My Barcelona Adventure
Visiting Barcelona During My Son’s Study Aboard Semester
This spring, I had the chance to visit my son Jackson during his study abroad semester with the Institute for American Universities in Barcelona, and it turned into one of the most memorable trips of my life.
Barcelona is a city full of contrast: ancient and modern, busy and calm, vibrant and still. I was excited to explore it with Jackson as my local guide, and to see this new world he was calling home for the spring semester.
Let’s just say… months of Duolingo practice had me feeling somewhat ready, but I was still nervous speaking Spanish and a bit of Catalan. Fortunately, every “hola” and “qué tal” was met with a smile—and locals seemed to genuinely appreciate my effort. Or maybe they were laughing with me. The point is, I did genuinely try.
The Sights That Stole My Heart in Barcelona
Sagrada Familia
Seeing Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece in person took my breath away. I didn’t realize that not only is Sagrada Familia under construction, but that it has ALWAYS been under construction. It’s been almost 100 years since the death of Gaudí, and this masterpiece is still not complete. The intricate details on the outside were only the beginning! The light reflecting off rainbow-colored stained glass was simply beautiful. It felt sacred and peaceful.
Rooftop Views
Taking in the city from above is one of my favorite things to do. We started at the Terrace of Sercotel, where we had lunch with a stunning view of the Sagrada Familia—it was the perfect preview before our tour.
Later that evening, I watched the breathtaking view from my hotel, H10 Madison, which offered a postcard-perfect view of the Cathedral de Barcelona. It was the most peaceful way to unwind after a full day of exploring.
The Gothic Quarter
Getting lost in the Gothic Quarter a delight for me. Narrow, winding streets opened into hidden plazas, and we found cozy restaurants hidden between centuries-old buildings. Every corner seemed to tell a story, and every meal felt like a discovery. Truly! I often I didn’t know what I was ordering so it was definitely an adventure!
Parc Guell and Gaudí’s Whimsy
Parc Guell was like stepping into a dream…or maybe into the brain of Gaudí. He was definitely one of a kind and his architecture is unlike anything I’ve every experienced!
His inclusion of nature, curved lines, and colors made everything feel playful. Getting there was no joke (hello, steep hills!) but once we arrived, the views and architecture made every step worth it. I love getting in a good workout!
Day Trip to Montserrat and Winery
Another favorite day was a full day bus-trip to Monserrat. (Side note: I booked all of our excursions and tours through Viator in advance and it made everything so easy.) After being in the bustle of the city, a peaceful escape into the mountains was a perfect day away and absolutely stunning. The Basilica at Montserrat was beautiful, but the real reward came from hiking the trail to the Creu de Sant Miquel. The views were awe-inspiring. I’m so glad Jackson indulged me with a few photos together to capture our day.
We extended our trip that day by taking the bus tour to Oller del Mas Winery, where we met new friends from all over the world, sipped wine, explored the vineyards, and learned about Catalan winemaking. It was relaxing, educational, and so fun.
Exploring Barcelona Solo for a Day
One of my most enjoyable days was when I spent the afternoon wandering through the Gothic Quarter on my own. With no set agenda, I let the cobblestone streets guide me. That’s when I stumbled upon Cesc Sansalvado performing outside the Cathedral of Barcelona. His music was fun, energetic, and it was truly a magical moment for me to experience. I am a fan for life.
I made my way through La Plaça de Catalunya, where I dodged the endless swarm of pigeons. They definitely owned that plaza! So let’s just say…I made my way out of there quickly!!
I ended the afternoon walking along Barceloneta Beach, enjoying the breeze and blending in just enough to be mistaken for a local…once. Hope I directed them correctly! I couldn’t have planned a more perfect day. Pinch me. This is when I truly fell in love with Barcelona.
Let’s Talk About the Food in Barcelona
Barcelona is a city that knows wonderful food. From traditional dishes to unexpected finds, every meal felt like a little celebration.
We had delicious paella, because why would you ever go to Spain without eating paella? I finally understood why it’s such a beloved dish—it was hearty, flavorful, and totally comforting.
But honestly? Some of the best meals came from tiny, tucked-away places we just happened to stumble upon. The kind with two tables, and one person working the grill…literally. Whether it was a simple sandwich, crispy patatas bravas, delicious pizza, the freshest tapas, or even a little American fare for brunch, these little joints were my favorites.
Each meal was an experience. It was not just about eating, but about slowing down, savoring, and connecting with the moment. Jackson reminded me of this often and our conversations over dinner were a memory I’ll keep with me forever! Food just tastes better when you’re not in a rush.
What Made Barcelona Feel So Different and So Wonderful
Quiet, Eco-Friendly Transportation
One of the first things I noticed? The buses were quiet. Turns out, many of them are low-emissions or electric. It made moving through the city feel calm and clean.
Walking Everywhere
I absolutely loved walking through the city. You don’t need a car in Barcelona. Everything’s reachable on foot or by subway. It helped me slow down, notice the details as I explored, and feel connected to the beauty of the city.
Simple, Efficient Subways
Barcelona’s metro system was easy to navigate, affordable, and fast. A few simple rides and I felt like a local (well, almost). I’ll be honest though. Jackson was a wonderful guide. He whisked me around the subway so I didn’t even need to know how to navigate it!
A Symphony of Languages
Everywhere I went, I heard a mix of languages from Spanish, Catalan, English to French, Italian, and more. It made the city feel welcoming and truly global.
A Refreshing Take on Service
One of the biggest cultural shifts? Tipping isn’t expected like it is in the U.S. The service took a little getting used to. It’s definitely less friendly, more transactional, but also allows us to enjoy each other. We never felt rushed. Dining is an experience, and meant to be enjoyed without interruption. Asking for the check could sometimes take longer than expected and sometimes comical for Jackson and I. La cuenta por favor.
What I Learned & What I Packed
Before my trip, I spent about a year researching everything I could about Barcelona—especially the pickpocketing problem I kept reading about. I even invested in a super cool cross-body bag designed for travel. I’m happy to report: I never once felt unsafe.
Yes, I stayed aware of my surroundings at all times, but perception on the internet, was not my reality thankfully. The city was lively, welcoming, and full of kind people. Manuel at our hotel was an absolute gem! Barcelona is so much more than the cautionary headlines…it’s beautiful, layered, and inspiring. I can’t wait to go back.
Travel Essentials
I never leave home without a few key items and this trip confirmed just how essential they really are:
- My essential travel pillow – a total lifesaver on long flights.
- Comfy walking shoes – non-negotiable in a city built for strolling, and these felt like little pillows.
- Apple Pay – quick, a little too easy, and accepted just about everywhere.
- A reliable charger – a dead phone in Barcelona would not be fun.
- Adapter – you’ll need this to charge your phone.
- Euros – I didn’t end up using any and left them for Jackson to get himself some groceries.
- Anti-theft backpack – for travel days only.
- Locks and luggage tags – peace of mind for my bags, especially on travel days.
- A good pair of sunglasses – equal parts fashion and function…mostly function.
- My trusty cross-body bag – sleek, secure, cute, and made me feel safe.
- And of course, my Passport! Don’t forget it!
What I’ll Always Remember About Barcelona
What made this trip so special wasn’t just the architecture or the food or the views—it was sharing it all with Jackson. Seeing him thrive, grow, and fall in love with another culture made my heart burst with so much joy. And getting to walk beside him (literally and figuratively) for a few days in this beautiful city was a gift I’ll never forget.
Barcelona, you were full of surprises, lessons, and magic. I’ll be back someday…with more Spanish under my belt and more adventure awaiting.
