Barcelona in 16 Hours

 

We were fortunate enough to visit one of my Bucket List cities, the beautiful Barcelona, Spain.  We weren’t disappointed.  We stayed outside of the city, in Sitges, a gorgeous coastal town just 45 minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the Barcelona City itself, but close enough to enjoy all it has to offer.

 

Travelling as a couple we stayed in hotels this time around.  However, if you are looking for a property with a home from home feel, with all the mod cons, as a couple or a family, you should be looking at Houses to rent in Spain which could be the perfect solution.

 

What is a Bucket List?

 

Firstly, bucket lists and goals; both have the two things in common:-

 

• They are written by you and about you
• You are working towards making them happen

 

When people think of a “bucket list,” they think of all the things that they want to do or experience in their life, before they “Kick the bucket” so to speak!

 

So, let’s get intentional with our bucket lists by focusing on the smaller things as well as the lifetime biggies.   We cannot wait for the right moment to experience life and all it has to offer. We have to create the right moments and experience life in the hear and now.

 

My ever-increasing Bucket List included Barcelona as one of the top cities to travel.  We very much enjoyed exploring this city and our 16 hours were bursting with experiences.

 

Travelling to Barcelona from Sitges

 

We decided to avoid the busy roads of the city, instead, we jumped on the train from Sitges to Barcelona which was just a short yet beautiful journey of just 40 minutes.

 

The first train leaves Sitges at approximately 7 am and returns at 11 pm.  To make the most of a day in Barcelona, I suggest leaving early and returning late.  This will give you the true experience of the city through the day and night.  It is stunning.

 

A tip for those picking this option.  Make sure you get a window seat during daylight hours– the views are second to none, which made the journey zip by.  It was a double-decker train, very clean with plenty of available seats, making it a true pleasure for travel.

 

 

So much to do, so little time!

 

Barcelona is full to brimming with things to see and do.  If you, like us, have limited time, we chose in advance the must see’s attractions for our first trip so no time was wasted.

 

 

Home of Culinary Heaven!

 

Mercat de la Boqueria with its beautiful stained glass arched entrance is a most interesting building, and on top of the aesthetics, you need only walk a few steps inside to smell the delights it holds along with visual colourful stands!

 

 

We were able to savour the incredible, fresh and local produce found within La Boqueria Market, an institution in Barcelona, where you can buy all the freshest local ingredients to enjoy on the go or return to your villa, to get the true, Spanish City experience.

 

 

The local fresh fish was to die for in local restaurants, and of course, each meal is accompanied by delicious olives, bread, olive oil and balsamic vinegar – divine!

 

 

Shopping Heaven

 

La Rambla is Barcelona’s most famous street and is a tourist magnet and can get super busy.  We stopped at a local coffee shop to enjoy the ambience of the midday crowd. A wonderfully clean centre of shops, cafes and restaurants along with tree-lined market stalls and breathtaking buildings.

 

 

The Star of the city – Gaudi

 

Antoni Gaudi, Architect and designer was at the forefront of the Art Nouveau movement in Spain. Gaudi’s work in Barcelona led to the creation of some of the city’s most notable landmarks. Gaudi buildings are found throughout the city and visiting them, should not be missed.

 

Here is a list of my Top 10 must-see Gaudi buildings and attractions – the man had serious talent.

 

• Casa Vicens
• La Pedrera
• Parc Güell
• Palau Güell
• Colonia Güell
• El Drac de Gaudí at Finca Güell
• Casa Batlló
• Casa Calvet
• La Sagrada Familia
• Cascada Fountain at Park de la Ciutadella

 

Casa Batlló – Barcelona at it’s Best

 

One of the most stunning residential buildings in Europe, this is Gaudí taking it to the world of fantasy as it’s best. The frontage, sprinkled with bits of blue, mauve and green tiles and studded with wave-shaped window frames and balconies is truly overwhelming in beauty.

 

 

La Catedral

 

Barcelona’s central place of worship presents a stunning image. The magnificently decorated main facade, laced with creepy gargoyles is everything Gothic.  Love it or hate it, you need to see this building in all its Gothic splendour.

 

 

By the seaside, by the sea

 

 

This incredible city actually has a beach and harbour lined with mega yachts.  Full to brimming with the hustle and bustle of restaurants and shopping and where locals meet up.

We enjoyed sitting with a bottle of white, in the harbour restaurant whilst watching the young and old go about their evening in this splendid city.

 

Now for something different!

 

We did as many of our Barcelona must see’s as we could and thought the Erotic Museum was something a little different to finish our trip with!  A fun experience that was worth the euros for a few hours of smiles and some interesting art we’d never seen before, and will probably never see again!

 

 

Barcelona won’t disappoint

 

The city was worthy of being on my bucket list, it was everything I had hoped for and more!  I came away wanting more and flying home to the UK, I was already planning our next trip.

 

I have many more destinations on my Bucket List, how about you?  Do let me know where you would love to travel and why?   I’m always looking for more travel inspiration.

 

 

This is a collaborative post.