Barcelona, the Vibrant City

Barcelona is often mistakenly thought of as Spain’s capital, but it’s actually the capital of Catalonia.  It’s a city where Mediterranean charm meets artistic flair, offering everything from urban beaches to bustling historic and cultural centers that are full of life and character. In the spring of 2023, I had the chance to spend an entire month here during an internship. Unlike a short city break, living in Barcelona for several weeks gave me the opportunity to discover the city beyond its usual highlights and it’s one of those places where I could see myself living. Below my recommendations in Barcelona, along with a few things to keep in mind when visiting.

Sagrada Familia

For starters, of course, there's the Sagrada Família. It is Barcelona's most iconic landmark and Gaudi's lifelong masterpiece. From the outside it is still under construction, but the interior is completed and absolutely breathtaking. The colorful stained-glass windows bathe the space in shifting shades of light throughout the day. Even if you’re not usually a “church person,” the Sagrada Família is one of those places that leaves you in awe.

Note: Since the coronavirus pandemic, it's wise to book popular attractions in advance, especially on weekends or during peak season. Many places still use time slots, which is helpful to keep in mind when planning your day and it can save you valuable time waiting in line.

Museums

Many museums in Barcelona offer free admission on the first Sunday of each month. I would particularly recommend the following:

• Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC): housed in a grand palace with a rich collection of Catalan art and beautiful painted domes.

• Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau: a former hospital and one of the best examples of Catalan modernist architecture, less crowded but truly stunning.

• CosmoCaixa Science Museum: an interactive, hands-on museum featuring experiments, exhibitions, and even a lush tropical rainforest inside.

Palo Market Fest

In the neighborhood of El Poblenou, an old factory is transformed once a month, usually on the first weekend, into the Palo Market Fest. It feels like a little oasis filled with small shops, food trucks, live music, and drinks. The atmosphere is creative and relaxed, making it a perfect place to spend a weekend evening.

Nature & Views Within the City

I think what truly makes Barcelona such a great place to live is the constant presence of nature and the feeling of space it creates. Parc de la Ciutadella is perfect for a picnic or a slow afternoon stroll, while Parc del Laberint d’Horta offers a quiet maze garden that feels far removed from the bustle of the city. And of course, there’s always the beach, where you can walk or run along the shore, sunbathe, take a dip, or eve try a sunrise or sunset paddle board for a peaceful start or end to your day.

Beyond the parks, Barcelona is surrounded by hills that offer some of the best viewpoints over the city.

• Tibidabo: The highest hill in the northwest, on top of which there is an amusement park. We walked up, enjoyed the panoramic views along the way, and then took the funicular down.

• El Carmel: A smaller hill in the northeast, famous for the Bunkers del Carmel. It is a popular spot to gather at sunset with drinks and snacks.

• Montjuic: In the southwest, Montjuic has a rich and layered history. Its name means "Jewish Mountain" in Catalan, as it was once home to part of the city’s Jewish community. Because of its elevated position, it later became the site of the Castell de Montjuïc, a fortress overlooking the sea and city. The hill also played a key role during the Olympic Games, leaving behind some really cool spots, like the Olympic Stadium, now used for sporting events and concerts, and the Olympic pool, with a gorgeous view of the city and a relaxed cafe. Montjuic is also home to the Botanical Gardens and the Teatre Grec, an open-air theatre. After exploring, you can head down to Carrer de Blai, known for its many tapas bars. When my family came to visit, we went on a segway guided tour with Orange Fox Bikes, and later I returned with a friend to watch the sunset from Teatre Grec, finishing the evening with some delicious tapas.

Day trips

The Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat is located about 50 kilometres from Barcelona and is a nice day trip. By train, the journey takes about an hour and from the station you can reach the monastery at the summit via a cable car offering beautiful views on the way up. Once at the top, you will find a few dining options, though they tend to be pricey an fairly average given the location. The monastery sits amidst a stunning natural park, surrounded dramatic rock formations and scenic trails. We decided to walk down the mountain, and it was absolutely worth the effort for the breathtaking views and peaceful atmosphere.

You can also consider a day trip along Camí de Ronda, a coastal hiking route in Costa Brava known for its turquoise coves and rugged cliffs. Or, if you’re fascinated by art, the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres is another unforgettable experience.

Public transport

Barcelona has an efficient and well-connected public transport system, making it easy to get around the city. The metro covers most central areas and runs rougly every 5 minutes during peak hours. Bused and trams complement the metro, reaching areas the subway doesn't.

You can buy tickets that cover all three modes of transport at metro stations, and it's a good idea to check the most convenient option in advance here: https://t-mobilitat.atm.cat/en/web/t-mobilitat/fares. Depending on the duration of your trip, I usually recommend T-usual montly pass, even if you are in the city for less than a week, it gives you unlimited access at a low price.

Food ideas:

• MrDaWalter (Arc de Triomf): Delicious empanadas, perfect for a quick and tasty snack.

• Les Quinze Nits (Plaça Reial): Affordable menu with a social twist; chefs and staff are in training.

• La Pepita: A cozy spot with a great atmosphere and delicious traditional tapas.

• El Nacionale: A large, open-concept space housing several restaurants under one roof.

• 365: Ideal for a quick lunch or sandwich.

• Cervecería Catalana: A classic tapas bar loved by locals and visitors.

• Café Federal: Perfect for breakfast, brunch or lunch, with several locations throughout the city.

• Bar Celta Pulpería: Authentic local tapas in a casual, friendly setting.

• Pizzeria Bar Ottantotto: Worth a visit f you're craving Italian; their pizzas are delicious.