Maybe it’s the truth that Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, which has a definite language and tradition, that offers Barcelona a tempo and a method all its personal. Whereas Madrid feels extra like London or New York, Barcelona feels extra like Paris. There’s a lot to do on this stunning metropolis that 4 days in Barcelona barely scratches the floor.
There are extensive avenues to walk, together with the slender paths of the Gothic quarter. All over the place there may be attractive structure (even outdoors of Gaudi’s masterpieces) and a laid-back, refined vibe. It additionally makes an excellent household trip vacation spot, with so many issues to do in Barcelona with youngsters.
4 days usually are not sufficient to cowl all of it, particularly if you wish to take a day journey from Barcelona, however with so many different locations to discover throughout our two weeks in Spain, we determined to see the highlights. Observe alongside on our itinerary if you wish to do the identical. And, my good friend Bryanna has an excellent information if you happen to solely have at some point in Barcelona.
The place to Keep in Barcelona
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Since we had been planning on staying just a few nights, we determined an condominium was the best way to go. Regardless that we will simply squeeze three of us into one resort room, the consolation of getting a separate residing area, full kitchen, and washer made the marginally larger funding worthwhile. If a household wants at the least two bedrooms, condominium leases are typically a greater worth.
I booked a penthouse condominium on vrbo.com, which had every little thing we had been searching for: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths (bonus!), full kitchen, air-con, elevator, free WiFi, washer/dryer, and, (further bonus!) a terrace. Plus the placement within the Born district on Avenida Marques de la Arangetera was preferrred.
It was conveniently situated throughout the road from the prepare station, minutes from Metro stops, a 10-minute stroll to the seaside at Barceloneta, simply up the road from Parc Cuitadella and Zoo, a brief stroll to the monument to Cristobel Colon on the foot of Las Ramblas. I don’t suppose that precise condominium continues to be obtainable, however there are many different nice choices on vrbo.
In case you desire to remain in a resort, some family-friendly choices embrace:
4 Days in Barcelona Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
We arrived on a Saturday after an in a single day flight from Boston and a protracted layover in Madrid so we had been fairly drained. After checking in, stocking the kitchen, and taking naps, we had been prepared to go out to dinner.
Sadly, the restaurant I’d meticulously researched, El Xampanyet, was unexpectedly closed. However no worries, we ended up proper subsequent door at Lonja de Tapas and had one among our greatest meals of the journey. Perhaps it was the joy, possibly it was the meals, or possibly it was simply the sangria, however we couldn’t have been happier.
The environment was terrific with brick partitions, stunning paintings and an brisk vibe. I wouldn’t trouble with the paella right here however every little thing else was terrific, together with the foie gras, salmon, marinated artichokes, sundried tomatoes, manchego cheese, and particularly my daughter’s new favourite, chistorra (small spicy sausages). My favourite was the truffled eggs with bacon and patatas as a result of it combines nearly all my favourite meals into one dish. And did I point out the sangria?? I’m undecided how we had room for gelato on the best way residence however after exploring a bit (because of our naps for getting us on Spanish time), we needed to introduce our daughter to REAL gelato (she’s a giant fan!)
I want I might recapture that pleasure and anticipation we had that first night. It was a visit we had ready for and deliberate months, my daughter’s first to Europe, a truth she was fairly enthusiastic about. (To study extra about how we ready for the journey, try my weblog publish with tips about getting ready for trip with youngsters.)
4 Days in Barcelona: Day 2
MOrning: Picasso Museum
On our first full day in Barcelona, we skilled the one rain we had on our complete two-week journey, however wow was it a doozy. I had deliberate on visiting the Picasso Museum first off as a result of I’d researched and discovered that it was free on the primary Sunday of each month, which is after we had been there.
I didn’t take into consideration {that a} free museum on a wet day would possibly enchantment to a lot of individuals so we ended up standing within the rain for about an hour to get into the museum. It was in all probability the one time on the journey my daughter wasn’t smiling.
