Barcelona, Spain
All words and photos by MYRIAH SAULNIER
Spain began as a far-fetched idea based on a flight deal that was sent to me via email…and it became one of the most memorable places I’ve ever experienced, awakening my soul in ways I never knew I needed. The country was a place of healing and relaxation for me; who I was in Spain is who I now aspire to be every day. You’ll understand its power to erase stress and worry, replacing it with laughter and peace, only when you visit.
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We were about a month away from flying to Paris for 8 days and the thought of hopping countries was exhilarating, even if a little last-minute. Of course, it was just a fun game of “what if” in the beginning, but once I started researching more about Barcelona Spain, my heart started to sway toward making it a real possibility. How could I ignore such frequent and desirable descriptions such as “tapas,” “wine country,” “beaches,” and “dancing” - some of my favourite things in the world in one dreamy place?
I pretended for a bit to be a serious and responsible adult…but the travel bug had flared up and I knew that the email I received with the deal was not a coincidence but a not-to-be-missed opportunity. Besides, as seasoned travellers know, it is much easier (not to mention cheaper) to hop between countries in Europe, rather than flying home first to Canada just to make the 7 plus hour flight out there once again.
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So we giddily booked our flights and started planning a second half of our now 3-week France-Spain trip in June. We were elated.
A view of a gorgeous side street, from within the popular Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, located on Las Ramblas in Barcelona.
Barcelona
You can’t go to Spain without visiting the cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, known especially for its nightlife, art and architecture. Here are five ways to spend five days in beautiful Barcelona.
1. Stroll, People-Watch, Shop, Nibble and Sip on Las Ramblas
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We stayed in a hotel less than a five minute walk from Las Ramblas, Barcelona's most famous street, tree-lined and packed with tourists, locals, street vendors and performers – the best spot to take in and be a part of the local Spanish culture. Take at least a day to walk down the street checking out all of the vendors, musicians and performers, and have a drink in one of the many, slightly over-priced pop-up restaurants lining Las Ramblas for unlimited people-watching. The opera, museums and theatres can all be found on the street, along with a couple of busy squares just off of it (follow the crowds), which offer even more outdoor cafes and boutiques. One square not to be missed is the popular Placa Reial, lined with patios and fully equipped with Gaudi street lamps, hanging palm trees and a large fountain in the middle.
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Somewhere near the middle of Las Ramblas is La Boqueria Market – also known as The Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria - which has become a major tourist landmark due to its diverse number of goods sold from what is probably close to 50-60 vendors.
TOP LEFT: Barcelona's most famous street, Las Ramblas, in June. TOP MIDDLE: Musicians perform in a square located just off of Las Ramblas. TOP RIGHT: Enjoying some wine and tapas in the busy Placa Reial. BOTTOM LEFT: People watching in one of the many pop-up restaurants on Las Ramblas. BOTTOM MIDDLE: The Boqueria Market entrance, easy to spot with the crowds gathering in front. BOTTOM LEFT: Some goods found in the market.
2. Use the Hop On-Hop Off Bus to Visit The Diverse Neighbourhoods
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At one end of Las Ramblas, you will find a gorgeous marina
which will have numerous hop-on hop-off buses available along
with any tourist information you might need (and bathrooms!).
Tour around the marina and visit some of Barcelona’s street art
or pass on the pedestrian bridge to the other end which holds a
giant mall full of international and local favourites.
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I have always enjoyed taking a hop-on, hop-off bus to get to
know a giant city I am visiting. It brings you to the tourist spots
you want to see while telling you the history or background of
each stop, but is also a convenient way to get around for a day,
or a weekend if they offer weekend passes.
The stops you will most definitely want to get out on include:
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1. Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic), the place for medieval architecture,
the cathedral and history
2. El Born, known especially for its booming nightlife and trendy
boutiques
3. Barceloneta for the best tapas and beaches
4. Montjuïc which is full of parks and gardens, and the popular
attraction, Poble Espanyol (the spanish village).
5. Las Ramblas, for all the reasons mentioned above
PHOTO RIGHT: One of the many picturesque parts of Poble Espanyol (the spanish village).
3. Take a Self-Guided Tapas and Wine Tour in Barceloneta, Known for some of the very best Tapas in the country!
PHOTO: Barceloneta marina, photo taken from the pedestrian bridge that joins the giant mall and the end of Las Ramblas.
Barceloneta is the old fisherman’s district, but is also where the locals go for the best tapas in the city. These are the top restaurants to visit (and what to order there):
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1. La Bombeta: This is the place to fall in love with the “bomba”, the most famous dish of this restaurant, as stated in the painted motto behind the bar (which also mentions they don’t speak English, and don’t care if you do!). It is a rather small and authentic tapas bar full of patrons who are seen more as “family” than “regulars” and will always be worth waiting in line for – though we managed to sneak in at the right moment, both times we went! Also, order the sangria.
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2. El Vaso de Oro: Everyone crams into this tiny space to stand (sometimes sit) and eat at the bar where you can point to what you would like to eat and watch as they prepare your food. They are known for their “fountain of beer” and anything you order is great. We especially enjoyed the patatas bravas and pimientos del padrón.
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3. La Cova Fumada: Reservations are recommended as this authentic tapas restaurant is always full of patrons ordering the fresh fish (herring, octopus, shrimp, etc) the bombas, which were supposedly invented by them. As they say in Spain, “it’s not a real tapas restaurant if bombas aren’t on the menu!”
For those new to tapas: the trick is to only order 1-2 dishes in each restaurant to share, so you have room for tasting other delights in more tapas bars throughout the evening. Order carafes of wine to share too, or sangria as most places boast a homemade recipe!
4. Wander through the beaches and marina of Barceloneta to experience the communal after-dinner atmosphere
After you’ve tasted, talked and toured around Barceloneta, enjoy an evening walk on the 5-kilometres of beaches in the area or through the marina where all the pop-up vendors congregate throughout the day and into the evening. You are sure to find affordable, somewhat unique souvenirs here for every member of your family.
The people of Barcelona usually come out around 8 p.m. (after dinner) and crowd around the marina’s square where Spanish music plays from an old-school boombox and people are tangled up in each other's arms, dancing under the palms and giant bubbles floating above their heads. Locals and tourists converse and enjoy the evening together; singing, laughing, chatting and generally just enjoying each other’s company. It’s a very uplifting, communal atmosphere. I really felt like I was a local during this magical moment.
PHOTO RIGHT: A typical evening of giant bubbles, laughter and dancing in the Barceloneta marina
5. Find yourself becoming a true fan of art, in the city that both Picasso and Gaudi found inspiration
Gaudi’s quirky Park Güell was a personal favourite, as it was one of his biggest projects that could be explored by foot for over an hour, with a handy map showcasing the history and story behind each building or statue made. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and was once his house. Buy your tickets ahead of time.
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More buildings by Gaudi not to miss include the most famous La Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera, Casa Batlló, Palau Güell, and more. It is highly recommended to buy a skip-the-line pass for these attractions, which can be found online, as it is only a few extra bucks that could save you hours of waiting to get in. Hey, you're not the only fan of Gaudi visiting from around the world.
The Picasso Museum is a great spot for fans to see the artist's early masterpieces, as the museum shows off over 3,800 works by him, with great emphasis on his close relationship with the city of his adolescence. If you're especially interested in seeing more of Picasso's influence on Barcelona, there are daily walking tours available which lead you through the painter's old neighbourhood and his favourite haunts; basically following in his footsteps.
PHOTO TOP: La Sagrada Familia
PHOTO LEFT: Park Güell