Barcelona: Sangria, Gaudí, and a Little Magic

Barcelona is not just a point on the map. It’s a feeling. The kind of place where you arrive expecting to see the “main attractions” and leave in love with the streets, the people, the flavors, and the sounds that only it can offer. A city where Gaudí didn’t just build, but dreamed with stone and stained glass. A city where you can enjoy the best tapas right on a corner that doesn’t exist in the tourist brochures.

In Barcelona, life is lived slowly, with passion, a glass of sangria in hand, and a slight tilt of the head toward the sun. And if you’re a traveler at heart—one of those who loves to get lost in order to find more—here, you’ll find a city that will tell you thousands of stories, without even trying.

To be honest, Barcelona was never on my list of “must-see places”. Many of my friends had been there and returned charmed, speaking about it with sparkle in their eyes. As for me? I wasn’t exactly burning with desire to visit. I knew I would get to this city one day, but somehow, I wasn’t eagerly waiting for it.

That is, until one day, I sat down for coffee with my best friend. Our conversation drifted in the usual direction, and almost simultaneously, we both said: “Let’s go somewhere!” Within seconds, we were already searching for flights, looking for a place neither of us had been to before. Barcelona popped up first, and we agreed without much thought.

My first visit was in 2021. Four years later, I returned again—to dive back into the energy of the city and visit my favorite spots. Those that were no longer just points on a map, but personal memories.

You might ask me what I think about Barcelona, right?

I don’t just think about it… I fell in love with this city! I was impressed by everything—from the magical architectural imprint of Gaudí, which peeks out from every corner, to the delicious paella and sangria tempting you at every step. And the people… passionate, loud, temperamental—just how they should be in a city like this.

Just writing this makes me want to be there again!

Honestly, it’s hard for me to describe everything that impressed me in Barcelona. So, I’ll try to show you those places that most touched me. There are certainly many more hidden gems worth visiting, but I ran out of time—as often happens when you’re in a place that captivates you from the very first moment.

So… let’s not waste time—come take a walk with me through my favorite spots in the Catalan capital!

Public Transport 🚊 and Airport Transfer ✈️

The first thing Barcelona will greet you with is El Prat Airport (BCN)—modern, convenient, and relatively close to the city center. The distance is not large, but there are several ways to get there, depending on what type of traveler you are—whether you’re looking for comfort, economy, or speed.

🚌 Option 1: Aerobús – the Tourist Favorite

Aerobús is a convenient and direct shuttle that departs every 5-10 minutes from both terminals and drops you off in the city center (Pl. Catalunya, Sepúlveda/Pl. España). The journey takes about 35 minutes, and the one-way ticket costs around €6.75. Tickets can be purchased from machines, online, or directly from the driver (with a card!).

Traveler Tip: If you’re arriving late in the evening, check the schedule—the last bus departs around 1:00 AM.

🚇 Option 2: Metro Line L9 Sud

Barcelona’s metro also reaches the airport—the L9 Sud line departs from both terminals and takes you to the city, but not directly to the center. You’ll need to transfer to reach a more central area. The journey is convenient, but there’s a catch—you can’t use a regular ticket from/to the airport. A special “Airport ticket” is required (around €5.50).

🚆 Option 3: RENFE Train

If you’re near Terminal 2, you can catch the RENFE train, which will take you to Barcelona Sants or Passeig de Gràcia—two very convenient stops. The train is comfortable, but it comes about every 30 minutes. You’ll also need an Airport ticket or another type of urban pass.

🚖 Option 4: Taxi or Uber/Bolt

Taxis in Barcelona are yellow and black, with a fixed fare system from the airport—around 30–35 euros to the city center, with no surprises. This is a good option if you have a lot of luggage or arrive at an inconvenient time. Uber and Bolt also operate, but prices are usually similar.

Barcelona is one of those cities where public transport runs like clockwork—comfortable, regular, and ideal for tourists.

