Barcelona offers a perfect blend of culture, relaxation, and adventure. Whether you're exploring Gaudí’s masterpieces, savouring seaside views, or enjoying the lively nightlife, this captivating city promises an unforgettable getaway.
Ah, New Year's resolutions—those goals we set to steer our lives in a new direction. In 2025, I am focusing on keeping my goals simple and achievable. They are to slow down and/or stop time, limit afternoon napping, update this blog more regularly, and become a world-famous travel writer, possibly with a show on Apple TV.
Parc de la Ciutadella
To get these resolutions going, let's kick-start the year with a post about a city mini-break to Barcelona, a trip I took last October. Better late than never may also be a resolution for 2025.
Over the past year, I have researched European countries with favourable conditions for pursuing expat status and obtaining visas. This mini-break was intended to assess whether Barcelona could be an ideal location for establishing roots for a holiday home. There are countless places in Europe waiting for me to explore, and I am holding off on any financial investment until I find a location that truly sweeps me off my feet. Barcelona was also the only European city where I could use a free BA travel pass.
As a rule, if I am going to a new destination, I prefer to stay in a city's old town, or relatively close to the tourist action, so that I have no need for a car and can walk or take taxis for short trips, should I need one. However, since I was evaluating Barcelona's long-term suitability for me, I took some time to research the neighbourhoods, focusing on what each area offers for English-only speakers.
I settled on the Salles Hotel Pere 1V in Poblenou. A former industrial district and maritime district, Poblenou has recently transformed into a trendy, creative hub known for its tech scene, street art and proximity to Bogatell Beach. It was a 20-to-30-minute walk in most directions to the tourist attractions and the beach, so it was still conveniently located.
While I did not fall in love with the area, I appreciated that Poblenou wasn't overrun with tourists or plagued by the water gun snipers targeting them from windows—a phenomenon that became surprisingly common in Barcelona during the summer of 2024.
Each neighbourhood in Barcelona has its unique character, catering to various preferences and needs, and it was my mini-break mission to explore them all.
The Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) is a historic area with narrow medieval streets, charming plazas, and landmarks like the Barcelona Cathedral and Plaça Reial. It is known for its old-world charm, boutique shops, and vibrant nightlife.
El Born/La Ribera are trendy areas that blend historic charm with modern appeal.
The highlights in El Born include the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, the Picasso Museum, and a lively dining scene.
El Raval is a culturally diverse and edgy area with contemporary art galleries like MACBA (Museum of Contemporary Art). It is known for its bohemian vibe, eclectic eateries, and nightlife.
These three neighbourhoods make up what might be considered the Ciutat Vella, or Old Town of Barcelona, and it is easy to see why locals would become frustrated with over-tourism. The streets are very narrow, and even in the off-season and the pouring rain, these streets were chock-a-block with visitors, leaving little room for residents to do their daily business. I can only imagine how it must be during the peak of tourist season.
Eixample is famous for its grid layout and broad avenues. This neighbourhood is home to iconic modernist architecture, including Gaudí's Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà (La Pedrera).
Barceloneta is the most southern coastal neighbourhood, famous for its beaches, seafood restaurants, and relaxed atmosphere. It is popular for sunbathing, water sports, and beachside dining, none of which was happening when I was there in the pouring rain.
Montjuïc is a hilltop area offering spectacular views of the city. Attractions in Montjuïc include Montjuïc Castle, the Magic Fountain, and the Joan Miró Foundation, along with parks and gardens.
Sant Antoni is a hip neighbourhood centred around the recently renovated Sant Antoni Market. This area boasts trendy brunch spots, bars, and a relaxed vibe.
Sarrià-Sant Gervasi is an upscale residential area with elegant mansions and green spaces like Tibidabo and the CosmoCaixa science museum. I maybe should have stayed here!
However, all paths led me through the tourist hubs of El Born, El Raval, and the Gothic Quarter, as most of the attractions and activities I was interested in were concentrated in these neighbouring areas. As a result, I spent the majority of my time in Barcelona exploring them.
BARCELONA FOR THE SHOPPER:
La Rambla, probably Barcelona's most well-known avenue, is a pedestrian street that runs between the Gothic Quarter and El Ravel. It stretches approximately 1.2 kilometres, connecting Plaça de Catalunya at the northern end to the Christopher Columbus Monument at Port Vell in the south. La Rambla is filled with shops, restaurants, street performers, and historic landmarks, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists.
Passeig de Gràcia is Barcelona's famous shopping street, often compared to Paris'Paris'ss-Élysées. It is lined with elegant buildings, many of which are architectural landmarks. Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Chanel, Hermès, Dior, and Balenciaga have boutique on Passeig de Gràcia, as do Loewe, Cartier, Rolex, Bvlgari, and Tiffany & Co.
BARCELONA FOR THE ARCTOPHILE:
Barcelona is known as the home of Antoni Gaudi (1852-1926). Gaudi was a renowned Spanish architect and one of the most influential figures of the Catalan Modernism movement. Known for his distinctive and imaginative architectural style, Gaudí is characterised by organic forms, vibrant colours, intricate details, and innovative use of materials. His designs often drew inspiration from nature, incorporating elements such as curved lines, irregular shapes, and complex geometries.
The Sagrada Família, Gaudí's masterpiece basilica, is renowned not only for its intricate facades and towering spires but also for it being the longest-running construction project of modern times, taking over 143 years, to be completed at some point in 2026.
The Casa Batlló and Casa Milà are iconic modernist buildings on the Passeig de Gràcia, Eixample. CasaBatlló was a conventional building when owner Josep Batllo hired Gaudi for renovations, which he transformed into an architectural work of art. The façade of the building features undulating shapes, mosaics made of colourful ceramic tiles (trencadís), and balconies that resemble skeletal forms. The roofline mimics the back of a dragon, with ceramic tiles that resemble scales. The structure is often interpreted as a nod to the legend of Saint George (Catalonia's patron saint) slaying the dragon.
Casa Mila was constructed between 1906 and 1912 and is considered one of Gaudí's most innovative and iconic works. The building has a wavy, undulating stone façade resembling a natural rock formation, nicknamed 'La Pedrera,' or the 'Stone Quarry.' Wrought-iron balconies and windows, designed by artisan Josep Maria Jujol, punctuate the façade, but the roof stands out as Casa Milà's most famous feature.
The roof of Casa Milà is adorned with fantastical chimneys, ventilation towers, and staircases, many resembling abstract sculptures or warriors' helmets, while offering stunning views of Barcelona, including landmarks like the Sagrada Família. These remarkable examples of Gaudí's architectural brilliance are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are open to the public for tours.
Gaudi also had his hand in the public spaces as he designed several public parks and green spaces in the city. Park Güell is a vibrant public park ln the Gracia district of Barcelona.
This park features colourful ceramic mosaics (trencadís), two whimsical gatehouses, and a grand staircase with a mosaic dragon (or salamander) fountain,called El Drac. The park also features the Hypostyle Room (The Hall of 100 Columns), consisting of 86 Doric-style columns supporting a massive terrace above, and the Terrace, which features a serpentine bench covered in colourful trencadis mosaics and is both functional and an artistic masterpiece.
Parc de la Ciutadella is located on the northeast edge of Ciutat Vella and features a stunning ornamental fountain designed in the late 19th century, with contributions from Gaudí. Mythological features guard an impressive central waterfall which flows dramatically into a large pool. The park also includes a zoo, a greenhouse and the Museu d'Art d'Artn.
BARCELONA FOR THE ART & CULTURE ENTHUSIAST:
For the highbrow art lover, there is much to celebrate in Barcelona. However, the chocolate museum was my personal favourite. Located in the El Born district, the Museu de la Xocolata, or the Chocolate Museum, is a delightful and engaging destination for all ages, blending education with sweet indulgence as it explores the history of chocolate in Europe—its origins, arrival, and role in trade as a substance intertwined with myth, medicine, food, and even its reputation as an aphrodisiac—while also showcasing the chocolate-making process from cocoa beans to industrial production. Machines are on display, showing the different manufacturing processes – from the grinding of the dried cocoa beans to the moulding of chocolate bars. Also on display are sculptures and paintings made entirely of chocolate, sadly not for eating! But what is for eating is the chocolate bar entry ticket, which I found joyous and worth the entry fee alone!
Not far from the Museu de la Xocolata, in the heart of El Born, is the Museo Picasso. This museum is a collection of five medieval palaces which house an extensive collection of Pablo Picasso's works, providing insight into his artistic development. Even if you are not a fan of Picasso, the building itself is worth the visit.
Near the Museo Picasson is the Moco Museum, Barcelona. This group of contemporary galleries originally opened in Amsterdam and expanded to Barcelona in 2021. The MOCO offers vibrant and innovative art experiences, showcasing modern, street, and pop art from established and emerging artists.
Nearby, in El Ravel, the Museu d'Art d'Artmporani de Barcelona (MACBA) is one of Barcel Barcelona's museums dedicated to contemporary art. The museum's collection focuses on post-1945 art, featuring works by Joan Miro, Antoni Tàpies, and Pablo Palazuelo, alongside international artists.
And what is a visit to Spain without taking in a little flamenco? Flamenco, a passionate and emotive Spanish art form combining singing, dancing, and guitar, is rooted in Andalusian culture but celebrated throughout Spain, especially in Barcelona. The city offers numerous venues and experiences to enjoy flamenco shows that blend traditional and contemporary styles.
BARCELONA FOR THE SPORTS LOVER:
Barcelona has a rich sports culture and various activities for enthusiasts and spectators. Football is deeply ingrained in the city's culture, with regular matches, lively fan gatherings, and a visit to the Barça Museum being a must for fans. Other popular sports in Barcelona are basketball, tennis, swimming, cycling, sailing, and Formula One.
BARCELONA FOR THE FOODIE:
Barcelona is renowned for its rich and diverse culinary traditions, blending Mediterranean flavors with Catalan influences. Tapas is influenced by the flavours of southern spain, particularly Andalusia, and are a hallmark of traditional Spanish cuisine. Pintxos is a Basque tradition, though widely available in Barcelona. And while in Barcelona, the bomba is a 'must-try' Barcelona original snack. Much like a croquette, bombas are potato balls filled with meat but served with spicy sauce.
While tapas is served on small plates or a platter and may include dishes like patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), or albondigas (meatballs), pintxos typically consist of a small piece of bread topped with various ingredients such as meat (jamón,iberico), fish, cheese, vegetables, or eggs. These toppings are often secured to the bread with a toothpick, reminding me of a Bridget Jones turkey curry buffet gerkin. Pintxos are often available in self-service bars, where one helps themselves from the bar counter, the bill tabulated at the end of your meal.
There are many pintxos and tapas restaurants and cafes El Born and Gothic Quarter districts. El Xampanyet is a very small and bustling beloved tapas bar located on Carrer de Montcada, El Born. This traditonal cafe, named after the sparkling wine "xampanyet," a local cava-like drink served at the bar, is often crowded, energetic and bursting with vintage charm. The menu's highlights are anchovies, sardines, jamon ibérico with bread and a cheese and olive charcuterie.
El Xampanyet does not take reservations, so it is best to get there early and queue up for the best shot at getting a table or a standing spot at the bar.
Another must for foodies is Caelum, a charming café and pastry shop, known for its heavenly selection of sweets and serene ambiance with a medievel vibe. Caelum, on Carrer de la Palla, Gothic Quarter, offers a variety of artisanal sweets, many of which are made following traditional recipes from monasteries and convents across Spain. Signature items include honey cakes, marzipan, almond cakes and chocolate truffles, all paired with a selection of teas, coffees and liquers.
No trip to Spain would be complete without a dip into confectioner's shop for a bag of piping hot churros with thick, thick Spanish hot chocolate. More pudding than beverage, Spanish hot chocolate is made with bittersweet chocolate, whole milk and cornstarch and meant to be eaten with a spoon or used for dipping churros into. Beware, this super-sweet and filling desert is a meal on its own!
Barcelona is an energetic and vibing mini-break destination that, while I don't think it is the place for me long-term, left me eager for a return visit. While I’d love to experience its beaches and explore the surrounding satellite towns and neighborhoods, it’s essential to acknowledge the issue of over-tourism and its impact on the local population. I hope the city can find a sustainable solution to this challenge, as Barcelona is undoubtedly a place worth visiting and preserving.
No Me Acostrumbo- Rey Ruiz
In the time it has taken me to finish this blog post, Spain has announced that it will eliminate it's Golden Visa programme as of April 2025. So much for New Year's resolutions.
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