Your Barcelona Spain Itinerary
For my 29th birthday, I was determined to travel to a destination that I knew had incredible food, an overflow of wine, vibrant nightlife, and a rich tapestry of culture and art, (and fulfill my lifelong Cheetah Girl dreams) that some of my closest friends would also enjoy. So, of course, Barcelona, Spain, was the natural choice! Serendipitously, a friend had planned a destination wedding in this magnificent city, and I couldn't resist joining in on the celebration. We went sight seeing, dancing, touring, and everything in between. Barcelona is such a beautiful city and it’s one that I recommend everyone to travel to at least once in their lives.
So, join me as I take you through my Barcelona trip, sharing my trip highlights, and make sure to save my top recommendations and sample itinerary so you can plan your own trip!
watch my barcelona days 1-3 Recap on Instagram here
watch my barcelona days 4-6 Recap on Instagram here
Food
Barcelona's cuisine is a perfect fusion of Catalan, Spanish, and Mediterranean flavors. It’s vibrant and diverse, with a mix of traditional eateries, avant-garde restaurants, and bustling markets like La Boqueria, where you can explore and taste an array of fresh produce, meats, and seafood. You can truly find something delicious here, but a few of my favorites include:
1. Tapas: Small dishes perfect for sharing, featuring a variety of flavors and ingredients. From classic patatas bravas (fried potatoes with spicy tomato sauce) to croquettes, these bites are popular in Barcelona's bars and restaurants.
2. Seafood: Given its coastal location, seafood plays a significant role. Paella (my absolute fave), a saffron-infused rice dish typically cooked with seafood, is a must-try. Other seafood delicacies like grilled octopus (my 2nd fave), squid, and fresh fish are abundant.
3. Bread and Tomato (Pa amb tomàquet): A simple yet delicious dish of bread rubbed with ripe tomatoes and drizzled with olive oil and salt, often served as an accompaniment. This was so delicious and I don’t know how to quite explain it, but these may be the most tomatoey tomatoes I’ve ever eaten.
4. Churros: Plain or dipped in chocolate (though I prefer the Latin american cinnamon sugar churro).
5. Wines: Catalonia is known for its wines, especially cava (Spanish sparkling wine) and red wines from regions like Priorat and Penedès. You have to have a glass, or a few when you visit!
Montserrat Day Tour and Oller Del MAS Wine Tour
Montserrat
This day trip was truly one of the highlights of the trip! We booked weeks in advance through trip advisor, and made sure to closely follow instructions so we could get the best out of the trip, and get there on time!
Montserrat is a mountain range located near Barcelona, Spain, and it's famous for its Benedictine abbey, Santa Maria de Montserrat. This is also the location of the monastery houses where the revered statue of the “Virgin of Montserrat”, often referred to as the “Black Madonna” or “Black Virgin Mary” is located!
The Black Madonna is a dark-skinned statue of the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus. Its origins are shrouded in legend and history, and its dark complexion has led to various interpretations and symbolic significance. The statue is a significant religious and cultural symbol for many, drawing pilgrims and visitors from around the world.
The monastery also hosts the Escolania de Montserrat, one of the oldest boys' choirs in Europe, renowned for its performances of religious music. During the school year sounds of the choir singing echo through this town.
The views were breath taking! I loved learning about Montserrat and its beautiful, rich history and culture.
Tips:
Wear comforable walking shoes
Get a light lunch/light bites while you’re there, especially their infamous bread
Go to the museum! We were able to see so many original and early Picassos, Monet’s, and so much more.
Go into the Basillica, take a few pictures then out away your phone. Take it all in.
Oller Del Mas
After the tour and exploration of Montserrat, we made our way down the mountain to the Oller del Mas Estate winery and vineyard! Oller del Mas is celebrated for its production of high-quality wines, particularly reds made from traditional Catalan grape varieties. To know me is to know that I’m such a lover of wine, so any time I can experience and learn about it's origin/production, etc, I’m there with my ears (and mouth) wide open.
The estate itself is set against the backdrop of Montserrat's stunning landscape, and dirng this tour, we were able to partake in a wine tour and tasting where we explored the vineyards, learned about the winemaking process, and sampled a variety of wines along with a food pairing.
I’d say the coolest things was touring the medieval castle on its grounds! This added such a historical charm to the wine-tasting experience. If you’re a lover of wine and history, this is the experience for you. The combination of picturesque scenery, cultural heritage, and excellent wines makes Oller del Mas a day trip, and adds another layer to your Spain experience.
Tips:
Tour the castle
Wear comfy shoes
Ask questions
Do not get the vegetarian tasting option if you don’t need to - experience those delicious cured meats!
Purchase a bottle when you leave!
Enjoy the wine hour after the tour, talk to people, mingle!
Art
beach day in badalona
In any country, if there’s a beach and the weather’s right, it’s a must! I live for lazy beach days with mojitos and piña coladas flowing, dips in the water, bathing in the sun, games, sun gazing; the list goes on! My friend and I went to the beach day 4, and wanted to find an area that wasn’t too populated, where we could relax, but still have good access to food and drinks if needed. After asking around, we landed on the beach near the small town of Badalona! We took a taxi that was about 20 minutes outside the city, and it became one of the most relaxing days! One thing our Barcelona beach day has taught me is that it’s truly a lifestyle. It’s a way of life for the people who live there. It’s a place for families to hangout, a place to relax after work, a mid-day nap, and truly unwind. We learned a lot with this trip, so here’re a few things to note.
Tips:
Take a Taxi in via Free Now
If you decide to take the train, be on time and purchase tickets in advance.
Purchase a umbrella and beach towel at a nearby shop, there are no rental spots
Go in the morning or afternoon after siesta
Get a spot on the beach next to a bar/small restaurant that you van walk up to for refills
You may see Tatas, optional if you want to join in!
Wear sun screen
The “sand” are actually little rocks that were imported in. Don’t sit bare-assed for too long, it’ll hurt later on.
Architecture
Barcelona's architectural landscape is a living canvas, blending the past, present, and future with a melange of styles that continue to captivate and inspire visitors from around the world. It was incredible to see the buildings and areas that have literally stood the test of times! Some things to know about BCN’s architectural landscape:
1. Gothic Quarter: Stepping into the heart of Barcelona unveils the medieval charm of the Gothic Quarter. Narrow, winding streets open up to grand plazas like the Plaça del Rei, flanked by Gothic marvels such as the Barcelona Cathedral, a stunning example of Catalan Gothic architecture. (Alot of the museums we frequented were here!)
2. Modernisme: A movement synonymous with Barcelona, Modernisme celebrates artistic freedom and innovation. The iconic architect Antoni Gaudí left an unparalleled legacy with masterpieces like the Sagrada Família, a basilica that defies conventional architectural norms with its organic forms and intricate details. Park Güell, a whimsical public park, and Casa Batlló (a MUST VISIT), an enchanting residential building, stand as testaments to Gaudí's genius.
3. Eixample District: (Where we stayed!) The expansion of Barcelona in the 19th and 20th centuries birthed the Eixample district, characterized by the grid-like layout and the Modernista buildings that dot its streets. Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, another Gaudí gem, showcases undulating stone facades and rooftop sculptures, while Casa Lleó Morera and Casa Amatller add to the architectural mosaic with their unique styles.
Reccomendations + sample itinerary
Planning a trip can be really daunting, especially in an unfamiliar country! Feel free to screenshot our itinerary below for when you’re ready to plan your own trip, and if you have any questions, comment below and I’ll be happy to help!
