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 mode all its personal. Whereas Madrid feels extra like London or New York, Barcelona feels extra like Paris. There may be a lot to do on this stunning metropolis that 4 days in Barcelona barely scratches the floor.
There are vast avenues to walk, together with the slender paths of the Gothic quarter. All over the place there’s beautiful structure (even outdoors of Gaudi’s masterpieces) and a laid-back, subtle vibe. It additionally makes a fantastic household trip vacation spot, with so many issues to do in Barcelona with youngsters.
4 days aren’t 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 a fantastic information in the event you solely have someday in Barcelona.
The place to Keep in Barcelona
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Since we have been planning on staying a couple of nights, we determined an condominium was the way in which to go. Despite the fact that we are able to simply squeeze three of us into one resort room, the consolation of getting a separate residing area, full kitchen, and washer made the marginally increased funding worthwhile. If a household wants at the least two bedrooms, condominium leases are usually a greater worth.
I booked a penthouse condominium on vrbo.com, which had every little thing we have been on the lookout for: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths (bonus!), full kitchen, air-con, elevator, free WiFi, washer/dryer, and, (additional bonus!) a terrace. Plus the situation within the Born district on Avenida Marques de la Arangetera was ultimate.
It was conveniently positioned throughout the road from the practice station, minutes from Metro stops, a 10-minute stroll to the seashore 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 actual condominium remains to be obtainable, however there are many different nice choices on vrbo.
Should you want 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 an extended layover in Madrid so we have been fairly drained. After checking in, stocking the kitchen, and taking naps, we have been prepared to move 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 in all 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 ambiance 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 unsure how we had room for gelato on the way in which dwelling 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 be taught extra about how we ready for the journey, take a look at my weblog put up with tips about making 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 whole 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 realized that it was free on the primary Sunday of each month, which is after we have been there.
I didn’t have in mind {that a} free museum on a wet day may enchantment to a lot of folks so we ended up standing within the rain for about an hour to get into the museum. It was most likely the one time on the journey my daughter wasn’t smiling.
In fact with all that ready and none of us enormous Picasso followers, the museum was a little bit of a disappointment. It simply appeared like in the event you got here to Spain, you actually ought to go to the Picasso museum. The work we have been most accustomed to from his Rose and Blue Durations have been fascinating, however I can’t say they impressed me. Plus the crowds have 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 flooring that regarded into the basement under. There have been additionally small cells (full with bars on the home windows) or rooms on the decrease flooring. However the true options have been the courtyards, which provided superb architectural particulars together with grand staircases, balconies, arches, and different design components.
Even the slender, cobblestone avenue outdoors the museum was fascinating, with enormous, darkish wood doorways that at night time divulge heart’s contents to a dance membership, whereas others conceal tapas bars which are closed through the day (just like the elusive El Xampanyet).
The complete 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 known as up pictures from the Barcelona I’d examine in The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon.
By the point we have been carried out with the museum, we have 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 ready in a really enjoyable courtyard. The structure, in addition to the meals, has a Moorish affect.
The meals was good, however not superb, with a little bit of a restricted menu. I had a salad and my daughter had the salmon. What we keep 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 function. Then you could possibly use one of many two stalls. My daughter was amazed that there weren’t separate bogs for women and men they usually 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 simply open throughout particular instances so you should definitely examine forward.
Whereas Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia, which we visited the subsequent day, is essentially the most well-known in Barcelona, I feel visiting this gothic cathedral is a crucial distinction earlier than or after seeing La Sagrada Familia, particularly for youngsters that will not have skilled outdated European cathedrals already.
Since we’re Jewish and browse concerning the Spanish Inquisition previous to our journey, we additionally have been on a quest to search out what remnants we might of Spain’s as soon as vibrant Jewish group. Searched as we did across the Jewish quarter, we weren’t capable of finding the synagogue (seems it’s under avenue stage), however we did at the least discover proof that Jews have been as soon as there.
The rain lower quick any buying we’d do and as a substitute of rambling down Las Ramblas, we jogged, by a downpour, all the way in which 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 recreation of the European Cup and Espana was enjoying Italia. Oddly sufficient, my in-laws have been in Italy watching the sport, cheering for the Italians after all, whereas we have been in Spain cheering on the native staff.
