Tapas, Tapas, Tapas (and More Food)

Let’s just say food was a major part of both trips.
Barcelona has a way of turning every meal into a memory:

• Pimientos de padrón, pan con tomate, jamón ibérico, anchovies so salty they sparkle.

• Tiny, crowded tapas bars where the menus are scribbled in chalk and the wine flows faster than water.

• Late dinners that turn into long nights with vermouth in hand and a plate of patatas bravas never too far away.

You eat, pause, wander and eat again. Rinse and repeat.

Market Magic

La Boqueria might be the most famous
(and for good reason, grab a juice and explore), But don’t miss the smaller neighborhood markets, too. I loved wandering through:

• Mercat de Sant Antoni for its less-touristy feel and vintage book stalls.

• Santa Caterina Market for its rainbow roof and hyper-local produce.

Markets in Barcelona aren’t just about shopping—they’re about watching the rhythm of the city, hearing the local banter, and letting your senses guide you

La Sagrada Familia & That Gaudí Glow

It doesn’t matter how many photos you’ve seen
La Sagrada Familia will stop you in your tracks. Both visits, I stood there speechless. The details, the scale, the surreal quality of it all Gaudí was on another level, and Barcelona is his canvas.

• Casa Batlló: Like walking through a dream.

• Parc Güell: A mosaic playground on a hill.

• Casa Milà (La Pedrera): Wavy and wild, with a rooftop that feels like a sculpture garden in the clouds.

El Gato del Raval

This massive, bronze cat by Fernando Botero is a little odd, a little playful, and very Barcelona. Nestled in El Raval, it’s one of those quirky, photo-worthy stops that makes the neighborhood even more fun to wander. Street art, creative studios, and global food spots make this area feel gritty and alive.