Barcelona
Sun, Sangria, and All the Stunning Architecture
Barcelona has been on my travel wishlist for so long, so when my husband Zak was asked to officiate his best friend’s wedding there in June, I couldn’t have been more excited. From dreamy architecture to tapas-filled nights, I was ready to live out my ultimate Euro summer dreams in one of Spain’s most vibrant cities!
Wedding Bells & Boarding Passes
Spain has been on my bucket list forever, so when one of Zak’s best friends announced their wedding would be in Barcelona, I didn’t even hesitate - bags were practically packed before the invite arrived. I dove headfirst into planning, saving every TikTok recommendation I could find. The wedding took place in a breathtaking villa in the charming village of Olivella, just a short drive from Barcelona - talk about a dream setting!
A Wedding Weekend in Olivella
We spent an entire week in Spain, with the first three days dedicated to wedding festivities. The couple rented an enormous villa that accommodated up to 20 people - it was like an episode of Real Housewives, but with less drama and more paella. Despite it being June, the misty, rainy weather added a touch of cinematic romance - plus, isn’t rain on a wedding day supposed to be lucky? The big day itself was a whirlwind of endless laughs, bottomless wine, and a a big dancing area in the part of the villa that we called 'the dungeon.' No explanation needed. We partied like we were 21 again… until reality hit the next morning (spoiler: we are absolutely not 21 anymore).
Recovering in Barcelona & Exploring the City
Then came the hangover. And when I say hangover, I mean the hangover of the century. After our unforgettable night of partying, I had planned a full itinerary for the rest of our Barcelona trip. We checked out of the villa and moved into a hotel in the heart of Barcelona. Thinking a little “hair of the dog” might help, we made our way to a rooftop bar overlooking a beautiful cathedral - because nothing says "recovery" like another cocktail.
Throughout the week, we visited iconic sites like La Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, Passeig de Gràcia, La Boqueria Market, and Park Güell. We also indulged in some serious shopping, bar hopping, and ate our weight in tapas (zero regrets).
But Barcelona is more than just its famous landmarks - it’s the little moments that make it unforgettable. Strolling through the Gothic Quarter, we stumbled upon hidden courtyards and tiny, hole-in-the-wall restaurants serving the best patatas bravas we’d ever had. The beaches were just as lively as the city, with crystal-clear water, and locals playing beach volleyball like they were training for the Olympics. Every sunset felt like a painting, best enjoyed with a glass of cava in hand.
The Unfortunate Surprise
As the week went on, I started feeling more and more under the weather. At first, I blamed it on the whole “aging = longer hangovers” thing. There were moments when I had to retreat to the hotel to nap while Zak galavanted through the streets of Barcelona like a scene from a rom-com. Eventually, I realized it wasn’t just exhaustion - I had COVID. And where did I get it from you ask? That wild wedding night, of course. So, technically, the wedding did leave me breathless, just not in the way I expected.
A Trip Worth Repeating
Despite the unexpected illness, Barcelona was an incredible experience. The city is vibrant, full of energy, and has so much more for me to explore. I’d love to return and truly redeem myself after spending most of this trip battling COVID. Next time, I plan to fully immerse myself in everything this amazing city has to offer without the unwanted souvenir!
Now that you've heard my Barcelona story, keep reading for my top tips and recommendations!
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) for great weather and fewer crowds.
Location: The Gothic Quarter (historic charm), Eixample (modern & central), or Gràcia (local vibe) are great choices depending on your vibe.
Getting Around: Barcelona is super walkable, but the metro is cheap and efficient. Avoid taxis if you can - they can be pricey.
Watch for Pickpockets: Barcelona is known for them, especially in Las Ramblas and on public transport!
Book Attractions in Advance: Popular spots like Sagrada Familia and Park Güell sell out fast, so get tickets online before your trip.
Eat Like a Local: Have lunch around 2 PM and dinner after 9 PM. Tapas, paella (by the coast), and vermouth are must-tries!
Accommodations
Gran Hotel Barcino - This hotel is a well-located, 4-star hotel in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, perfect for exploring Barcelona’s historic charm. It’s just a short walk to Las Ramblas, the Cathedral, and Plaça Sant Jaume, with plenty of tapas bars and boutiques nearby. The rooms are modern, comfortable, and soundproofed - ideal for a restful stay in a lively area. And the gelato shop across the street was the cherry on top!
Must-Visit Attractions & Experiences
Sagrada Familia - Gaudí’s masterpiece and Barcelona’s most iconic landmark (book tickets in advance!).
Park Güell - A colorful park with stunning city views and Gaudí’s signature designs.
La Boqueria Market - A bustling food market with fresh produce, tapas, and local specialties.
Barceloneta Beach – Relax, walk the promenade, or enjoy fresh seafood by the coast.
Casa Batlló & Casa Milà (La Pedrera) - Stunning modernist buildings by Gaudí in the Eixample district.
Bunkers del Carmel - A hilltop viewpoint with 360° views of Barcelona, perfect for sunset.
Cultural & Historical Sites
Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) - A maze of medieval streets, charming plazas, and historic buildings.
Barcelona Cathedral - A Gothic cathedral in the heart of the old city.
Palau de la Música Catalana - A breathtaking concert hall and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Arc de Triomf - A grand, red-brick archway leading to a scenic promenade.
Ciutadella Park - A beautiful green space with a lake, fountains, and the Catalan Parliament building.
Fun & Unique Experiences
Paella Cooking Class at The Paella Club - One of my favorite things we did in Barcelona. A hands-on experience where you learn to make authentic paella with expert chefs! Highly recommend!
Shopping at Passeig de Gràcia - A luxury shopping street home to high-end brands, designer boutiques
Sunset Sailing Tour - Enjoy breathtaking views of the Barcelona skyline while cruising the Mediterranean.
Restaurants & Food Picks
Barcelona is known for bold flavors, fresh seafood, and high-quality local ingredients! Must-try dishes include paella, bomba (potato croquettes), pan con tomate, and fresh seafood straight from the Mediterranean.
Breakfast & Brunch
Egg Lab - Eggs in every style, from classic benedicts to creative breakfast dishes.
Milk Bar Bistro - Known for its “Recovery Brunch” with pancakes, eggs, and fresh juices.
The Benedict - Eggs benedict and hearty breakfast options.
Dinner & Tapas
Sensi Bistro - A stylish, intimate spot that has creative tapas with a modern twist.
Casa Lolea - Famous for its house-made sangria.
Bar Savage - A trendy bar and restaurant with bold flavors and natural wines
El Nacional - A beautiful multi-restaurant space showcasing the best of Spanish cuisine in a grand setting.
Cocktails & Nightlife
Dr. Stravinsky - A cocktail bar with expertly crafted, experimental drinks.
Eclipse Lounge (W Hotel) - A sleek rooftop bar with stunning city and beach views.
Carpe Diem (CDLC) - A beachfront lounge transitioning from dinner to a vibrant nightlife spot.
Opium - One of Barcelona’s most famous nightclubs, offering international DJs and a high-energy atmosphere.
Paradiso - A hidden speakeasy ranked among the world’s best bars, offering creative and artistic cocktails.
Day Trip to Montserrat Monastery & Mountain
Montserrat is just an hour from Barcelona and totally worth the trip - stunning views, a legendary monastery, and even some local cheese and honey to snack on. We spent a day here and were so glad we did - 10/10, would hike, pray, and eat again!
How to Get There:
Guided Tour - Many day tours include transport, monastery visits, and optional hikes. We did a guided tour that we booked through Airbnb!
Train and Cable Car - Take the R5 train from Plaça Espanya to Aeri de Montserrat, then the cable car up.
Train and Rack Railway - Take the R5 train to Monistrol de Montserrat, then the rack railway to the top.
Highlights:
Montserrat Monastery - Home to the famous Black Madonna, a revered religious statue.
Santa Cova Chapel - A peaceful pilgrimage site where the Black Madonna was discovered.
Sant Joan Funicular - Take this steep cable car for incredible panoramic views.
Hiking Trails - Scenic trails with stunning mountain landscapes.
Local Market - Try honey, cheese, and herbal liqueurs made by local monks and farmers.