After all with all that ready and none of us large Picasso followers, the museum was a little bit of a disappointment. It simply appeared like if you happen to got here to Spain, you actually ought to go to the Picasso museum. The work we had been most acquainted with from his Rose and Blue Durations had been fascinating, however I can’t say they impressed me. Plus the crowds had been thick, so we shortly moved on.
However, I’ll say that the museum itself was a little bit of a treasure. It occupies 5 townhouses or palaces that date from the thirteenth to fifteenth centuries. Within the coat room space, there was a glass ground that appeared into the basement beneath. There have been additionally small cells (full with bars on the home windows) or rooms on the decrease flooring. However the actual options had been the courtyards, which provided wonderful architectural particulars together with grand staircases, balconies, arches, and different design components.
Even the slender, cobblestone road outdoors the museum was charming, with large, darkish picket doorways that at evening speak in confidence to a dance membership, whereas others disguise tapas bars which are closed through the day (just like the elusive El Xampanyet).
All the Barri Gothic (Gothic quarter) and neighboring Born district (the place we stayed) simply felt so European, but had a sense of one thing extra. One thing mysterious and fascinating. It intrigued me and referred to as up photos from the Barcelona I’d examine in The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon.
By the point we had been finished with the museum, we had been fairly hungry so I used to be very glad I’d already researched a restaurant simply steps away from the museum. We ate at Cafe de la Princesa, which is half boutique and half restaurant. The restaurant is about in a really stress-free courtyard. The structure, in addition to the meals, has a Moorish affect.
The meals was good, however not wonderful, with a little bit of a restricted menu. I had a salad and my daughter had the salmon. What we bear in mind most is the toilet. It was behind a stone wall, which had two sinks on the bottom with vegetation hanging down and a water characteristic. Then you would use one of many two stalls. My daughter was amazed that there weren’t separate bogs for women and men and so they each used the identical sinks. The issues youngsters discover!
Afternoon: Gothic Quarter
With the solar lastly popping out, we had a greater time exploring the Barri Gothic that afternoon. We visited the Catedral de Seu, which is barely open throughout particular instances so you’ll want to examine forward.
Whereas Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia, which we visited the following day, is essentially the most well-known in Barcelona, I feel visiting this gothic cathedral is a vital distinction earlier than or after seeing La Sagrada Familia, particularly for youngsters that will not have skilled previous European cathedrals already.
Since we’re Jewish and browse concerning the Spanish Inquisition previous to our journey, we additionally had been on a quest to search out what remnants we might of Spain’s as soon as vibrant Jewish neighborhood. Searched as we did across the Jewish quarter, we weren’t capable of finding the synagogue (seems it’s beneath road degree), however we did at the least discover proof that Jews had been as soon as there.
The rain lower quick any purchasing we’d do and as a substitute of rambling down Las Ramblas, we jogged, by means of a downpour, all the best way again to our condominium the place we needed to wring out our garments proper right down to our socks. After warming up, we needed to head again out although as a result of it was the ultimate sport of the European Cup and Espana was enjoying Italia. Oddly sufficient, my in-laws had been in Italy watching the sport, cheering for the Italians after all, whereas we had been in Spain cheering on the native crew.
We had been a bit nervous about being close to any fundamental plazas, figuring out how rowdy futbol followers can get after a sport so we caught to our plan for dinner within the Gothic district at Sagardi. Right here we had been capable of pattern some conventional Basque delicacies, since we weren’t capable of journey to the Basque area this journey.
As a substitute of sitting within the tapas (or pintxos as they name it in Basque) bar, we headed for the primary eating room, the place we loved dishes from their wood-burning grill. We met some beautiful airline personnel sitting on the desk subsequent to us who frequent Sagardi when they’re in Barcelona and gave us another ideas concerning the locations we had been going to go to.
