When Barcelona feels more like home

What would you do in Barcelona if it is not the top 10 touristic attractions? Well.....walk around, find your favorite spot of the city and relax

I'll guide you through my weekend in Barcelona and will share with you some spots I truly love.
I visit Barcelona at least once a year since 2011 so I know a little bit about the city. 

Getting in

You'll land normally on T1, but if you come Ryanair or EasyJet you'll get into T2. I usually tarvel Vueling so T1, but this time I booked Ryainair. The advantage of getting into T2 is that the famous Catalan artist, Joan Miro welcomes you with a full mosaic wall. More of Miro and BCN on my post Barcelona from a different angle

Step into Aerobus (or grab the train) and off to the center :). Note for Aerobus, a return ticket is 10.20 Euro (valid 15 days). Make sure you have no more than 20 Euro bills. 

Tapas in Born

We stayed at Caliu Restaurant as the kitchen was opened when we arrived. We grabbed some tinto de verano and went for patats bravas, croquettes with cheese and spicy pepper, a portion of fuet (excellent Spanish sausage) and pan con tomate (bread dipped in tomatoes, olive oil and salt).  

Check out the street art

Barcelona has a lot of street art, and you can find it everywhere. 

An interesting piece is La Carboneria this is a former okupa house and in the end Barcelona declared it patrimony building and the facade can't be changed, which is a great thing as it looks so nice 
Did you notice the little detail on the side? I must say I find it very nice. The building is the oldest in the neighborhood built in 1864. Hope you will take your time to pass by and lets see what will be your favorite detail of the whole wall.  

and of course there is more. I spotted an interesting cupola of a church and I took the small street to see how it looks from closer and then I found some of below walls. cool right?

I stayed in the night

ok, maybe not all of you is as lucky as I am to know a couple of local people, but how would a relaxed Spanish evening look like? the same as everywhere, grab some beer and algo para picar (some snacks) and enjoy a movie with friends. 

Dealing with the rain.....

even in Barcelona you get to have some rainy days. Don't despair, you can still enjoy the city ;)

Streets of Barcelona 

Carrer de Sant Pere

Landmarks around the city

Barcelona Cathedral

Barcelona Cathedral is the Gothic cathedral and seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona, Spain. The cathedral was constructed from the 13th to 15th centuries, with the principal work done in the 14th century. The cloister, which encloses the Well of the Geese (Font de les Oques) was completed in 1448. In the late 19th century, the neo-Gothic facade was constructed over the nondescript exterior that was common to Catalan churches. The roof is notable for its gargoyles, featuring a wide range of animals, both domestic and mythical. (Source)

detailed view of the facade

Palau de la Musica Catalana

Seriously it is just impossible to take a picture of this with the super narrow streets of Barcelona 

Designed in the Catalan modernista style by the architect Lluis Domenech i Montaner, it was built between 1905 and 1908 (similar with Gaudi)

In 1997, the Palau de la Musica Catalana was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Hospital de Sant Pau. Today, more than half a million people a year attend musical performances in the Palau that range from symphonic and chamber music to jazz and Canco (Catalan song).

ticket office

Placa Catalunya

and I had no idea that pigeons are also here like in Milan 

Casa Batllo

If you like Gaudi, Casa Batllo, will be for sure on your aganda. I like a lot the outside, with all the colors, I passed by on a super rainy day, here the result 

just maybe a tip or an idea, I saw some pictures around Valentines and all balconies were full with roses....wonderful (and I am not a romantic person). Here a more in detail shot.

Shopping

you might know it already or not (I also mentioned it already in my post about Madrid). Spain is the home country of Inditex. Who is Inditex? well Zara, Bershka, Massimo Dutti, Stradivarius.... and what does this mean? 10% smaller prices compared to almost anywhere else. You'll find a lot of places around Placa Catalunya. 

Avenida Puerta del Angel

One of the streets for shopping Avenida Puerta del Angel also is the place of one of the water fountains that you can find in La Sombra del Viento of Zafon if you read it ;)

Arc de Triumph at sunset 

seriously, the light does everything, I loved the view, I guess I took like 10 pictures from all angles 

Dinner @La Catrina (Mexican)

I went to a lot of Mexicans in Belgium, but nothing was even close to what I tried here. It's a definitely must try. We went with a Mexican friend, who recommends it, so don't hesitate to try. 

We got several dishes to share, and all is quite spicy so take care when adding additional spices.  

they have several types of Frozen Margaritas, I tried the one with guava as I love it in juices 

and we got free tequila ... with spicy spices :)

Off for a new day

Gracia neighborhood 

Placa del SOL

I promised to share my favorite spot in Barcelona....this is IT. Place del Sol in Gracia. 

And my favorite bar/restaurant here is Sol de Nit. I refuse to review it on TripAdvisor, as it is anyway ultra crowded to also add extra reviews on TripAdvisor. 

and so that you understand ...... I love it here. Best tapas, Spanish Beer, funny staff & people watching at the best :) :)

Bunkers of Carmel 

It got popular this place and it is clear why

What a view, right? Grab some beers and enjoy some relaxing time with a great view from the top. The view is better than from Tibidabo or Park Guell so get on bus V17 and come over

and yes, I will bore you with one last picture, right before the storm....

I don't know you, but i love just going around and stumble upon new places, Barcelona is amazing far beyond the top attractions.