What a city! And it definitely lives up to the hype.
Despite loving my trip through Spain, the only cities and towns I'll revisit again in the future would be Barcelona and Ronda. No regrets or disappointments. Just personal preference. But that also shows how much I loved a city when I am imagining going back.
Are you keen for an amazing view of the city?
My advice: Columbus Monument (100m up by means of a lift), Barcelona Cathedral and up on the mountain by Castell de Montjuic.
Those views are unrequited! I'm sad to say that the view from La Sagrada Familia did not match up. Yet the church itself is unforgettable and the most breathtaking cathedral I've been in as of yet. The architecture. The stained glass and symbolism behind each design. Buy a ticket prior to your visit online...you can't pitch up the day of at La Sagrada Familia and get access. Take time and see the interior, but I wouldn't advise to pay extra to go up in one of the towers, especially if you plan to visit Barcelona Cathedral - which offers a better view of the city.
That is another difference between La Sagrada Familia and Barcelona Cathedral - you don't need to buy a ticket beforehand, although an entrance fee is requested. It is truly beautiful in its own right.
To avoid disappointment at any cathedral in Spain, do not enter with shorts, short skirts and strapless or sleeveless shirts. Just a form of respect as well for their culture and religion.
Back to Columbus monument - small space to maneuver around yet not too busy with tourists to make it unmanageable. Amazing panoramic view up La Rambla - one of the main shopping streets, as well as the marina.
Flamenco show - try your best to attend one of various Flamenco shows. They are vibrant on stage. Great teamwork. Wow! I definitely enjoyed my experience at Flamenco at Barcelona City Hall.
If you have the time, stroll up the mountain through the parks up to Castell de Montuic. It is peaceful, fresh and green...it has been awhile since I've seen so much 'green'. :-)
One can even get a view of the loading docs from one side of the castle. Not to mention the vast view of the city.
I didn't have enough time to really appreciate the Gaudi buildings, yet I did walk past to admire it from a distance. That is the downside to visiting a big city and having various activities and sites to see. Same goes for when I'm missing some museums. But deciding ahead of time which ones are a priority makes it all easier to eliminate when time runs out.
To conclude my visit in Barcelona, I enjoyed my time on the beach - late afternoon until dusk. On my way back, ice-cream pit-stop. :-) Can't miss out on ice-cream! Bonus of it all - I didn’t feel unsafe or uneasy once as I walked alone past 22h00 to my accommodation. This is something I’m definitely not used to in my home country.
Viva España!
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