I’ve just been on a three day whirlwind tour of Barcelona during their Summer heat wave.
Man alive it was hot! I was sweating from places I have never sweated from before.
The main reason I was there was for my friend’s hen, so the usual shenanigans were had [think butler in the buff, willy straws, veils, etc] but I also managed to squeeze in some sightseeing – because you don’t go to Barcelona to sit on the beach when there is so much beauty to see in the city!
Even the street signs told us the heat was unbearable!
Things to do
Sightseeing
We kicked off our stay with a free walking tour of the Gothic part of the city. We went with Play Tour and our guide was brilliant – really knowledgeable and funny.
Our guide was Giovanna
She told us of the history of La Rambla, took us to the Roman Necropolis, we saw the Santa Maria del Pi and learned about the religion in Barcelona, she told us about the significance of the different flags that are displayed around the city, walked to the cathedral of Barcelona and explained about the 13 year old patron saint and her grisly end, we saw some of Picasso’s work, discussed Gaudi and then ended in the Gothic Quarter learning about the Aragon royals.
As a history buff I absolutely loved it and would definitely recommend the tour! [just make sure you are making lots of stop offs for water and wear shoes that you can walk far distances in!]
Remember to look up and also take in what is around you – the architecture is simply stunning… apart from the modern building opposite Barcelona’s cathedral!
Another thing to note – make sure that you wear a cross body bag and be very aware of what is going on around you. La Rambla is especially famous for its pick pocketing and you can see why because it is so crowded!
Gaudi
There are pieces of his work all over the city but nothing is as magnificent as his Sagrada Familia.
It is huge! And so ornate. You could spend ages just looking at the outside of it. It’s still a work-in-progress and I don’t think it is expected to be completed until 2026.
If you want to visit the church and go inside then make sure you book online. We went on the Sunday, had not booked online because we were expecting to queue up instead but they had all sold out. Don’t be disappointed like we were!
When I go back to Barcelona I also want to visit his house – also known as the house of bones. This looks so fantastic and the roof is full of chimneys!
The Sagrada Familia
Food
We were in Spain. I wanted to experience authentic Spanish food, eat freshly made churros on a Spanish street, shovel paella into my mouth and drink sangria. Then there’s TAPAS!
I got to do all of that, ticked them off my little to-do list and I was happy. So happy.
Churros are found all over the city, but I got mine from a market stall along the marina. Crispy, sugary, hot, they were gorgeous! I also brought back some chocolate coated ones which were good too.
The tapas was glorious too – we mostly ate this during the day and I always ordered the fresh anchovies if they were on the menu because I bloody love them! One of my weaknesses is a yummy silvery anchovy. Just be aware though, we ate outside on a number of occasions and they put a 15/20% service charge on the bill because of this.
We also got to experience a picnic in the park laid on by an outside caterer. It was lovely – it was originally intended to be held on the beach but it was far too hot and we had [unintentionally] picked a nudist beach & I really didn’t fancy having to look at dangly bits!
The paella was divine
Quick tapas at the beach before we got our flight back home
I have a weakness for anchovies…
The picnic in the park was lovely!
The beach
Make sure you visit the beach, even if it is just for a short stroll whilst dipping your feet in the sea [or in my case, my massively fat water retention ankles!].
To be honest it was the only place where we got respite from the heat. The cool water helped!
On our way out to the beach
…
There is so much do see and do in the city that three days really is not enough! I would love to go back with Kristian and do a proper sightseeing tour – however there is no way that I would be going back in July! Some friends of ours also take their children there so I do know that it is really child friendly.
Oh. Final thing. If you are taking hair oil/shampoo away with you then make sure the pot you have put it in is fully sealed, if not you will suffer a MAJOR SHAMPOO EXPLOSION as I did 🙁
It’s a F.R.I.E.N.D.S thing…
x
If you enjoyed reading this then check out my post about our summer holiday to Corfu.
