VISITING THE SAGRADA FAMILIA - BARCELONA

The Sagrada Familia is one of the most famous landmarks in Barcelona and is a must-see if you are in the city.  This awe-inspiring basilica is the work of Antoni Gaudi. Construction on the Sagrada Família began over a century ago (1883) and is still ongoing.  

 It is no wonder that thousands of people choose to visit this attraction.   It is truly one of the best Antoni Gaudí works out there, together with Park Güell!

Quick Tour around the Gothic Quarter - Barcelona

My friends and I flew to Barcelona and spent a few days there in order to get the cheapest flights to Malta. I knew I wanted to explore the Gothic Quarters again so we booked an apartment through Booking.com in this district. 

Follow this link for more information about APARTMENTS ST JORDI COMTAL, BARCELONA

The Barri Gòtic is magnificent area to wander around and get lost as you traverse the narrow medieval streets filled with shops, restaurants, bars, and picture perfect squares.

  

Food in Barcelona: Restaurants, Ramen, Churros & Way Too Much Gelato

Like most major cities, Barcelona does not lack for great food. In fact, one of the easiest things to do in Barcelona is find something delicious around just about every corner.

We were there last October, when protests were taking place, and we were advised to stay inside during the evening hours. So, we decided to make the most of our apartment and ordered both restaurant food and groceries for delivery. It worked surprisingly well and gave us the chance to enjoy some meals without having to go back out in the evenings.

We did eat out during the day, though, and there were a couple of places that really stood out to me and would definitely be worth a repeat visit.

Visiting Park Güell - Barcelona

Park Güell is located in La Salut, a neighborhood in the Gracia district of Barcelona and is one of Barcelona’s top attractions.

I did not have the opportunity to visit the park on my last two visits to Barcelona so it was at the top of my to-do list this time.

BACK IN BARCELONA

When I went to Europe in 2014, I honestly thought it would be a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

I was completely enchanted by Europe. For the entire 16 days we were there, it felt like I was living in a dream. It was just my daughter and me, traveling together on what felt like the biggest adventure of our lives.

I raised her as a single parent, and in many ways, we lived vicariously through Rory and Lorelai Gilmore. We dreamed about going somewhere exciting and far away, never really imagining that we would actually get the chance to do it.

I should probably say that I never dreamed it would happen for me.

My daughter had always wanted to study abroad and knew that, someday, she would travel. For me, Europe was more of a dream than a realistic possibility.

Then, somehow, we made it happen.

HOSTAL FONTANELLA REVIEW ~ BARCELONA, SPAIN

We were looking for a place to stay on our way home from Malta.  We had  an overnight stay in Barcelona  before flying back to the US the next morning.  We arrived by bus from Girona and it was pouring rain. We walked from the bus station to the Hostel Fontanella and I was so thankful  that I had only brought a small suitcase since I had to pick up several times to avoid puddles of water.  

Where to Stay in Barcelona: Our Experience Near Plaça Catalunya

Choosing where to stay in Barcelona can make a big difference in how much you’re able to see and enjoy. For our visit, we chose an apartment near Plaça Catalunya, and we quickly realized it was one of the best decisions we made.

The location was ideal, especially since we arrived from the airport using the Aerobus. The apartment is just a short walk from the bus stop, making it easy to get settled after a long flight without the hassle of arranging transportation.

Located in the heart of Barcelona, this area is perfect for exploring the city. You can easily walk to the Gothic Quarter, Las Ramblas, Boqueria Market, and Passeig de Gràcia. There are also countless restaurants, cafés, shops, and markets nearby, offering everything from quick bites to memorable meals.

The apartment itself was spotless, comfortable, and spacious. After busy days exploring Barcelona, it was wonderful to return to a place where we could relax. The bathroom is large with a great shower, and the living room provides plenty of space to unwind. The apartment also includes a washer and dryer, which is especially convenient for longer stays.

One of our favorite features was the balcony. It was a great place to enjoy a quiet morning coffee or take in the views of Barcelona’s lively streets below.

Our host, Magda, was wonderful. After we arrived, she met us at the apartment, showed us around, and made sure we had everything we needed for a comfortable stay.

If you are visiting Barcelona for the first time, we highly recommend staying near Plaça Catalunya. The location makes it easy to experience many of the city’s top attractions, and it’s an excellent home base whether you are spending one day in Barcelona or an entire week.

Check availability and current pricing here:
➡️ [Barcelona Apartment Near Plaça Catalunya]

 The master bedroom also has a balcony.

The bathroom was nice and behind the sliding doors there is a washer & dryer.

A view from the entrance.  Don't worry, there is an elevator.

New Video Up of Heather Feeding Pigeons at the Placa De Catalunya ~ BARCELONA

Placa de Catalunya is a large square in central Barcelona, Spain that is generally considered to be both its city center and the place where the old city and new meet. It is known for its fountains and statues, its proximity to some of Barcelona’s most popular attractions, and for the flocks of pigeons that gather in the center.

