’s most famous large market. La Boqueria offers everything from a wide selection of fresh fruits and vegetables to seafood, cheeses, hams, and breads. Here, you can enjoy local food such as tapas, which are available in a wide variety.
La Sagrada Família
A visit to Barcelona is not complete without seeing Sagrada Família. This impressive church is an iconic symbol of Barcelona. Designed by Antoni Gaudí, the construction of Sagrada Família began in 1882 and is still ongoing, making it one of the things the city is known for. Sagrada Família is much larger and more beautiful than one could imagine, so it’s definitely a must-see. The church looks different from different sides, and the new sections stand out from the old, so be sure to walk around both sides! You’ll find a great spot for admiration and photography here.
Enjoy Drinks and Views at the Barceló Raval Rooftop Terrace
As mentioned earlier, Barceló Raval is known for its stunning rooftop terrace. This place offers fantastic views in multiple directions over the city, which you can admire while sipping on a drink. The rooftop terrace is open to everyone, so don’t hesitate to go up.
Explore Beautiful Buildings Casa Battló and Casa Milà
Barcelona is full of beautiful and unique architectural buildings, two of the best being Casa Battló and Casa Milà. Casa Battló is a fairy-tale house filled with colorful mosaic tiles and curved shapes. Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, is famous for its curved roof and iron lace-like facade. Both of these buildings are the work of Antoni Gaudí.
Head to the Beach in La Barceloneta
Barcelona is also known for its beautiful beaches. La Barceloneta is the city’s most popular beach, just a short walk from the city center. Here, you can relax in the sun, enjoy the fresh sea air, or sit in a cozy beach bar and just stroll and enjoy the atmosphere.
Did you know that near Barcelona, there’s the stunning Montserrat, which can be reached both by car and public transport, making it an ideal day trip destination from Barcelona? More on this in the next post.
