4 Days of summer in Barcelona, Spain

Hola! Bonjour! Greetings from our exciting trip to the sunny and lively city of Barcelona! My husband and I, seeking an escape from our everyday routines, decided to venture into this bustling Mediterranean gem in July 2023. Our three-day trip was nothing short of magical as we basked in the sun, delved into the local culture, savoured the exquisite cuisine, and explored the many vibrant facets of this city.

Sagrada Família

**Day 1: Arriving in Style**

Our journey began with a short flight from Marseille, France to Barcelona, Spain. The excitement of stepping into a new city was palpable. The moment we landed, we were greeted by the warm embrace of the Mediterranean sun. The blue sky and the gentle breeze welcomed us to this beautiful coastal city. It is a tourists' paradise! From airport, we took a train (Rodalies) bound for Placa de Catalunya (with a transfer at Barcelona Sants station).

We chose to stay just outside the city to cut our expenses because we booked at the last minute, and Barcelona is known as one of the most expensive cities in Europe. The city sees heavy tourist footfalls during the summer. We booked an Airbnb at La Floresta, which is conveniently connected via the suburban railway. We took a 3-day travel pass (Hola Barcelona Travel card) from the tourist information office at Barcelona airport. Unfortunately, it did not apply to the railway zone where our accommodation was situated, but it did cover the airport connection. Hence, we had to purchase a daily ticket for our journey from La Floresta to Plaça de Catalunya.

Before making our way to the cozy AirBnB accommodation, we wasted no time in hitting the city centre. It is a large square called Placa de Catalunya, from where we took the train to La Floresta. The square buzzed with people singing, dancing, having casual chit-chat, and relishing the Mediterranean air. After a delightful hour in this vibrant atmosphere, we purchased some groceries to cover the next 3 days of breakfast and headed towards our accommodation.

**Day 2: Culture and Culinary Delights**

The day began with a visit to the iconic Sagrada Familia. Gaudi's masterpiece left us awe-inspired and in wonder of its sheer magnificence. Afterward, we wandered through the bustling aisles of Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, also known as La Boqueria. This lively market is a sensory delight, offering a wide array of fresh produce, tempting spices, and delightful local delicacies. We couldn't resist savoring authentic Spanish paella, and an assortment of tantalizing tapas.

After that, we took a bus from Sagrada Familia to Barceloneta, a beach with a long shoreline and full of crowds. Finding a spot to sit was challenging. We went into the water for a while and took a much-needed sunbath. The golden sands and the inviting waves of Barceloneta Beach offered the perfect setting for us to unwind after our travels.

Later that day, we enjoyed dinner at Bar Jai-Ca, a hidden gem known for its tasty food, nice ambiance, and reasonable prices. We tried different types of tapas, including Bravas potatoes, Spanish omelets, anchovies, and croquettes, among others. These dishes paired perfectly with Sangria and Cava.

**Day 3: Lost in the woods**

The next day, to change the beach vibe, we planned to do a bit of hiking on Mount Tibidabo. To get there, we took a funicular railway followed by a bus to reach the amusement park at Tibidabo. There, we enjoyed a panoramic view of Barcelona, including the church of the Sacred Heart. We had a little snack before setting out on our hike back to La Floresta. It was an easy yet long trail; the lush forest surroundings kept us from getting tired. We then headed to the Bogatell beach, a rather less crowded beach which is a bit farther from the main town of Barcelona. The ambiance was filled with the evening glow of street lights, chilled beer, and music.

**Day 4: Roaming and Rambling**

Our final day was all about embracing the spirit of Barcelona through its streets. Las Ramblas, the iconic pedestrian street, beckoned with its energetic ambiance. We strolled down the bustling street, absorbing the lively atmosphere, enjoying street performers, and exploring charming shops. A highlight of the day was experiencing the efficient metro and bus public services, which provided a convenient way to explore the city. We hopped from one attraction to another, capturing the essence of Barcelona and its vibrant culture. Before heading to the airport, we decided to try an Asian restaurant, Dim Sum House at Placa de Catalunya, to diversify our culinary experience, and it turned out to be excellent at a reasonable price.

**Wrap-up and Words of Wisdom**

Our three-day tour through Barcelona was an unforgettable experience. The blend of warm weather, a lively cityscape, breathtaking beaches, and mouthwatering cuisine made it a perfect getaway. We managed our expenses wisely and spent approximately 800 euros for two people for the entire trip, including accommodation, transportation, indulging in the local flavors, and some shopping for clothing.

For fellow travelers looking to explore Barcelona, here are a few nuggets of advice:

1. **Plan and Prioritize**: Barcelona offers a wide range of attractions, but it can be expensive too if you book at the last minute. So, plan your itinerary in advance and prioritize the must-visit places that align with your interests.

2. **Public Transport is Your Friend**: The metro, train, and bus systems in Barcelona are excellent for getting around the city. Consider purchasing a travel card for your entire stay for convenience and cost savings.

3. **Taste the Diversity**: Don't miss out on the culinary wonders of Barcelona. Try a variety of dishes, from paella and tapas to churros and fresh seafood. The food scene is a testament to the city's rich culture.

4. **Embrace the Local Vibe**: Take leisurely walks through the streets, soak up the sun on the beaches, and immerse yourself in the local ambiance. Barcelona's unique character is best experienced by simply being present and absorbing its vibrant energy.