10 Things to do in Barcelona

Imagine a place with cheap pitchers of overflowing sangria, delicious finger-licking seafood paellas, beautiful historic architecture at the turn of every corner, and lush vineyards that stretch for miles and miles. This is Barcelona.

If you can picture yourself dancing in the streets of Barcelona like Ed Sheeran, then this post is for you! Here is a list of things you'll want to consider doing while your there:

1. Visiting La Sagrada Familia - book this tour well in advance and purchase the ticket with tower access. You'll get a full view of the city from the top - but don't look down if you're afraid of heights. It's a wild sight.

2. Visit a vineyard - I highly recommend booking this exact one: https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g187497-d12577601-Local_Wine_and_Cava_with_Tapas_and_4WD_Vineyard_Experience_Premium_Small_Group_fro.html they only allow up to 15 people on each tour so it feels very personal, you get to take a ride on a jeep through the acres of the beautifully maintained vineyard, tour the cellars, and best of all - test 8 different wines paired with local snacks.

3. Take a day trip to Monserrat - the views from this mountain top are phe-no-men-al. You'll definitely want to snap pictures at this breath taking location. There's a monastery situated at the top of this mountain that also houses a beautiful chapel that you can visit and light a candle for a small donation. Additionally, there are vendors selling delicious local honey that you can take back home with you as a gift or souvenir.

4. Row a boat at the Parque de Ciutadella - It was less than $10 to do it and it also makes for a good photo op - I mean experience :)

5. Take a paella cooking class - Michael and I chose this one: https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g187497-d11990696-Interactive_Spanish_Cooking_Experience_in_Barcelona-Barcelona_Catalonia.html and it included unlimited sangria, appetizers, a trip to the boqueria, and an overall fun experience.

6. Walk around and eat at La Boqueria - This is a really unique experience. The market has so many different foods, your senses will be overloaded. When you feel like your ready to grab a bite to eat, check out El Quim. This eatery was featured in a netflix series and we just had to try it. Michael had baby squid atop his fried eggs and I had the shrimp atop mine. Check out the pics below.

7. Visit a Gaudí house - These were buildings made by a famous architect - Antoni Gaudí. There's a couple to choose from in the city. Which ever peaks your interest most is the one you should go visit! We toured Casa Batlló.

8. Tour around Park Güell - another one of Antoni Gaudí 's famous works.

9. Ride a cable car up to the Montjuïc Castle - the view from the cable car is amazing and the castle itself holds really interesting history.

10. Prance around Las Ramblas - this street has so much going on 24/7. You can find restaurants, street shows, buy trinkets to take home to family, and just people watch.

Barcelona has so much to offer. If you were on the fence about booking a trip to this city, I hope this encouraged you to do so. Before I end this blog - since I'm soooo generous ;) - I wanted to leave you all with a couple more pro tips:

1. Watch your bag and personal belongings. The one downfall to this city is that it is very busy with tourists, which seem like easy bait to local pickpocketing. I had no issues at all because I came prepared with only a fannypack situated in front and always very vigilant.

2. Eat like the locals do. That means have all the "pan con tomate" (bread with tomato), cava and sangria, seafood paella, and as much "jamon" (ham) you can possibly fathom. After all, what better excuse to load up on carbs, pork, and drinks than vacation?

3. Forget Uber - the subway is where its at. This thing will get you to and from every place imaginable in Barcelona.

If you have any questions or want to know any additional information about Barcelona, feel free to message me :)

Xoxo,

Nurturing Natalie