• Metro: The fastest way to get around. There are 12 lines, color-coded and super intuitive. Trains run every 2–4 minutes.
• Buses and Trams: If you prefer to see the city above ground, buses and trams are a great option. However, they can sometimes be very slow, especially if you’re stuck in traffic. There are even night lines if your walk or dinner runs late.
• FGC (regional trains) and RENFE: For locations outside the city center – for example, if you decide to visit Tibidabo or Montserrat.

Tip: The most cost-effective and convenient option is to get the T-casual card – for 10 rides (around €12.15), or if you plan to do a lot of sightseeing, the Hola BCN! card for 48, 72, or more hours – offering unlimited travel!

Where to Stay 🏡

Barcelona offers countless accommodation options! Whether you prefer a hotel or an apartment, I highly recommend paying attention to the location. Choose a place with easy access to the metro – it will save you time and make getting around the city much easier and more enjoyable.

During both of my visits, I chose apartments. The first one, I admit, I don’t remember the name of, and it wasn’t anything special. But the second time, we were five friends, and we rented Arrivo Apartments – a stylish, well-equipped apartment, literally steps away from the metro station and just 10 minutes on foot from Plaça d’Espanya.

The best part? Right next to the entrance was a small café – 365, where we would start our days with delicious sandwiches, muffins, and cappuccinos. All of that for about 8 euros per person. Simple, but memorable.

Where to Eat 🍗

Barcelona is not only something to be seen and felt, it is also something to be eaten. And when a stroll turns into a gastronomic adventure, that’s when you really begin to understand the soul of the city.

Catalan cuisine is a mix of traditions, seafood, freshness, and unexpected combinations. Here, it’s normal to find a plate with fish, nuts, honey, and… eggplant. And it’s delicious – insanely delicious.

Start with tapas – those small, yet powerful bites of flavor that can go on endlessly. The good thing is that in Barcelona, there are tapas bars on every corner, ranging from modern and conceptual to completely ordinary but with authentic atmosphere. If you spot a place where the locals are standing at the bar, chatting loudly over a beer – go in. That’s a sign you’re in the right place.

Don’t miss the classics – pa amb tomàquet (toasted bread with tomato and olive oil), patatas bravas (fried potatoes with spicy sauce), and calamares a la romana (battered squid, which pairs perfectly with a glass of cold sangria).

Speaking of sangria – it’s a whole institution. While the Catalans have other favorite drinks (like cava, the local sparkling wine), there’s no way you won’t fall in love with a well-chilled carafe of sangria, full of fruits, ice, and summer. In some places, it will be served classically – with red wine, orange, and lemon, while others may surprise you with white sangria, apples, and a touch of brandy. The key is to drink it slowly and with a smile.

If you’re looking for something more substantial to eat, paella is among the most popular choices. Although it originally comes from Valencia, in Barcelona, you’ll find it in various forms – with seafood, with meat, or mixed (mixta). But keep this in mind – a good paella is made slowly, not served at lunchtime with a tourist crowd, and it doesn’t cost 8 euros with a drink included. Look for authentic spots where you can smell the saffron and where the rice has a crispy crust on the bottom – the famous socarrat.

For a sweet finish – definitely try crema catalana. It looks like crème brûlée, but it’s its Catalan sister – a bit more citrusy, lighter, and absolutely irresistible.

If you’re like me, you’ll probably start wondering, after the second bite, how to book a return flight a few months later… or whether to simply not return at all.

There are certainly many places in Barcelona where you can sit down and enjoy delicious food, but I’ll allow myself to recommend two that you absolutely must visit:

• Pincho J – If you want to experience the authentic atmosphere of Basque tapas, known as pinchos, Pincho J is the place for you. Located in the lively Poble Sec district, this spot offers a variety of small bites served on the bar, from which you can pick yourself. They also have some great draft beer, which you definitely must try. The prices are quite affordable, and the food quality is top-notch.

• Vinitus – one of the most popular tapas restaurants in Barcelona, located in the central Eixample district. With its modern interior and lively atmosphere, the restaurant offers a wide selection of Mediterranean and Spanish dishes, carefully prepared with attention to detail. The menu includes both classic tapas and innovative interpretations that will satisfy any taste. The croquettes and seafood are highly recommended, and be sure to try their wines! They have a large selection of white and red wines at quite reasonable prices.

What to See in Barcelona 🗺

The sights and attractions in the Catalan capital are so numerous and captivating that I can’t wait to guide you through them! During my first visit, I explored the most important and popular places, but during my second visit, I truly enhanced the experience – I felt like a local. I knew where to go and exactly what to look for. This trip will forever stay in my mind, because at that moment, I was truly happy to be exactly there – in the right place at the right time.

Sagrada Familia

As cliché as it sounds, I’ll start with the most iconic landmark in Barcelona – Sagrada Familia. On some of the city’s maps, it’s listed by its full name – Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia.

During our 5-day stay in Barcelona, we passed by this place every day, and it always filled me with an incredible sense of energy. Even as the metro escalator took me up to the surface, the first thing I saw were the unfinished towers, illuminated against the dark night sky! I literally gasped and was left speechless by Antonio Gaudí’s masterpiece!

Construction began in 1882, and a year later, Gaudí took over the project. The architect decided to step far beyond the boundaries of Gothic architecture, embracing a modernist style based on natural forms, aiming to bring the building closer to nature.

I’ve visited many religious temples – Notre Dame, Vatican, Westminster Abbey, Blue Mosque, Great Mosque of Abu Dhabi, but I’ve never seen anything like this! Whether you believe me or not, I was left speechless! There’s no comparison in scale, style, or color…

It feels like you’ve stepped into “Alice in Wonderland”—you’ve shrunk and found yourself in a vast, colorful garden, and you’re a tiny ant! Inside, the columns supporting the arches resemble flower stems, and the ceiling seems to be supported by numerous tree branches! The stained glass windows are so vibrant and colorful that they gently soothe the eyes!

The construction of the cathedral has been ongoing for over 120 years, and it is expected to be completed in 2026, marking the 100th anniversary of Gaudi’s death. Unfortunately, this deadline may not be met, as there is still a lot of work to be done on the central tower. Currently, construction is happening around the clock, with large cranes obscuring the beauty of the towers, yet somehow blending with the charm and mystique of this incredible place! I will definitely visit it again once it’s completed.

Entrance is allowed at specific times, so my advice is to purchase your tickets in advance from here:

It’s very easy to reach via lines 2 and 5 of the metro (station Sagrada Família), and the area offers plenty of places to grab a bite to eat.

When Sagrada Familia is completed, it will have 18 towers. 12 of them will represent the apostles, four will represent the evangelists, one is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and, of course, the last and highest tower will represent Jesus Christ.

Plaça de Catalunya

Plaça de Catalunya is often referred to as the heart of Barcelona. It is the geographical center of the city and one of the busiest places, where nine major streets converge. They say there’s a large star depicted on the square, but honestly, I didn’t see it, because you’re supposed to look at it from above. Well, next time I’ll make sure to check, but if you’re going there, don’t miss it!

Until the 19th century, there was nothing here except for a few stables, but with the change in the city’s urban planning, it was decided that a large square would be built here. Many of the landowners opposed the idea, so they were evicted, and their lands were confiscated. The construction of the square began in 1902, and it was officially opened in 1927 by King Alfonso XIII in celebration of the World Exposition. Over time, many luxury hotels and establishments were built around it, and some of Spain’s most famous banks opened offices here.

It’s easy to get to – almost all metro lines (station Catalunya) intersect here, and as you walk through the city’s landmarks, it’s impossible not to pass through this square.

I don’t have a single picture from here!!! I’m not sure how that happened, but it’s so unlike me not to take a photo, and it remains a big mystery how I missed capturing this square!

Plaza España

To be honest, for me, this square is the soul of Barcelona! It’s an important and key place that has captured my heart.

From here, you get an incredible view of the entire city, with the Venetian Towers, resembling the famous bell tower of St. Mark’s Square, seemingly forming a triumphal entrance to Montjuïc Hill, where the Magic Fountains and the National Palace / Catalan Art Museum are located.

The square was built in 1908, but underwent a major renovation in 1929 for the World Expo. During this time, the large fountain in the center of the square was erected, which seems to embody Spain. The sculpture in the fountain is made of bronze and marble.

The square is a lovely place for a stroll, especially just before sunset, but the true charm of the place is revealed in the evening when the fountain show begins.

You can easily reach this spot by metro, where lines 1, 3, and 8 intersect (Espanya station).

The Magic Fountain

They say this is one of the favorite places for both the residents and visitors of Barcelona! And it’s also one of mine… but the last time it was running was in 2021, and it hasn’t since.

Despite that, I decided to share these beautiful photos with you, hoping that one day we’ll get to enjoy the fountains again 🙂

I already mentioned that in 1929, there was a World Expo, and the Catalan capital underwent significant changes during that time, including the construction of the fountain. Here, you will see a series of fountains and terraced cascades, and perhaps many of you don’t know that the water used here is not drinking water, but rather groundwater.

The light show lasts about 2 hours and usually starts around 7:00 PM. It’s a good idea to check the exact time, as on certain days of the week there are no performances – in the summer, it’s from Thursday to Saturday, and in the winter – only on Friday and Saturday.

Unfortunately, we were unable to enjoy the light show, but even a walk during the last light hours of the day will transport you into a fairy tale!

The sun painted the water in golden-yellow tones, and the weather was so pleasant that I didn’t want this moment to end. If anyone asks me what I will remember Barcelona for, it will definitely be this fountain.

Port Vell

The so-called “Old Port” offers a very pleasant and picturesque space for a shoreline walk with a view of the blue waters.

The Barcelona Harbor offers a pleasant and picturesque space for a walk along the shore with views of the blue waters.

Initially, this area was a run-down district, with many abandoned warehouses, factories, and railway sheds, but it was renovated in 1992 for the Olympic Games. Today, you’ll find many tourists as well as a significant number of local residents here.

The main attraction is the L’Aquàrium de Barcelona ), one of the largest aquariums in Europe. You’ll discover over 8,000 species of fish and 11 sharks swimming in 22 tanks containing 6 million liters of seawater. There are several platforms and a swinging bridge that pass over the water, giving the place an incredible energy.

You can buy tickets for the aquarium here:

To get here, take Line 3 of the metro and get off at Drassanes station.

Barri Gòtic – The Gothic Quarter

The Old Quarter – a place that is very different from all the others in this city! A maze of narrow, small streets that are deserted during the day but come alive in the evening. Restaurants and little shops on every corner will invite you to step inside.

Here, you’ll find several Gothic cathedrals such as the Barcelona Cathedral and Santa Maria del Mar, the Picasso Museum, the Temple of Augustus, and other attractions of interest to tourists. The Gothic Quarter is “locked” between several other neighborhoods – if you head from Plaça de Catalunya towards the waterfront, the area between La Rambla and Via Laietana is the place I’m talking about 🙂

The Arc de Triomf

Even if it might seem a bit cliché, I can’t help but mention that the Arc de Triomf was also built for the World Exposition held here in 1888.

Built from bricks and decorated with sculptures in the Neo-Mudéjar style, the arch is a symbol of the gratitude and respect of the people of Barcelona towards the different nations and provinces that participated in the exhibition. Even today, you can often see various events being held here in support of humanitarian, ethnic, and religious causes.

The place is very pleasant for walking and taking photos, and you can also enjoy the chirping parrots here 🙂

You can reach it by Metro Line 1, getting off at the Arc de Triomf station.

The Citadel Park

If you continue from the Triumphal Arch towards the sea, you will find yourself in an incredible green oasis! This is the Citadel Park. It will probably not surprise you that it was completed in its current form in 1888 for the World’s Fair 🙂

The history of the city park dates back to 1713, when King Felipe V conquered the city after a 13-year siege, and ordered the construction of the largest citadel of that period in Europe. The citadel is long gone – only three buildings remain – but it still retains its name as the Citadel Park.

Today, several museums, the water cascade, a zoo, and a life-size mammoth statue are located here. One of the most impressive features is the cascade, located in the northern part of the park. It somewhat resembles the Trevi Fountain in Rome, as its creator, Josep Fontseré, was inspired by it. The cascade features a triumphal arch with a waterfall and fountains, adorned with winged beasts and griffins, which seem to guard it. In the center, a majestic statue of Venus rises, standing on a seashell, while above her, Aurora seems to soar in her wrought-iron chariot.

If you want to visit the place, you can take metro line 1 or tram 4. The zoo has an entrance fee, but the park is free.

You can buy tickets for the zoo here:

Agbar Tower

One of the most iconic modern buildings in Barcelona – the Agbar Tower. Well, it wasn’t built for any of the World Expositions, unlike other landmarks, but it is inspired by the architectural heritage of Antoni Gaudí.

Designed by Jean Nouvel, the building, which resembles a geyser, was opened in 2005. Its 34 floors rise to 142 meters. The building houses the city’s water company, Aguas de Barcelona (hence the name AgBar), and serves as an administrative center, but it also attracts thousands of tourists. It’s quite impressive in the evening, when various lights “dance” across its facade, changing its color from blue to red and yellow! It’s a wonderful experience to sit on a bench and enjoy this light show.

You can get here by Line 1 of the metro – Glòries station, or by tram 4, 5, or 6.

Camp Nou Stadium

To be honest, I’m not a big football fan, and I don’t get impressed by anything related to the game. However, I can’t help but share my experience when I visited the largest stadium in Europe!

I decided to take a guided tour of the stadium, which includes all the parts and facilities. The size of the stadium is massive, and being there is incredible. As for the atmosphere during a match, I can only imagine. For the Spaniards, football is the number ONE sport!

Camp Nou was built for FC Barcelona in 1956. Its original capacity was 110,000 spectators, but in recent years, due to security reasons, it has been reduced to 95,000.

Some of the greatest football players in the world have played on this field: Johan Cruyff, Diego Maradona, Luis Figo, Patrick Kluivert, Ronald Koeman, Rivaldo, Hristo Stoichkov, Romario, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Leo Messi, Xavi, Nicolas Anelka, Carles Puyol, Iniesta, David Villa, and many others.

There is also a museum at the stadium, which impressed me greatly. Line 3 of the metro has a station near the stadium – Palau Reial, and you can also take tram 1, 2, or 3.

If you want to take a tour here, make sure to book your ticket online from here:

Casa Batllo

If you’re walking down the lively Passeig de Gràcia, you can’t help but notice a colorful, vibrant building with bizarre architecture! This is Casa Batlló – another masterpiece by Gaudí!

In 1905, textile industrialist Josep Batlló commissioned the famous architect to completely redesign and renovate his house. Here, Gaudí was given full freedom to let his imagination and creativity run wild! According to some, the building reflects the victory of Saint George over the dragon, as the roof resembles the dragon’s back, and the tower looks like the saint’s cross.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t visit the house inside the first time because there was a huge queue, and they were about to close soon. We didn’t pass by again in the following days either! To avoid finding yourself in a situation like mine and be surprised by the long lines, you can buy tickets in advance here:

Right next to the entrance of the house is the entrance to the Passeig de Gracia metro station on line 3, but you can also reach it via lines 2 and 4.

Park Güell

I might have had high expectations for this park, which is also considered one of Barcelona’s “landmarks”. After visiting the park, I wasn’t particularly impressed, but a few days later, when I was telling friends about it, I described it so vividly and enthusiastically that it felt like I was still there. There’s something about this place that makes you like it—it’s truly unique, but at the same time, it feels like something is missing. You enter the park and find yourself on a colorful terrace with tiles, and that’s it!

And here’s the story – this is an unrealized project by Eusebi Güell, who had the idea to turn the hill where the park is located today into a residential area covering 17 hectares, with plenty of greenery. A design was created, which included the construction of 60 houses, each with its own garden and unique architectural style. Güell entrusted the project to his good friend Antoni Gaudí, and work on the large-scale project continued until 1914, when it was halted due to the low interest in purchasing properties, and so the idea of creating the residential complex remained only on paper.

A few years later, the city authorities acquired the land and decided to turn the area into a public park, making it free and accessible to all citizens and visitors of the city.

Today, part of the park is free, but to admire Gaudí’s creations, you will need to buy a ticket, which costs around 10 euros (as of August 2022). You can purchase it here:

The price of the ticket includes a visit to the famous winding bench, located on a panoramic terrace offering an incredible view of the city. The terrace itself is supported by 86 columns, which are slightly tilted. As you descend from the terrace toward the central entrance, you can’t miss the famous staircase with the lizard, exquisitely designed with the renowned Catalan mosaic technique called trencadís. Near the central entrance, your attention will be drawn to two pavilions, which somewhat resemble the gingerbread house from Hansel and Gretel.

The free part of the park consists of gardens, stone palm trees, many green parrots, and a lot of good vibes.

There is no direct transport to the park – you need to take Metro Line 3, get off at Lesseps or Vallcarca stations, and then walk a bit. However, the easiest way to get there is by taking buses 24 and 86.

Sant Pau Hospital (Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau)

Imagine a hospital that not only heals the body but also inspires the soul. This is exactly what architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner created in the early 20th century. With the help of donations from philanthropist Pau Gil, he designed a complex of 16 pavilions, connected by underground galleries and surrounded by gardens—a true oasis of modernism.

The buildings are adorned with colorful mosaics, stained glass, and sculptures, telling stories of hope and healing. Instead of the cold hospital atmosphere, here you will find warmth and light, turning every visit into an aesthetic experience. You can reach here by taking line 5 of the metro – Sant Pau | Dos de Maig station.

Tickets can be purchased here:

Casa Vicens Gaudí

If Barcelona is a stage where Antoni Gaudí left his soul, then Casa Vicens is his first role – bold, colorful, and completely different from anything built before. Hidden in the Gràcia neighborhood, this house feels like it was torn from an oriental fairytale and brought to the heart of the Catalan capital.

This is the first major building designed by the young Gaudí, when he was just 30 years old. It was built between 1883 and 1885 as a summer villa for the wealthy tile merchant Manuel Vicens. It’s no coincidence that this is where the architect’s characteristic love for ceramics, nature, and decorative details first appeared—some of the materials were sourced directly from Vicens’ own factory.

The façade is a visual feast for the eyes – with geometric mosaics, palm motifs, and colorful tiles that play with the sunlight. And the interior… the interior reveals a surreal world, where each room is like a separate scene. Wood carvings, plaster elements, and ceilings that invite the eyes to linger. No excess, no pretentiousness – just a dream turned into architecture.

Although often overshadowed by more famous works like Sagrada Familia and Casa Batlló, Casa Vicens is a true architectural key to understanding the young Gaudí. This is the prologue to his Barcelona – the beginning of a new aesthetic, inspired by nature, the East, and Catalan cultural identity.

You can get your tickets here:

Casa Milà

Let me take you to one of the most extraordinary places in the heart of Barcelona – Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera (which translates to “the stone quarry”). The name is no coincidence – at first glance, the facade gives the impression that the building wasn’t constructed, but carved directly from the rock, with shapes and movements that resemble nature more than architecture.

Designed by the genius Antoni Gaudí and completed in 1912, Casa Milà is his last residential building and one of his boldest interpretations of organic architecture. There are no straight lines, no symmetry, no boredom. Everything in this house is inspired by nature – the wavy balconies remind you of the sea, the wrought iron resembles seaweed, and the chimneys on the roof… they are an entire army of surreal sculptures, which would fit perfectly in a Tim Burton film.

But the most interesting thing is that Casa Milà is not just a museum. It is a home. Yes, there are still families living here! And as you wander through the inner courtyards, visit the apartment preserved from the early 20th century, and walk along the roof with its fantastic panoramic views of the city, you will feel that every detail carries the spirit of a visionary who created not just buildings, but experiences.

You can get tickets here:

There is still so much to see in this colorful and sunny city, and I could add even more places, but these are the ones that impressed me the most! Barcelona can’t be described in just one article or a few words… It’s a city with mood and soul, that lives 24/7 and should be visited at least once in a lifetime! Not only for all the things I’ve mentioned so far but also for the food, history, culture, music—for all those things that make Spain the most passionate and vibrant country in the Old Continent.