Barcelona was the first Spanish city we visited on our 2015 summer road trip, and it opened the door to Spain in the most beautiful way. Coming from Marseille, after a long stretch of travel, we arrived in the afternoon—tired, a little stiff from the drive, but excited to finally be in a city that’s known all over the world for its art, history, beaches, and color.
We had booked a newly built hotel, a decision that turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Because they had just opened, the prices were incredibly reasonable, almost too good to be true. But everything was exactly as described, if not better. The place was spotless, modern, and cozy. The rooms smelled like new walls and fresh linen, and the clean lines of the design made it feel calming and restful. Best of all, breakfast was included, and it was more than just toast and coffee. Each morning, we had a satisfying spread that fueled us for the day ahead. Another bonus? The hotel was close to the city center, which made exploring easy and enjoyable.
That first day, though, we kept things simple. After checking in and freshening up, we headed out to look for something to eat. The streets of Barcelona had that early evening warmth—people walking, kids playing, the faint scent of food in the air. We grabbed a meal and then wandered into a nearby shopping mall, more out of curiosity than anything else. It was relaxing to stroll around, stretch our legs, and just ease into the new city without any pressure to see or do anything grand. Sometimes, that’s the best way to arrive—to let the city come to you slowly, instead of rushing toward it. That night, we fell asleep early and slept well.
The next morning, our real adventure began. We decided to book a tour bus for the day, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions we made during the entire trip. With so much to see and so little time, the hop-on hop-off bus gave us access to so many landmarks without the stress of figuring out public transport or city routes. It was simple, efficient, and surprisingly fun.
The tour took us to some of Barcelona’s most iconic sights. We passed by places like La Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s still-unfinished masterpiece that took our breath away. Its intricate details, towering spires, and otherworldly beauty made it feel like something out of a dream. We also saw Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera)—both whimsical and striking, with their unusual curves and colorful designs that made us appreciate Gaudí’s genius even more.
We made our way to Park Güell, walking under stone arches, through vibrant tiled spaces, and catching panoramic views of the city. The playful, artistic energy of the park made it one of our favorite stops—part fairytale, part architectural wonder. Another highlight was Plaça de Catalunya, a central square buzzing with life, and Passeig de Gràcia, lined with elegant shops, wide sidewalks, and impressive architecture.
We also visited Montjuïc Hill, a place that offered some of the most breathtaking views we had seen in Barcelona. From the moment we arrived, there was a calmness in the air, as if the city below had gently quieted just for a while. The hill rises above the city and gives you that perfect panoramic view—the deep blue of the port on one side, the rooftops of Barcelona stretching out on the other, and the soft hills fading into the distance. We spent at least an hour or two there, maybe more, simply taking it all in. It was the kind of view that you don’t rush, one that you let sink in slowly while your eyes wander and your thoughts catch up with your surroundings.
We took lots of photos and videos from different angles, trying to capture what we were feeling at that moment—but of course, the real beauty of it was something that couldn’t quite fit inside a screen. The breeze was light, the light was golden, and everything felt peaceful. It was one of those quiet travel moments you carry with you long after the trip is over.
While we were up there, I also took a moment to record a video greeting for my dear friend Springzeal, who was getting married. I couldn’t attend her wedding, but standing there with that incredible view behind me, I felt like I could still be part of her celebration in a small but meaningful way. It was such a surreal mix—being far away from home but still connected to loved ones in a special moment. Montjuïc was more than just a viewpoint that day—it became a place where personal memories were created, woven into the beauty of the landscape around us.
One of the most fun and relaxing parts of our time in the city was our visit to Port Vell, the vibrant marina and waterfront area not far from the city center. After a long day of sightseeing, we headed there to unwind and enjoy the cooler breeze by the sea. The harbor was beautiful—lined with sailboats, peaceful waters, and that gentle sound of the sea that instantly puts you at ease. We strolled along the wide boardwalk, taking in the view and the lively yet laid-back energy of people enjoying the evening.
We spent some time inside Maremagnum, a big shopping mall right on the water, browsing the stores and walking off the day’s tiredness. Eventually, we found a restaurant by the marina that served both seafood and meat dishes, which worked perfectly for us. I was excited to try some seafood while my husband, who doesn’t eat seafood, was happy with his meal too. We sat outside, watching the water, enjoying our food and the atmosphere. It felt like the perfect way to end the day—no rush, no schedule, just a shared moment in a beautiful place. Port Vell gave us a different side of Barcelona, and we loved it.
Barcelona quickly became one of the most beautiful cities we’ve ever visited. Its size didn’t feel overwhelming. In fact, it felt full—full of color, full of character, full of possibilities. Every corner seemed to have its own personality. From the small cafés to the wide boulevards, the bold art to the quiet courtyards—it was all part of a vibrant, living canvas. There was art not just in the museums or buildings, but in the daily life of the city.
We found ourselves already dreaming about coming back someday—with our future child. Even then, we were imagining what it might be like to share this place with a little one, to walk the same streets again but see them through a child’s eyes. It was the kind of city we knew we’d want to experience all over again, this time as a family.
After our third morning, we packed up and headed toward our next destination—Valencia. But Barcelona had set the tone. It was our first Spanish city, our first taste of what the country had to offer. And what a wonderful beginning it was.
