Barcelona, Spain
Trip Perspectives
Hi Eleanor, tell us a little about yourself and how you'd describe your travel style.
I’m always exploring. I’m naturally curious and love to see the world. While it’s usually more fun with friends, I also solo travel quite a bit, since I’ve been working remotely for years. Now that I work for myself, it’s even easier to set my own schedule and plan longer stretches away from home.
When I travel, I like to really get a feel for the local culture. I’m a big foodie. I’m just as excited about street food as I am about top-tier spots. I’ve been lucky enough to visit some of the best restaurants in the world, from Central & Maido in Lima, to plenty of incredible street carts in various cities.
My favorite destinations tend to be by the sea. I’m happiest on the water. Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Santorini, Sydney, and the island of St. Lucia are some of my favorites.
You've visited Barcelona five times. What keeps drawing you back?
I cruise quite a bit, and Barcelona is the biggest port city in Europe. That said, I always extend my stay. There’s just something about the vibe that keeps pulling me back. The city has plenty going on, yet it never feels overwhelmingly busy like some other major hubs. I always find something new to do on my visit. Plus, I love tapas and Spanish wine, and Barcelona has an incredible food scene.
My first (adult) visit to Barcelona came at the end of a month-long trip through Spain. It was a turning point in my life. I had never traveled like that before, and this experience opened up a whole new chapter for me.
Who would you say to, “You have to go to Barcelona,” and why?
Anyone looking for a city with a cool culture and food scene should visit Barcelona. There’s so much to do, that almost anyone can find what they’re looking for, whether it’s sightseeing, new foods, romantic spots, or solo hangouts.
It also helps that Barcelona has a major international airport, with nonstop flights around the world. For me coming from NYC, it’s one of the easiest Europe flights.
Additionally, Barcelona has a warmer climate than many other destinations, so it makes for a great trip, even in the off-season.
Which Barcelona experiences really stood out? You mentioned exploring beyond the city.
First, whenever I visit a new city, I love a good walking tour. The Gothic Quarter is an excellent place to learn about the city’s rich history. Plus, you can even combine a walking historical tour with a food tour, if you wish.
I’m not the biggest art person but I’m drawn to Gaudi’s art. Sagrada Familia is an absolute must. I just wish these sights didn’t get so crowded. That said, there are some ways to combat crowds and go to lesser visited places, like Casa Vicens.
Outside of the city, I love visiting Sitges. It’s a nice break from the bustle of the city, and a gorgeous place to relax for a few days. Costa Brava – Calella de Palafrugell specifically – is also fabulous in the late summer, too.
What is the Barcelona food scene like and what was your favorite meal?
The Barcelona food scene is absolutely fabulous. On my last trip, I discovered Casa Alfonso, an adorable tapas spot with a nice little bar for solo travelers to eat at. When visiting Barcelona, I recommend eating at as many small tapas places as possible. My favorite tapas are croquetas, pan con tomate, jamón ibérico (cured ham), gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), and tortilla española. (So, all of the staples)
Describe the evening vibe in Barcelona. How does the city feel after dark?
I’m not very big into nightlife, especially when traveling solo.
Barcelona has some of the world’s top-rated cocktail bars. Paradisio is one of the most well-known.
As a solo traveler, how did you find navigating Barcelona?
Navigating Barcelona is pretty simple to me. The city has a great subway system. Plus, the historic area is very walkable.
I do speak some Spanish, so that is helpful when visiting. Because Barcelona is such a tourism hotspot, most people that travelers will encounter in the city proper do speak English.
Though Barcelona is a wonderful city, it is full of pickpockets. I’ve heard the most stories about friends + acquaintances getting something stolen – wallets taken out of pockets, backpacks swiped out of hotel lobbies, luggage snatched getting off the airport bus. Personally, I had a bracelet stolen off of my arm without me noticing. Travelers have to be exceptionally careful with their belongings here. The city does not feel dangerous, though.
How should travelers budget for a trip to Barcelona and what's something they should splurge on?
Travelers should stay in the historic center, especially if only visiting for a short while. Most major sights will be walkable. And then, transportation costs, like cabs or rideshare, will be very low.
Many travelers, especially those coming from high cost of living areas, will find food and wine to be very affordable in Barcelona. Drink all the wine! With the rise in tourism, prices are going up, though.
Looking back on your trips, what is your one big takeaway from Barcelona?
ELEANOR
Hi, I’m Eleanor. I'm a curious explorer of 60+ countries who’s turned a love of travel into a full-service travel company and blog. I’ve helped hundreds of clients plan their travel itineraries to the Caribbean, Europe, and beyond. My home is the NYC Metro area, but I spend months traveling, and documenting along the way. My favorite countries are Spain and Greece.
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