One word, Gaudi.

After having visited Barcelona, I now think of it in terms of a single man, Antoni Gaudi. Before visiting some of his more famous buildings, I knew nothing about him and didn’t recognize how often I see references to his work in my everyday life. Architecture buff or not, his distinctive design style has a quality to it that everyone can find something to be interested in.

But first, the park.

Taking the lead on attractions to visit in Barcelona, was my dear friend, Lyndsey. She said, “we’re going to Park Güell,” and I simply said that I didn’t understand what she was saying, but onward ho!

*Park Güell - sounds like “Park Way”

Intended to be a “designer home” neighborhood with lots of dwellings, this pet project designed by Gaudi, was a flop, and only a few model units were built. However, it was later dedicated as a park, and it’s the best place for views of Barcelona!

Be advised, that they don’t allow food inside the park, so you’ll have to scrap that picnic lunch (as we discovered the hard way).

When in Rome, or something like that.

While visiting the grand cities of the world, we try to participate in activities that aren’t what you would typically participate in as an international tourist. Meaning, that if you’re a California resident, and you see someone swimming in the ocean in December, you know immediately that they're a visiting tourist.

To "do as the locals do,” we have attended a variety of different events and shows, and while visiting Barcelona, my husband, and his sister, attended a significant “football match,” called The Kings Cup.

If “sportsball” isn’t your thing, there’s MORE!

Barcelona is a big, busy, modern city, akin to places like Chicago or New York. If you’re looking for “romantic Spain,” this is not the city for you. However, not without charms of its own, there’s something for everyone here.

I recall the evening that Sam and Megan went to the game, Lyndsey and I decided to go to a champagne and crepe bar, just down the street from our hotel, which was a party of a different kind.

It’s like an onion, it has layers…

I think that the more time you spend here, the more things you find to do.

You can entertain yourself with just walking around and doing some shopping, or perhaps wander over to the Picasso Museum, hours and ticket info HERE.

If food is your drug of choice, you’ll be in good company, because there’s something for everyone here, even Gandhi! If you’re in a rush to catch the metro, you might stumble upon one of these MASSIVE vending machines, where you should be able to find just what you’re looking for.

If you go to Barcelona without visiting La Sagrada Familia, you’ve failed at Barcelona.

I’ve seen a lot of beautiful churches, and historical sites in Europe, but La Sagrada Familia is something fully, deeply, and uniquely it's own. I have to take my hat off again to my friend Lyndsey, as it was her initiative and forethought, that booked the tickets in advance (a MUST do, HERE) and booked us on an English speaking tour.

Maybe I’m just sensitive, but the experience of standing in the center of this place, amidst all the color… it moved me to tears. I was truly beyond words.

Before leaving, we agreed that we would be returning to see it when it is finally completed in 2026.

Feeling greedy?

Barcelona also has beaches! I found it funny that the locals think that the beaches are terrible and dirty, but we had a lovely experience.

Keep in mind, you’re probably gonna see some nudity. Boardwalk bars, or directly on the sand, people will always be nearby, ready to sell you cans of “Cerveza” (beer), or other items.

I think that’s about as much as could be packed into 16 days, so if you haven’t checked out the other posts in this Iberian Peninsula series, be sure to check them all out!