Travel Diaries

7 Days in Barcelona, Spain

After spending, a few days in the beautiful city of Madrid it was time to visit their other famous city: Barcelona. Maybe I should I say country? lol just kidding!!!

I was really excited about visiting Barcelona because many people had always told me I will like Barcelona more than Madrid. So, I was really looking forward to see what this city has to offer. Another reason why I was so excited was because I was going to reunite with my babe and one of my oldest best friend’s actress and singer AKA Mayra Hurley. (don’t forget so visit her website because she is always doing something interesting)

I took a train from Madrid Atocha to Barcelona Saints on the Renfe fast rail train that end up costing me around 100 euros and was about a 3 hours journey. The route is quite nice so I will recommend to get a window seat and enjoy the view. Btw if you end up leaving very early and you didn’t have breakfast don’t worry the train have their own coffee shop and they accept credit card.

During my stay in Barcelona Mayra and I were going to stay at Gabo’s House. He is an old friend of ours who had just moved to Barcelona with his girlfriend Benita and his daughter Pipa (the most adorable and loving dog I have ever met) to study a master’s degree. Both were super friendly with us to open the doors of their home and receive us for a week.

Gabo’s and Benita’s house location is amazing because we were really close to only minutes walking from many places we wanted to visit like La Rambla, La Boqueria, La Plaza de Cataluña, etc.

Only a very few times we grabbed taxis, Uber or Cabify because we were very close to everything. But when we actually need it one we used Cabify. My suggestion is to use Cabify the service is faster, better and cheaper.

I stayed in Barcelona for a week so I have created a quick guide of the places you need to see and some tips to get the best pictures in those places:

Go to the Bunkers- Carmel: the best time to do this is at sunset time. You guys need to prepare yourself for a good hike. Completely worth it because the view is incredibly beautiful. I recommend bringing a bottle of wine / champagne. I remember that day I went with Gabo, Pipa and Mayra, and my cousin Hilany arrived that day to surprise me. She came all the way from Israel to hang out with me for 2 days. Hil going us and she brought a bottle of champagne so it was the best idea to celebrate that day as 4 amigos in Barcelona.
Go to Barcelona: it is an excellent plan to go on an afternoon to enjoy the sunset at the beach, have dinner and then go partying. There are many options of bars and restaurants in this area.
Visit La Sagrada Familia: This is a must, even from the outside. It’s like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower so this you cannot miss visiting La Sagrada Familia. Both outside and inside is really impressive. The best spot for a picture is the back where souvenir shop is and walk into the small park with a lake.
Go to Park Guell: I recommend to go early. The entry is about 10 euros and you can buy it online here. It is definitely worth seeing and exploring since it is super cute and photogenic park. The trick to take a picture like mine in the middle of the entrance sitting on the balcony with your feet on the edge is to do it quickly and without any policeman next to you. Literally after I took my photo many people wanted to do the same and they couldn’t because is all the police come closet after I did it lol. I was the only one that day that could take a picture like that.
Go shopping in La Rambla: if someone ever told you that Spain is the best place to go shopping, they did not lie. In the Rambla you will find all the shops that you can imagine I went crazy in Zara because the price is much cheaper, as well for El Corte Inglés, Sephora, etc.
Go to Girona: the famous and picturesque town of Girona is definitely a must! If you are a fan of the european, medieval and colourful towns, this place will enchant you. Exactly where my photo of the bridge was taken is where they film the second part of the famous Spanish film 3 meters above the sky. I’m sure only Spanish speakers will know this movie, but how about I say Game of Thrones? Yes, here you will find several locations where they film several episodes of this series that actually I have never seen lol. One of my favorite spots was the rooftop of Passeig de la Muralla for the sunset time. Without a doubt the best views and one of the most beautiful sunsets I have seen. This beautiful little town of Girona is only 45 minutes by train from Barcelona and the ticket can cost them as 25 euros round trip. I would recommend going on the first train and leaving on the last train of the night. Of course, for me one day was not enough hahaha because I swear I wanted to stop to every corner and take pics. I still recommend it to go by the day or stay a few days there.
Go to Montserrat: A trip that worths 100% going. Without a doubt one day is enough to spend the day and explore the famous monastery. You can take a train from Barcelona directly to the Monastery itself by taking a tour that includes all the trains, fees, and lunch for around 50 euros that you can book here. This monastery has one of the most spectacular views and architectures. One of my favourite spots without a doubt was to climb the famous monument of stairs that I’m sure you have seen on social media in accounts like @doyuotravel or @gypsealust . BTW this monument is complete close as a cage. However, this did not stop me from taking a photo and breaking rules lol. The secret to take a picture in this monument is to do it in the afternoon hours around 5-6 pm when most of the tourists are leaving and there are less police around. Make sure to do it quickly and climb the net carefully, go down and climb the stairs. Have someone take your picture and quickly get off and leave the monument. Please try not to get arrested lol!
Visit Casa Batllo- Gaudi – undoubtedly one of the most beautiful buildings I have seen in my life. I did not have the opportunity to see the inside, but I pass the outside many times and without a doubt I regretted not doing it.

Where to eat?

Let me tell you if you are not a foodie person Barcelona will make you one. Barcelona has so many great restaurants and delicious places to eat. Some of my favourites were:

Verne: a very good Spanish restaurant. I remember Mayra and me meet one of my best friends from Panama Carolina Rojas who was also visiting Barcelona. We ordered many entrees to share but I will highly recommend the patatas bravas and the bacalao croquettes!!
La Boqueria: definitely a must. Here you will find the typical and famous Spanish market where everything is fresh, homemade and traditional. From fruits, vegetables, to many restaurants with delicious typical Spanish dishes that you must try.
Chok Barcelona: the most delicious chocolate shop in Barcelona. If you are a sweet lover, this place is sure to delight you. They made everything you can imagine with chocolate. Is the chocolate heaven. Super yummy!
Udon: a very delicious Japanese restaurant chain. If you are a lover of noodles, edamame, and gyozas like me, you will love this restaurant.
Santa Burg: one of the best hamburgers spots in Barcelona. As a starter, I will highly recommend the chili con carne (with cheese) is extremely delicious.
Wok: definitely something quick and delicious. I remember having eaten this several times with Mayra on our way to the house after a long night of partying hahaha. I swear is amazing!
The dog is hot: If you want to eat something fast to keep doing your things, whether it’s doing shopping or staying touristy, this place is ideal. They sell all the hot dog combinations you can imagine. Really delicious, fast and cheap.
Konig: Another delicious burger restaurant that you cannot stop trying. Now writing this post I realize why I came back with a couple of extra kilos ajajja. I would recommend you to try the Premium Konig.

Nightlife.. Which are the best bars?

Barcelona is a very fun city where there are a lot of bars and nightclubs. For all those party souls there are a lot of places to go. Some of my recommendations are:

Sauvage Bar: Definitely super fun a place to go dancing. The floor below is even more intense from pole dances to dj’s, electronic, house music, etc. It’s worth visiting!
Stereo 18: One of my favorites. The bartenders are friendly and all very handsome. All the different cocktails I tried were delicious. However, is a more relaxed place to have fun not so much party. Definitely a place to start the party is ideal.
Number 9: As I was told it is relatively new and it is also for a more relaxed environment like a pre-drinks. But definitely a good place to try out.

I hope you have enjoyed my Barcelona guide. I hope my tips and recommendations are useful to you.

Thank you for reading!

Love.

Marcy

Tags: #Barcelona, #barceloneta, #bunkers, #chokbarcelona, #España, #girona, #Konig, #Laboqueria, #Lasagradafamilia, #mayrahurley, #montserrat, #parkguell, #Spain

PHOTOGRAPHED BY:

Mayra Hurley

7 Days in Barcelona, Spain

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