Oh Barcelona. How I've missed you. I was only fifteen years old when I first visited Barcelona on a school trip. I don't remember much, but the vague memories of the sun and pretty buildings stayed with me. Eight years later I thought it was time to make a return to this amazing city and I already miss those gorgeous streets and the sunny beach.
The trip started on Tuesday, last week. My friend and I were waiting at the airport in Amsterdam when our 8AM flight got delayed and later got cancelled. We were moved to the 5PM flight which was good because we were still flying to Barcelona but it also sucked since we lost an entire day of exploring. Our new flight also ended up being delayed so when we finally arrived in Barcelona all I could think about was a nice shower and a comfy bed. Our hotel was very close to Plaça de Catalunya so we were there in no-time. Since I was up since 4AM that morning I fell asleep right away.
The next morning I woke up all happy, because well, I was in freaking Barcelona. We started the day by eating breakfast at Trópico. It's the cutest cafe near Las Ramblas. Especially the entrance looks like it's coming right out of your tropical dreams. We both ordered the pancakes which were delicious and I had the most amazing looking smoothie that made my day even better.
With our full tummies we walked past some shops and couldn't resist having a peek inside. They also had a slide in Sephora which made us feel like five year olds. We even went on it twice! After some shopping we walked all the way to the Sagrada Familia. That building is just as pretty as I remembered it. We stayed there for a bit and then took the metro to Flax & Kale, a healthy restaurant that I have seen all over Instagram. It was bigger and more spacious than I expected it to be, but I still loved the vibe. I had some yummy vegan ravioli and carrot cake for dessert. After this late lunch/early dinner and a photo session in their bathroom -you have to do that when you're there, it's so pretty- we went shopping, again. I bought glitter pants from Mango that look so snazzy and fit like a pair of joggers. Safe to say these are going to be my airplane pants for all my upcoming trips. We also picked up a few bits and bobs to snack on and headed back to the hotel for some Netflix and sushi. Do you know that they have Friends on Netflix in Spain? It was the most fun I've had on a flight in a long time.
The following day we ate a chocolate croissant at the hotel and started our day bright and early at Parc Güell. We wanted to be at the park before all the crowds and we kind of made that happen. By the time we left more people came so we were right on time. We then took the bus to Bunkers del Carmel. From there you have the most amazing view across Barcelona and I loved sitting in the sun and looking at the city beneath me.
Then it was time to eat brunch at the oh so famous Brunch and Cake. We went to their location by the sea and we only had to wait for about fifteen minutes. I went for banana and blueberry pancakes - what a shock- and they were the best thing I've ever tasted. It was more banana cake covered in blueberry sauce which is all good by me. After that fabulous ensemble we headed back to the hotel for a quick beach change. I also had a hole in my floral trousers which I discovered at Brunch and Cake, so I was happy to put on a different outfit.
Since it was time for more food we ate an ice cream at Eyescream and Friends. I love that place so much. It looks like a furry friend but instead it's mango ice cream with eyes and gummy bears and Oreo crumbles. We then planted our buts on the beach and I loved how the sand felt between my toes. There was a Spanish band playing music in the background and at that moment I felt really happy and relaxed. I mean, who doesn't get happy when it's sunny and you are looking at the ocean? To make it even better we ate some nachos and sipped a cool drink right by the beach. We ended the day in a traditional Spanish foodie way, meaning that we ate very late, and had tacos at this cute taco bar across the street from our hotel. It was nice to end our last official day with a food coma.
On our final day we checked out of our hotel and headed back to the beach. There is this café called LuLu that was on our list and I was not disappointed. Smoothie bowls and matcha lattes? Heck yeah that I will be having breakfast there! We sat down underneath the morning sunshine and peacefully ate our last breakfast in Barcelona. From LuLu we walked to Palau de la Musica Catalana, an old concert hall that is full of pretty mosaics and sculptures. I had the most amazing time looking at all the art that the Palau had to offer. I did a guided tour which ended up being around 50 minutes. Also don't forget your student card if you have one, because it can really safe you some money.
After the art it was time for more food. We headed to La Boqueria, one of the biggest food markets in Barcelona. It's very popular among tourists and by the time we wanted to enter the market it was jam-packed. I don't really like crowded places like that, so after a few looks at the fresh fruit, ice cream and candy we headed to Starbucks for an iced chai latte. Since that wasn't enough we also went to Chök, and omg what a heavenly place is that. We went to their café near Las Ramblas and their window display already made me hungry. Donuts, cronuts, cruffins, brownies, chocolates; you can get everything there. I went for a simple pistachio doughnut, which was fluffy and delicious and whilst eating we walked back to Flax & Kale for a healthy juice. I went for a green juice, but they had so many juices that it was hard to make a decision. We also bought an ice cream at Amorino. I've always wanted an ice cream in the shape of a rose and now I finally got one. Sadly, this was the last thing we did because it was time to head back to the hotel, grab our suitcases and go to the airport.
The post-holiday blues is very real. Even when I was still in Barcelona I felt sad because I knew that I wouldn't see this city for a while. I loved the sunny weather, the culture, the art, the beach and last but not least the food. Barcelona definitely has a special place in my heart and I can't wait to go back.
Have you ever been to Barcelona? What is your favourite part of the city?