They had been fairly impressed with our daughter, who was very effectively knowledgeable about our itinerary and what she was most wanting ahead to seeing. Not even the grumpy couple subsequent to us complaining about being charged for his or her bread (fairly frequent in Spain) might dampen our temper. Particularly after we saved listening to enthused exclamations of “GOOOAAALLL” coming from outdoors.
On the best way again to the condominium, individuals had been spilling out of tapas bars into the streets watching the sport in anticipation. We had been capable of peer in simply because the win was secured. On the remainder of our stroll residence, we had been serenaded with choruses of “Championes, championes…” And an Espana soccer fan was born.
4 Days in Barcelona Itinerary: Day 3
When individuals consider Barcelona, they consider Gaudi. Antoni Gaudi that’s, the Catalan architect and figurehead of Spanish Modernism. His buildings are outstanding all through Barcelona, however essentially the most well-known by far is his cathedral, La Sagrada Familia. With solely 4 days in Barcelona, we determined to dedicate our third day to Gaudi, beginning with La Sagrada Familia.
MOrning: Sagrada Familia
Building on Sagrada Familia, now an official UNESCO World Heritage web site, started in 1882 and continues to be happening at present. And that isn’t simply figuratively. Once we visited, we noticed many development staff transferring out and in of the constructing. Whereas Gaudi handed away in 1926, his imaginative and prescient lives on and so they anticipate to finish the cathedral in 2026.
Since Sagrada Familia might be the preferred vacationer attraction in Barcelona, you may anticipate giant crowds. I used to be so relieved that I bought timed-entry tickets prematurely by way of the Sagrada Familia web site, as a result of after we arrived there have been lengthy queues outdoors. As we had been leaving, I seen that two women that bought off the Metro with us and needed to queue up outdoors had been simply attending to go inside.
In case you suppose if you happen to’ve seen one European cathedral, you’ve seen all of them — suppose once more if you happen to haven’t seen La Sagrada Familia. It’s so not like something you’ve ever skilled earlier than. You can actually spend hours taking in all the small print.
I extremely suggest renting the audioguides for everybody in your get together as a result of you may’t absolutely admire the architectural and inventive achievement this constructing is with out it. Even youngsters, who you suppose would discover previous church buildings boring, discover Sagrada Familia fascinating.
There’s a lot to have a look at. Both sides of the constructing gives a unique facade–the Ardour, Nativity, Glory (nonetheless below development) and Aspe facades. You’ll start your tour outdoors the Ardour facade. Whenever you transfer inside, what you discover first is the sunshine.
The place different cathedrals are darkish and typically gloomy or oppressive feeling, Sagrada Familia is filled with mild from the towering columns to the solar streaming by means of stained glass home windows. I commented later within the journey that it as is gothic cathedral builders worshipped a God of concern, whereas Gaudi was impressed by a God of affection. There was such a visceral distinction between the 2 types.
We took our time to marvel on the symmetry of the columns, the twisty staircase, the chapels, the stained glass home windows, the shiny pipe organ, and the considerably disturbing crucifix. Out the opposite facet of the church, you’ll spend a while taking within the particulars of the Nativity facade.
The photographs solely start to seize the great thing about this constructing. It made an enormous impression on our daughter as effectively.
Afternoon: Parc Guell
After taking in our fill at Sagrada Familia, we moved on to a different Gaudi landmark, Parc Guell. We took the Metro out to Gracia after which had fairly a hike as much as the again entrance of the park, the place we picked up some smoothies to beat the warmth and a picnic to eat within the park.
With the solar out it was a a lot totally different day than we had the day earlier than, and far hotter! The advantage of coming into the again of the park was the wonderful view throughout the town and attending to see how Sagrada Familia actually towers over the remainder of the town.
You can simply spend a day within the park. After picnicking and spending a little bit time on a playground we battled the crowds to see just a few of the opposite park landmarks together with Gaudi’s lizard (we took a magnet model residence), his wavy mosaic benches, and the buildings across the entrance that seem like they’ve ice cream cones on prime.
