I’ve visited Barcelona multiple times before, but this time was special because I was bringing my friends along. Even for me there were new and unexplored places, which made this trip exciting. I’d like to share my impressions with you.
We departed from Madrid’s main train station, Atocha. The station gets its name from the church opposite it. Today, it has a modern section where the trains depart from, but it also boasts a 19th-century section that houses a botanical garden. This garden is impressive. There used to be turtles here, but they were moved elsewhere as it wasn’t considered appropriate for them to live in an enclosed space. Still the atmosphere was delightful and all the plants are real.
After a two-hour high-speed train ride we arrived in Barcelona. We dropped off all our luggage, our crazy suitcases and bags at a storage facility near Sants main station. It was located inside a restaurant, which looked a bit suspicious. However, nothing was stolen and our belongings were perfectly safe. The cost was very economical: just 5 euros per bag per day. In contrast, the storage service at the station charges 30 euros. Walking a bit to find such a place is absolutely worth it.
First we went for lunch. Afterward, we visited the National Art Museum of Catalonia. A rich cultural program awaited us.
If you’re wondering where to eat near the station, we found a fantastic restaurant called Mundana just a 10-minute walk away. The food was absolutely delicious. We started with patatas bravas, which are roasted potatoes served with spicy sauce and garlic aioli. However, here the aioli was prepared with black garlic and cuttlefish ink. We also ordered some special pistachio-topped oysters. I tried the baked oysters with sauce, which I had never tasted before. It was a unique experience I didn’t want to miss.
Our next stop was a guided tour of the National Art Museum of Catalonia. But before that we had some time to spare and decided to visit the viewing terrace of the famous Arenas de Barcelona shopping mall. This mall was once a bullring, but after bullfighting was banned in Catalonia, it was transformed into a modern shopping center.
It was my first time visiting the terrace. I thought the entrance was free, but it turned out to be 1.50 euros. Not a big deal.It was worth it. The view was stunning.
We dedicated our first day in Barcelona to the National Art Museum of Catalonia, the city’s most important museum, showcasing the artistic heritage of Catalonia comprehensively. None of us had visited it before, so it was an entirely new experience for us. After meeting our guide, we began exploring the museum and I’d like to describe the atmosphere inside.
The museum houses over 230.000 works of art, so it’s impossible to see everything in one day. Some of the most remarkable sections include Roman-era frescoes, paintings by Rubens, Velázquez, El Greco and Goya, as well as furniture designed by Antoni Gaudí. And you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city from the museum’s terraces. The entrance fee is 12 euros, but buying tickets online is more convenient. Having a guide also helps you understand the details better.
Finally we arrived at our accommodation. Barcelona is an expensive city, particularly when it comes to lodging. Since we were a large group, finding an affordable place was challenging. We stayed in a house that was formerly an industrial space. It had a small pool, a barbecue area and a garden. Not bad, but we expected more for the price. For instance, there was a lack of hot water in the bathrooms and there wasn’t even a shelf to put shampoo in the shower. These details may seem minor, but they affect comfort. However, the most important thing is who you spend your time with.
On our second day my friends dragged me to a typical local bar. I don’t usually go to such places, but I went along with the majority's choice. It was an opportunity to see what locals have for breakfast. Let me tell you, don’t expect to find almond milk cappuccinos here. I settled for raspberry tea and tried lori, a local delicacy.
After breakfast we gathered in front of Park Güell, one of Antonio Gaudí's most iconic works. Perhaps he is not only Catalonia’s but Spain’s most famous architect. While waiting for the rest of our group, we explored the city and I’ll show you some of his works today too. I’ve visited Park Güell before, but it never ceases to amaze me. It’s colorful, whimsical and enchanting, almost like a toyland.
In 1900 Eusebi Güell purchased a plot of land on the outskirts of Barcelona with plans to create a garden city, a popular concept at the time. He collaborated with Gaudí to bring this vision to life. However, the project failed and only two plots were sold.
Inside the park you’ll find mosaic-covered benches, the famous mosaic lizard, and two charming houses at the entrance that captivate visitors. All these were created using broken ceramic pieces, showcasing Gaudí’s innovative recycling techniques. The colonnaded hall near the entrance has excellent acoustics and musicians often perform there.
Later we headed toward Barcelona’s city center. Since most of my friends were visiting the city for the first time, I took on the role of tour guide. I usually start my tours with Gaudí’s modernist masterpieces: Casa Milà, Casa Batlló and Passeig de Gràcia. Unfortunately, unlike Madrid, many tourist attractions here have high entrance fees. Still I believe these masterpieces are worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.
Our tour continued with more modern structures like the Palau de la Música Catalana. When we reached the old city center, I suggested trying a small tapas bar called Bilbao Berria La Barra near the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia. In the Mediterranean, seafood is a must for lunch. We went to a seafood restaurant where we could choose whatever we wanted. Octopus and scallops are absolute must-tries.
While part of the group visited Sagrada Família, I chose to explore the Picasso Museum instead. This museum is perfect for discovering the artist’s youth and his Blue Period, as well as his connection to Barcelona. Tickets are available online only and cost 14 euros. After the museum visit, I wandered around El Born, where you can find local designers boutiques and unique items.
We ended our day on Montjuïc Hill, home to a former military fortress that now attracts visitors from around the globe. The panoramic views from here are simply breathtaking, making it a must-see spot. From the city and port to the Mediterranean, you can see everything. Some might think it’s a touristy or popular place, but with such a reasonable entrance fee, the experience is totally worth it. And the photos? Guaranteed to be amazing.
Then we decided to take the cable car down to the port. But things got a little complicated. There are three different cable car companies on Montjuïc, each with its own route. Finding the one that goes directly to the port was quite challenging due to the lack of clear signage. Navigating steep slopes, we eventually made it to the right station. The cable car operates with a single cabin and looks quite old, so it sways a bit, definitely not for the faint-hearted. But the views make it all worthwhile. Seeing the city from above feels like floating in the air.
To end the day we enjoyed an authentic paella, one of the Mediterranean’s finest dishes, at Mana 75. Watching the preparation in the open kitchen added to the experience. The seafood paella, made with baby squid and local onions, was the best I’ve ever tasted in Spain. Even Valencia has tough competition with this dish. We paired it with a delightful dessert platter and coffee, savoring every moment.
After this unforgettable meal, we rented bikes and explored the coastline. Cycling along the beach is one of the best activities to do in Barcelona. As we boarded the train back to Madrid, we felt content and fulfilled, having had an incredibly enjoyable and satisfying weekend.