You can read about our trip to Barcelona HERE

HOW TO FIND BUS STOPS IN BARCELONA

HOW TO FIND THE BUS STOPS IN BARCELONA

Our first visit to Barcelona was from the port of our cruise ship.  We were totally confused when we got off of the ship and had no idea where to go so hopefully this information will help you.

FROM THE CRUISE PORT

We caught the bus at the World Trade Centre (#2 on the map).  I don't know which terminal we docked at but it was only a short walk to bus stop.  If you see a crowd of people that turn to the right from the terminal, follow them !  

FROM THE AIRPORT

There are buses (Aerobus) that runs from the Barcelona Airport (BCN)  every 5 to 10 minutes to PL Catalunya.  Line A1 is from Terminal 1 and Line A2 is from Terminal 2.  According to the schedule, they run 365 days a year.  You can check current ticket cost and times HERE on the Aerobus website.

HOHO BUS CHOICES

There are two Hop On Hop Off  sightseeing buses in Barcelona.  The Barcelona Bus Turistic is the one I have used in the past.  I had no problems with using the bus but I do understand that can get very crowded in the summer months.  I always travel in the the off season so there is always plenty of room.  

Barcelona: Must-See Sights If You Only Have One Day

Barcelona is one of those cities where you could spend a week exploring and still have more to see. With its beautiful architecture, historic neighborhoods, museums, parks, beaches, and lively streets, there is something around almost every corner.

But what if you only have a day?

That was the situation on my first visit to Barcelona. I arrived by cruise ship and had roughly seven hours to explore the city before I had to return to the ship. Since then, I have returned to Barcelona several more times, and each visit has given me the opportunity to see a little more of this incredible city.

Scrapbook of my European Vacation

It took me over a year to complete this photo book.  I used to purchase albums, paper, stickers, and all of the other paraphernalia that goes along with scrapbooking but the cost had become overwhelming.  I decided to do digital scrapbooking and started researching publishing companies. Mixbook had the best reviews and what I thought was the most professional looking finished product.

A Day Exploring Sagunto and the Underground Caves of Saint Joseph in Spain

During our visit to Valencia, Spain, we chose an excursion that combined two very different experiences: exploring the ancient city of Sagunto and taking a boat ride through the underground waterways of the Caves of Saint Joseph.

Barcelona’s National Art Museum of Catalonia: A View Worth the Climb

One of the things I remember most about my first trip to Europe was how often we came across places I had never heard of before. Barcelona was full of them.

While exploring the city, we made our way to the National Art Museum of Catalonia (Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya). I had never heard of the museum before this trip, and although we didn't actually go inside, the climb up to it was worth it just for the views. 

A Day Trip from Barcelona: Exploring Montserrat Monastery

One of the best parts of traveling is not only the places you see, but also the people you meet along the way. During our cruise, my daughter and I were lucky enough to meet a wonderful couple from Arizona. We shared several excursions together before going our separate ways at some of the ports.

After we returned home, she was kind enough to share some of her photos from their day exploring Barcelona. Since Montserrat and the Sagrada Familia are two of Barcelona’s most memorable sights, I wanted to share her experience and photographs with you.

A Day in Valencia, Spain: Exploring the City on a Mediterranean Cruise Stop

Every morning of our Mediterranean cruise, I woke up excited to see what waited outside our balcony. It felt like Christmas morning every day—wondering what new city, coastline, or landmark would appear as we pulled into port.

I would grab my camera and rush back and forth to the balcony while trying to finish getting ready for the day. Multitasking between taking photos, doing my hair, and putting on makeup became part of the adventure. As we arrived in Valencia, Spain, I was immediately struck by the beauty of the port and the city beyond.

Exploring Montjuïc: Barcelona’s Olympic Stadium, Gardens, and Scenic Views

When I saw that the Olympic Stadium was on the bus route we were taking through Barcelona, I knew we had to make a stop. I have never attended an Olympic event and probably never will, but I still remember watching the Barcelona Olympics on television in 1992. Seeing the stadium in person brought back those memories and gave me a chance to experience a small piece of Olympic history for myself.

Visiting the Olympic Stadium reminded me a little of seeing the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It wasn’t necessarily at the top of my bucket list, but when you are already nearby, some landmarks are simply worth taking the time to see. The history and significance make them special. 

Finding Unexpected Joy in Barcelona’s Plaça de Catalunya

Plaça de Catalunya.  Plaça de Catalunya was one of our first stops as we explored Barcelona. Sitting at the meeting point between the historic Gothic Quarter and the newer Eixample district, it was the perfect place to begin getting a feel for the city. From here, many of Barcelona’s famous streets and attractions are within walking distance, making it a natural gathering place for both locals and visitors.

GOTHIC QUARTER - BARCELONA

When my daughter and I were planning this trip and I saw Barcelona, Spain, on the cruise port list, I thought it would be a nice place to visit. But if I'm being honest, Barcelona wasn't on my bucket list of places I wanted to see.

Let me just go on record now and say, put Barcelona on your bucket list!

I had no idea when we first visited Barcelona that I would eventually return several more times. There was just something about this city that captured my attention, and that first visit to the Gothic Quarter was where it all started.