Barcelona get away — The Wanderers

I often ask myself why I have this urge for going places, exploring and discovering new cities or countries. I have been on this quest for quite some time and it feels normal now. I heard this quote one day saying that “traveling is not something you are good at, it is something you do, just like breathing” and I couldn’t agree more.
It is a part of me and I can’t fathom out why people would not want to explore this world…it doesn’t make any sense to me because ultimately money is not the issue, it just takes courage to put yourself out there and go out of your comfort zone, and that’s the reason why so many people are afraid to do it.
But let me tell you something, I might not have been anywhere yet, or might not be the craziest adventurer ever but traveling makes you feel alive. Seeing the world with an open mind and getting new perspectives on life is priceless. Once you start you cannot stop, this is truly addictive.

Since I quit my job and have a bit more flexibility with my schedule so I decided to go and visit my family in Barcelona. It was crazy hot in France in the last couple of weeks so I figured I would be better off by the sea in a new city, and Barcelone was the perfect deal! The sea, the sun, the incredible food scene, the crazy architecture and of course my family.

I spent a week there, exploring every single neighborhoods of the city, walking a minimum of 15 kilometers per day and literally having the best time. The flat was located in the iconic district of Eixample, very close to the center. The good thing about being with locals is that you have a unique experience of the city. We avoided the touristy traps and stayed in less visited spots. Don’t get me wrong I still visited some of the famous landmarks in Barcelona, but most of the time we were having food or drinks in off the beaten path places.

Our first day consisted of walking up and down the main “Rambla” to get a grasp of what the city was like. This huge avenue cuts through the heart of the city center and is very lively and pleasant even though it can be very touristy.

Barcelona like any US city uses a grid system which makes it easier to get around, even without a map you can easily get from point A to B.

After having walked for a while we then stopped at the Boquerìa Market to get some freshly squeezed juices. The juices were delicious and really cheap (about 1 euro each). It is a large and public market where anyone can go to enjoy fresh food and Catalan gastronomy. Opened for the first time in 1836 this is the beating heart of the Rambla and it has been claimed one of the best markets worldwide.

Here’s few pictures of our first days in Barcelona

On our second day we decided to get an early start to avoid the crowds in the gothic district. This is something I really enjoy, waking up early when everyone is still asleep and make the most of the quiet streets, it is also the best time to take pictures! (Check out for yourself)

Barcelona is a beautiful city, it has a great atmosphere and feels “real”. I fell in love with the architecture and how each building tells a story. The stained glass windows, the gargoyles, the warm colors of the old town mixed with the modern art work give the city its undeniable appeal. This is the perfect balance between a seaside town and an urban city.

If you walk 30 minutes from the the center you end up on the Barceloneta neighborhood, usually crowded during the summer, if you keep walking towards the Arts Hotel you will find quieter spots to hang out and sun bath.

Barcelona would not be as famous as it is without its stunning masterpiece: the Sagrada Familia. This gigantic church designed and partly built by its visionary architect Gaudí is a must see. A work of art with an unusual but fantastic shape, the church is combining all the symbols of Christianity. Unfortunately Gaudì was unable to complete his work in time before his death however the church remains under construction and is set to be done by 2026.

Barcelona has so much to offer and I will come back soon to explore more but in the meanwhile here’s few tips for you:

Uber does not exist in Barcelona, you can use the free app Mytaxi if you need to book one in advance. Otherwise the city cabs are really cheap and trustable
Their transportation system is great, buses and metro run smoothly and are quite cheap
For a nice lunch by the sea head to AGUA
Barcelona has plenty of rooftops, so look up and get your golden hour picture + a nice glass of Sangrìa => we went to OHLA Hotel and had the best time
For great handmade ice cream head to Farggi
Some places need to be booked in advance (Park Guell ) so plan accordingly

Love,

A