Barcelona

I’ve been to Spain before, but only to the south and Madrid, so I was really excited to finally visit Barcelona on our 12 day European trip. It was our first stop, followed by Budapest and then Prague. From the moment we arrived, the city felt full of color, flavor, and energy. Every neighborhood has its own vibe, and it didn’t take long to see why people fall in love with this place.

We stayed in the Eixample district, which ended up being the perfect home base. It’s central and easy to get around, with most attractions about a 15 to 30 minute walk from our hotel. The longest walk we took was to Plaça Espanya, just over 50 minutes away.

The weather was cool and comfortable during the day but dropped fast at night, especially after standing for hours in Plaça Espanya waiting for midnight. The New Year’s Eve crowd was surprisingly manageable and nothing like Paris, which was easily the worst New Year’s Eve experience I’ve had. That night, we spent time chatting with locals and learning about their lives and work. I don’t speak much Spanish, and some locals struggled with English too, so Google Translate was the real MVP. At one point, a gentleman even used it to offer me drugs, which I politely declined.

With Uber completely out of the question on New Year’s Eve, we walked back to the hotel after the celebrations and made it in a little before 2 a.m., completely exhausted. Even though Ohio State was playing in a bowl game that night, we didn’t have it in us to stay up and watch. It ended up being the only day of the entire trip that we slept until noon.

Over the next few days, we explored Barcelona almost entirely on foot. Walking through the city was something I genuinely looked forward to, especially being able to admire the architecture up close and notice the small details that make each neighborhood feel different. Barcelona is incredibly walkable, and wandering its streets ended up being one of the highlights of the trip. It’s the kind of city that makes you want to come back before you’ve even left.

📍 Places I Visited

Airbnb Experience:
- Sagrada Família: Gaudí’s greatest work and Barcelona’s crown jewel. The details are incredible, from the spires to the stained glass glowing inside. The only way we were able to secure tickets to go inside was by purchasing them through an Airbnb Experience.
- Gothic Quarter: Wander through narrow alleys and quiet courtyards that feel frozen in time. Visit the Barcelona Cathedral and Royal Square.
- Barcelona Cathedral: A stunning Gothic landmark that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. It sits at the heart of a lively plaza where locals and visitors gather, adding energy and charm to the historic setting.
- Park Güell: A colorful dream on a hill. The mosaics, curved benches, and whimsical design make it feel like a fantasy world. Don’t miss the view over the city, it’s one of the best in Barcelona.
- La Rambla & La Boqueria Market: Barcelona’s liveliest street. Walk it once just for the energy, but we were told by many locals not to buy anything from the market, as it’s considered a tourist trap.
- El Born District: Trendy yet historic. Small boutiques, tapas bars, and a creative vibe fill every street. Visit the Picasso Museum and the beautiful Santa Maria del Mar church.
- Montjuïc Hill: Climb or drive up for sweeping city and sea views. Explore Montjuïc Castle and the National Art Museum of Catalonia, then stay for the Magic Fountain show, where lights and water create a stunning display.
Casa Batlló & Casa Milà: Gaudí at his most creative. Both buildings sit on Passeig de Gràcia, and each one feels alive in its own way. Casa Batlló glows with color, while Casa Milà looks like it was sculpted by the wind. Purchase tickets in advance if you plan to walk through the museums (LINK).
Arc de Triomf: A bright red brick gateway that feels equal parts historic and playful, leading you straight into some of Barcelona’s best wandering spots.
Ciutadella Park: A calm green escape in the middle of the city, perfect for slow walks, boat rides, and that iconic fountain that always steals the show.
The Kissing Mural: A giant mosaic made from thousands of photos, transforming an ordinary wall into one of the city’s most romantic spots. However, in my opinion, it’s a bit underwhelming. I wouldn’t go out of your way to see it, but it’s worth a quick stop if you’re already in the area.
Garcia Neighborhood: Charms with its narrow streets, lively plazas, and a local vibe that feels like a small village within Barcelona.
Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi: A stunning Gothic church in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, known for its massive stained-glass windows and impressive architecture. We had the chance to sit through a mesmerizing live choir performance that filled the basilica with luminous sound and a light show.
Camp Nou: A must for football fans. The stadium was under construction during our visit, so we could only see it from the museum, but it was still impressive. Even non-fans can’t help but feel the city’s passion for the game (LINK).

🏨 Where I Stayed

Sercotel Caspe (Eixample): 3.9/5 ⭐️
- The location of this hotel was absolutely perfect. It was about a 15-minute walk to La Sagrada Família, even closer to the Arc de Triomf, and roughly 25 minutes to Las Ramblas and the El Born district. The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, and the bed was comfortable after long days of exploring the city. The shower’s hot water was incredibly soothing and exactly what was needed after a long day of walking. The only real drawback was that the hotel felt a bit run down. This was most noticeable in the bathroom, where hard water marks in the tub showed signs of wear and age. Overall, the location and staff made it a solid stay, but the property could definitely use some updates.

📝 Travel Tips

Watch Your Belongings: Pickpocketing is very real in Barcelona, especially in busy areas like Las Ramblas, the metro, and around major attractions. Keep bags zipped, wear backpacks on your front in crowds, and avoid keeping valuables in your pockets. And definitely keep an eye on your phone, it can be snatched right out of your hand if you’re not paying attention.
Dress in Layers: Even if daytime temperatures are mild, evenings can get chilly, especially near the coast. A warm coat, scarf, and gloves will make sightseeing much more comfortable.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: Barcelona is very walkable, but between cobblestone streets and long days exploring, good shoes are a must.
Book Attractions Ahead of Time: Popular spots like La Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Gaudí houses sell out quickly. Buying tickets in advance will save you time and stress.
Check Opening Hours: Some attractions, shops, and restaurants may have reduced hours during winter, especially around holidays.
Expect Lines at Major Sights: Even with tickets, security lines can be long. Arrive early when possible.
Plan Around Meal Times: Lunch and dinner tend to run later than in many countries. Restaurants may not open for dinner until 8 p.m. or later.
Stay Central if You Can: Neighborhoods like Eixample, El Born, and Gràcia make it easy to explore without long commutes.
Hydrate and Take Breaks: Especially in colder months, the chill can sneak up on you. Step into cafés or indoor spots to warm up and recharge.
Mind Local Etiquette: A little Spanish or Catalan goes a long way, and greeting shopkeepers is always appreciated.

🏰 Antoni Gaudi

You might know Barcelona because of La Sagrada Família, the city’s most famous and unforgettable landmark. Antoni Gaudí is the mind behind it, and seeing the cathedral in person makes it clear why his work defines the city. What’s surprising is that during his lifetime, many people actually laughed at his ideas. His designs were seen as strange and impractical, and the beauty in them wasn’t always understood. Gaudí believed architecture should be lived in, not just admired, and he even tried to turn some of his creations into real estate projects where people could fully experience his vision.

Park Güell is a perfect example of that ambition. It was originally planned as a housing development, but the project failed and only two homes were ever built. Eventually, the city transformed the space into the public park it is today. Now, Gaudí’s influence is everywhere, from the flowing curves of Casa Milà and the colorful, almost fairytale-like exterior of Casa Batlló to Casa Vicens, one of his earliest works. Walking through Barcelona today, it’s hard to believe his work was ever doubted.