We have been a bit nervous about being close to any fundamental plazas, realizing how rowdy futbol followers can get after a recreation so we caught to our plan for dinner within the Gothic district at Sagardi. Right here we have been capable of pattern some conventional Basque delicacies, since we weren’t capable of journey to the Basque area this journey.
As an alternative of sitting within the tapas (or pintxos as they name it in Basque) bar, we headed for the principle 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 suggestions concerning the locations we have been going to go to.
They have been fairly impressed with our daughter, who was very properly knowledgeable about our itinerary and what she was most trying ahead to seeing. Not even the grumpy couple subsequent to us complaining about being charged for his or her bread (fairly widespread in Spain) might dampen our temper. Particularly after we saved listening to enthused exclamations of “GOOOAAALLL” coming from outdoors.
On the way in which again to the condominium, folks have been spilling out of tapas bars into the streets watching the sport in anticipation. We have been capable of peer in simply because the win was secured. On the remainder of our stroll dwelling, we have been serenaded with choruses of “Championes, championes…” And an Espana soccer fan was born.
4 Days in Barcelona Itinerary: Day 3
When folks 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 remains to be happening in the present day. And that isn’t simply figuratively. Once we visited, we noticed many building staff shifting out and in of the constructing. Whereas Gaudi handed away in 1926, his imaginative and prescient lives on they usually count on to finish the cathedral in 2026.
Since Sagrada Familia might be the most well-liked vacationer attraction in Barcelona, you possibly can count on massive 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 have been leaving, I seen that two ladies that received off the Metro with us and needed to queue up outdoors have been simply attending to go inside.
Should you suppose in the event you’ve seen one European cathedral, you’ve seen all of them — suppose once more in the event you haven’t seen La Sagrada Familia. It’s so not like something you’ve ever skilled earlier than. You may actually spend hours taking in all the main points.
I extremely suggest renting the audioguides for everybody in your social gathering as a result of you possibly can’t absolutely admire the architectural and artistic achievement this constructing is with out it. Even youngsters, who you suppose would discover outdated church buildings boring, discover Sagrada Familia fascinating.
There may be a lot to take a look at. All sides of the constructing provides a distinct facade–the Ardour, Nativity, Glory (nonetheless below building) and Aspe facades. You’ll start your tour outdoors the Ardour facade. Once you transfer inside, what you discover first is the sunshine.
The place different cathedrals are darkish and generally gloomy or oppressive feeling, Sagrada Familia is stuffed with gentle from the towering columns to the solar streaming by 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 aspect of the church, you’ll spend a while taking within the particulars of the Nativity facade.
The images solely start to seize the fantastic thing about this constructing. It made an enormous impression on our daughter as properly.
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 superb view throughout town and attending to see how Sagrada Familia actually towers over the remainder of town.
You may simply spend a day within the park. After picnicking and spending a bit time on a playground we battled the crowds to see a couple of of the opposite park landmarks together with Gaudi’s lizard (we took a magnet model dwelling), his wavy mosaic benches, and the buildings across the entrance that seem like they’ve ice cream cones on high.
One among my favourite issues was the sphere of flowers…similar to out of a Monet portray.
By this time we have been fairly scorching, drained, and sweaty so as a substitute of mountain 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, in an effort to see Gaudi’s different well-known buildings.
As soon as we arrived at Casa Batlo we realized the admission payment was a bit increased than we felt like paying for the period of time our drained our bodies would enable us to spend there. As an alternative, we walked over to Plaza Cataluyna, on the head of Las Ramblas, the principle vacationer buying thoroughfare (and by vacationer buying I imply t-shirts and souvenirs).
I’m probably not positive why folks get enthusiastic about strolling down Las Ramblas. Sure the avenue is vast and there are many avenue distributors round however the outlets are largely memento outlets and may 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 excited by buying, the Barri Gothic or the realm up by Casa Batlo are a lot nicer. In fact, the principle attraction simply off Las Ramblas is La Boqueria — among the best meals markets in Europe.
Afternoon: Las Ramblas & La Boqueria
We made a cease at La Boqueria however wished we received there earlier as a result of most of the stalls have been beginning to shut. Even in the event you don’t need to purchase something, simply the sights and smells of the market are a wonderland for teenagers and adults alike.
You’ll discover fruits, meats, sweet, spices, peppers, eggs, seafood, and greens in abundance. We purchased some tropical fruits to try to carry 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 received nutella and fresas (strawberries), which she proclaimed to be one of the best crepe on this planet.
It was an exhausting day with plenty of strolling within the warmth (after all we didn’t know actual warmth till we received to Seville and Granada the place the temps have been above 100 levels Fahrenheit), so after we lastly received again to the condominium it was good to chill out on the terrace with a cerveza earlier than cleansing up for dinner.
That night time we had deliberate to have dinner on the well-known Cal Pep tapas bar, which was just some minutes’ stroll from the condominium. Since they don’t take reservations you might want to line up early or be ready to attend. We have been too drained to do both.
After contemplating attempting once more for El Xampaynet and seeing each have been standing room solely, we determined we actually wanted to take a seat down and ended up at a really genuine trying (and tasting) restaurant known as Bodega la Tinaga, additionally in El Born.
The restaurant was very rustic trying, 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, at all times ham — very onerous 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 night time scene in El Born, we have been prepared to show in after a really busy and memorable day.
4 Days in Barcelona: Day 4
Morning: Barceloneta Seaside
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 any case the extreme sightseeing, we have been prepared for a change of tempo.
So we hit the seashore…at the least for a stroll. Our condominium was a few 10-minute stroll to Barceloneta. Barceloneta jogs my memory a little bit of Venice Seaside, CA — very artsy, funky and funky.
On the stroll over you move the docks the place the yachts and cruise ships are in port. From there you possibly can see the cable automobile that runs from Barceloneta to Montjuic, which is after we realized there was no manner I used to be happening that, not to mention my acrophobic husband. It’s so excessive and so lengthy you possibly can barely see the automobile traversing between the enormous posts.
The seashore itself is nothing actually particular, coarse yellow sand makes up the quick seashore. 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 seashore.
We have 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 seashore a bit additional.The additional we went, the extra we needed 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 time Olympics)
As soon as we lastly arrived we have been ravenous however there have been loads of beachside eating places alongside the way in which. You may inform that this space remodeled right into a membership scene at night time by the decor.
We ended up at CNC, the place we loved some extra tapas together with a Spanish tortilla (omelet with potatoes and generally different elements — a fantastic staple for choosy eaters.) I additionally had my favourite gazpacho of the journey, excellent for the nice and cozy day. After an extended stroll, we actually wanted a siesta (and I wanted to do some laundry earlier than we headed off to Sevilla the subsequent day.)
Afternoon: Montjuic
After some downtime, we have been headed to a brand new space to discover, southwest of town heart the place you can see the Olympic stadium, Museu Nacional d’Arte de Catalunya, and different websites. We began with a experience on the funicular as much as Fortress Montjuic.
Montjuic, which interprets to “Jew Mountain” in medieval Catalan, is an outdated navy fortress, first inbuilt 1640 and was a fortress in 1694. Whereas there isn’t loads to see when it comes to the fortress, there’s a fabulous view of each the harbor and town. I’d suggest taking the cable automobile up after which presumably mountain climbing down in the event you needed to spend a day on this space.
In 2007, the positioning was turned over town for use as a municipal facility. The night time we visited, they have been organising for an open-air live performance. Along with strolling the gardens and grounds, you possibly can climb as much as the highest of the ramparts for a terrific view.
We didn’t have plenty of time for mountain 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 take a seat on the steps of the MNAC and watch the sundown and catch a present of the magic fountain. Sadly, the fountains have 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 positioned 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’d say it’s a straightforward to skip attraction.
A lot better to spend time driving round and seeing the true factor. Once we lastly arrived at Poble Espanyol (taking a cab would have been a greater concept because it was a lot additional than it regarded on the map), it was just about abandoned besides the opposite folks there to see the present.
Tablao Carmen was about what you may count on from a dinner present. Timed seatings, banquet-style meals served shortly to get to the principle 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 night time was value it to make sure we received to get pleasure from this Spanish pastime.
And that was a wrap on our time in Barcelona. In case you are planning a visit to Spain, you should definitely take a look at these articles:
