Do you watch international sporting events just to shamelessly gawk at the Spanish team/player? If so, Barcelona should be at the top of your Eurotrip itinerary.
Aside from the beautiful men that populate this great city, Barcelona is one of the few places in the world that offers the best of both beach and city life. From architecture by Gaudi which will have you somewhere between a wow and wtf, to the freshest seafood you can imagine, Barcelona has something for everyone. So, if the idea of a historical metropolis perched pretty on the Mediterranean sea sounds like your jug of Sangria, read on for our guide to exploring this illustrious city in 48 hours.
Day 1
- Cooltra: Walking from one end of the city to the other in the intense heat can have you feeling (and looking) like a hot mess. The best solution is renting a Vespa from Cooltra so you can explore the city like a local.
- Wave Restaurant: Head down to the W Hotel’s Wave Restaurant for brunch. The food is incredible and the view of the glistening Mediterranean sea (and accompanying tanned bodies) is unparalleled.
- Montjuic: Take either a Vespa or a cable car to Mont Montjuic for the most scenic view of the city.
- Sagrada Familia: For a reminder to embrace your eccentricities, visit Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia. Not only is it an architectural masterpiece, it’s also a happy testament to the fact that sometimes your strangest ideas are what get you farthest in life.
- Portal de l’Angel: Indeed Zara and Mango are available worldwide, but what would a trip to Spain be without visiting said stores on home territory?
- Pez Vela: Barcelona is packed with tourist traps which serve sub-par versions of Spanish specialties. Instead of leaving Barcelona with a bad taste in your mouth (quite literally), head over to Pez Vela where both the food and the sunset view of the beach is magical.
- Las Ramblas: For a taste of the Spaniards’ alegra de vivir, end (or start) your night with a visit to Barcelona’s liveliest street. We guarantee you’ll be planning a permanent move to adopt the carefree lifestyle yourself.
Day 2
- Mercado de la Boqueria: While we in North America pay fortunes for juice fasts, the Spaniards pay approximately €1 for an entire glass of fresh juice from La Boqueria. The bustling market has the biggest selection of juices, fresh fruits, fish, and anything else your heart desires.
- Parc Guell: Although the entrance to Parc Guell is free, the Monumental Zone, which features Gaudi’s work requires a ticket. Plan your trip in advance and go early in the morning to avoid the crowds and get the most Instagrammable shots.
- Catedral de Barcelona: If it’s cathedrals you want to see, head down to Catedral de Barcelona where you’ll find magnificent stained glass work, tall ceilings, and live geese in the cloisters.
- La Barceloneta: Like any other beach, La Barceloneta stretches over a vast expanse. Our advice is to find a spot by the W Hotel which is a lot cleaner (and less crowded) than other areas.
- Restaurant Barceloneta: For a taste of Mercado Boqueria’s glorious selection of fish, try Restaurant Barceloneta. It’s a busy seafood joint right by the beach and offers everything from tapas to traditional Catalan rice dishes.
- Port Olimpic: A visit to Barcelona is incomplete without experiencing nightlife on the beach. This strip has everything from clubs to low-key shisha joints, so whether you’re looking for a rave or a few drinks, you’re bound to find it here.
