En Route To Barcelona: Making the Most of Your Study Abroad Destination
By: Christina Doherty In a vibrant city known for its bottomless sangria, tapas, stunning architecture, and beautiful people, it can be hard to narrow down the best places to visit. Barcelona has always been a hot tourist destination and is quickly making lists of the top cities to live. It is inviting, exciting, and unlike any other city you will ever visit.
You’d need a lifetime to fully immerse yourself in the culture and explore everything the city has to offer. Some of us are fortunate enough to have a few days to explore this beautiful city. My advice: bring your best translation app and follow the locals. Here is how to make the most out of your Barcelona experience.
What to Do:
During the day is the perfect time to experience Gaudi Architecture sprinkled throughout the streets of Barcelona, from works of his own, like the Casa Batllo and Casa Mila, to projects like The Sagrada Familia that have not yet been finished. Many of these sights can be seen from atop a double decker, like Barcelona Bus Touristic or from the ground, but it is truly a treat if you make the time step inside one of his masterpieces.
Want to embrace your inner Cheetah Girl? Head on over to Parc Guell where one of the scenes was filmed. If you make it to the highest point in the park, your jaw will drop at the stunning 360 degree view of the city. To make the experience even more enjoyable, stop at one of the small markets at the bottom of the hill before making your way to the park to buy water and some snacks. Eating fresh fruit and cured meat at the top of Parc Guell will be a moment you will never forget.
A trip to Spain would not be complete without experiencing a Flamenco show. One that is highly regarded is Tablao De Carmen, located right on Ramblas. This venue hosts dancers who have sprung from Flamenco royalty who often travel across Europe to showcase their deeply rooted understanding of this art.
What to Eat:
Would a trip to Spain be complete without Sangria? Stop at any place on Las Ramblas to order a pitcher and people watch. The fresh house sangria at many local restaurants beats anything you can purchase in the States. For late afternoon tapas, Ciudad Condal is a favorite among locals and tourists. Head on over to the La Boqueria Market for some authentic food. There are fruit and smoothie stands on every corner, so make sure you grab a smoothie (1 Euro) on your way out.
What to Wear:
Simple neutral pieces with bold accessories is the best way to go. Think anything black and white paired with unique sunglasses and bold jewelry. Barcelona is a walkable city, so make sure you pack comfortable shoes. Best Piece of Advice: small cross-body bags are the way to go, as theft is common.