One among my favourite issues was the sector of flowers…identical to out of a Monet portray.
By this time we had been fairly scorching, drained, and sweaty so as a substitute of climbing again right down to the Metro, we determined to take one of many cabs lined up on the entrance of the park and drive previous Casa Mila to Casa Balto, to be able to see Gaudi’s different well-known buildings.
As soon as we arrived at Casa Batlo we realized the admission price was a bit larger than we felt like paying for the period of time our drained our bodies would enable us to spend there. As a substitute, we walked over to Plaza Cataluyna, on the head of Las Ramblas, the primary vacationer purchasing thoroughfare (and by vacationer purchasing I imply t-shirts and souvenirs).
I’m probably not certain why individuals get enthusiastic about strolling down Las Ramblas. Sure the avenue is extensive and there are many road distributors round however the outlets are principally memento outlets and might really feel a bit seedy, which I assume is why you hear so many warnings about pickpockets in that space.
In case you are actually fascinated about purchasing, the Barri Gothic or the world up by Casa Batlo are a lot nicer. After all, the primary attraction simply off Las Ramblas is La Boqueria — probably the greatest meals markets in Europe.
Afternoon: Las Ramblas & La Boqueria
We made a cease at La Boqueria however wished we bought there earlier as a result of lots of the stalls had been beginning to shut. Even if you happen to don’t wish to purchase something, simply the sights and smells of the market are a wonderland for youths and adults alike.
You will discover fruits, meats, sweet, spices, peppers, eggs, seafood, and greens in abundance. We purchased some tropical fruits to attempt to deliver again to the condominium. We additionally stopped on the crepe stand, the place my husband went savory with cheese, jamon (Iberian ham), spinach and herbs, whereas my daughter went candy and bought nutella and fresas (strawberries), which she proclaimed to be the very best crepe on this planet.
It was an exhausting day with loads of strolling within the warmth (after all we didn’t know actual warmth till we bought to Seville and Granada the place the temps had been above 100 levels Fahrenheit), so after we lastly bought again to the condominium it was good to calm down on the terrace with a cerveza earlier than cleansing up for dinner.
That evening we had deliberate to have dinner on the well-known Cal Pep tapas bar, which was only a few minutes’ stroll from the condominium. Since they don’t take reservations you could line up early or be ready to attend. We had been too drained to do both.
After contemplating making an attempt once more for El Xampaynet and seeing each had been standing room solely, we determined we actually wanted to sit down down and ended up at a really genuine wanting (and tasting) restaurant referred to as Bodega la Tinaga, additionally in El Born.
The restaurant was very rustic wanting, with hams hanging from the ceiling and stone partitions. We feasted on a cheese plate, pan e tomate (bread with tomato smeared on, a Spanish staple), jamon (after all, all the time ham — very laborious to maintain kosher or halal in Spain), my daughter’s new favourite, chistorra (small sausages), and vino roja (for the grown ups at the least.) After having fun with the evening scene in El Born, we had been prepared to show in after a really busy and memorable day.
4 Days in Barcelona: Day 4
Morning: Barceloneta Seashore
After three days in Barcelona, we had already seen a lot…the Picasso Museum, the Gothic Quarter, Gaudi’s masterpieces, La Boqueria, Las Ramblas…however there was a lot extra to see. In spite of everything the extreme sightseeing, we had been prepared for a change of tempo.
So we hit the seaside…at the least for a stroll. Our condominium was a couple of 10-minute stroll to Barceloneta. Barceloneta jogs my memory a little bit of Venice Seashore, CA — very artsy, funky and funky.
On the stroll over you cross the docks the place the yachts and cruise ships are in port. From there you may see the cable automobile that runs from Barceloneta to Montjuic, which is after we realized there was no means I used to be happening that, not to mention my acrophobic husband. It’s so excessive and so lengthy you may barely see the automobile traversing between the enormous posts.
The seaside itself is nothing really particular, coarse yellow sand makes up the quick seaside. The water is pretty calm and clear, however there’s a steep dropoff to deeper water. We weren’t there to swim, however it was good to place our ft within the water and stroll down the seaside.
We had been first planning on stopping for lunch at Can Manel la Puda for some beachside paella, however we weren’t fairly hungry but so we determined to stroll alongside the seaside a bit additional.The additional we went, the extra we wished to see what was that enormous golden fish-shaped constructing on the finish of the boardwalk? (Seems it was designed by Frank Gehry for the 1992 Summer season Olympics)
As soon as we lastly arrived we had been ravenous however there have been loads of beachside eating places alongside the best way. You can inform that this space reworked right into a membership scene at evening by the decor.
We ended up at CNC, the place we loved some extra tapas together with a Spanish tortilla (omelet with potatoes and typically different substances — an excellent staple for choosy eaters.) I additionally had my favourite gazpacho of the journey, good for the nice and cozy day. After a protracted stroll, we actually wanted a siesta (and I wanted to do some laundry earlier than we headed off to Sevilla the following day.)
Afternoon: Montjuic
After some downtime, we had been headed to a brand new space to discover, southwest of the town heart the place you will see the Olympic stadium, Museu Nacional d’Arte de Catalunya, and different websites. We began with a experience on the funicular as much as Fort Montjuic.
Montjuic, which interprets to “Jew Mountain” in medieval Catalan, is an previous navy fortress, first inbuilt 1640 and became a citadel in 1694. Whereas there isn’t lots to see by way of the citadel, there’s a fabulous view of each the harbor and the town. I’d suggest taking the cable automobile up after which probably climbing down if you happen to wished to spend a day on this space.
In 2007, the location was turned over the town for use as a municipal facility. The evening we visited, they had been organising for an open-air live performance. Along with strolling the gardens and grounds, you may climb as much as the highest of the ramparts for a terrific view.
We didn’t have loads of time for climbing so we took the funicular again down the hill. We determined to stroll previous the Museu Nacional d’Arte de Cataluyna, with hopes of seeing the Montjuic Fountains. They are saying it’s stunning to sit down on the steps of the MNAC and watch the sundown and catch a present of the magic fountain. Sadly, the fountains had been dry so it was time to maneuver on.
Night: Flamenco
Our reservation for the night was at El de Tablao Carmen for dinner and a flamenco present. Tablao Carmen is situated in Poble Espanyol, an open-air architectural museum.
Poble Espanyol was inbuilt 1929 for the Barcelona Worldwide Exhibition as a mannequin village to depict the totally different areas and architectural types round Spain. (Assume Epcot for Spain.) Whereas some tour books suggest Poble Espanyol as a must-see, I might say it’s a straightforward to skip attraction.
Significantly better to spend time driving round and seeing the actual factor. Once we lastly arrived at Poble Espanyol (taking a cab would have been a greater thought because it was a lot additional than it appeared on the map), it was just about abandoned besides the opposite individuals there to see the present.
Tablao Carmen was about what you would possibly anticipate from a dinner present. Timed seatings, banquet-style meals served shortly to get to the primary occasion. You don’t go for the meals — you go for the flamenco. It jogged my memory a little bit of after we went to the Moulin Rouge in Paris.
The flamenco was glorious, at the least in our uneducated opinion. The foot-pounding, soul-wrenching music will get you deep inside. It additionally makes an enormous impression on the youngsters.
Subsequent time, I’d wish to cease in one of many smaller flamenco bars in Sevilla and see the way it differs. For this journey, having the ability to make a reservation after we had a free evening was price it to make sure we bought to take pleasure in this Spanish pastime.
And that was a wrap on our time in Barcelona. In case you are planning a visit to Spain, you’ll want to try these articles:
