I changed jobs to a very exhausting one. After 3 days, I had to take a vacation to Barcelona.
We started our adventure in the evening. Barcelona has a completely different vibe after sunset.
Illuminated streets, bustling squares, and the impressive Arc de Triomf make you forget about the travel fatigue. And that was just the beginning.
La Rambla – the heart of the city
We headed to the famous La Rambla – Barcelona’s most well-known pedestrian street. A kilometer full of street artists, musicians, restaurants, and tourists from all over the world.
It only took a few minutes to understand why they say if you haven’t been to La Rambla, you haven’t really been to Barcelona. You just have to be careful not to end up buying something you never planned on instead of a souvenir.
Weather – Polish vs. Spanish
Since February in Poland means winter coats, hats, and gloves, we were convinced it would be similar in Spain. We couldn’t have been more wrong.
The sun was beating down so hard that we happily walked around in hoodies. At times, we were even hot.
The funniest part, however, was that the locals in Barcelona were walking past us in winter coats, scarves, and some even in winter hats. We were wondering where the nearest shade was. They were apparently preparing for an incoming arctic front. Everyone has their own definition of winter.
Barceloneta – the beach in February
Later it was time for Barceloneta. The beach in the middle of February? To us, that sounded like science fiction.
Walking along the shore of the Mediterranean Sea, the sound of the waves, and the sun made it hard to believe that just a few dozen hours earlier we were in Poland.
Park Güell – Gaudí’s fairytale world
In a wonderful, completely uphill march, we reached Park Güell. It’s one of the most extraordinary places designed by Antoni Gaudí.
There are practically no straight lines here. Everything is colorful, wavy, and looks like it was taken straight out of a fairytale.
The biggest reward after the uphill walk, however, turned out to be the viewing terraces. The panorama of Barcelona is so impressive that for a moment you even stop thinking about your tired legs. Though only for a moment.
Spotify Camp Nou – the temple of FC Barcelona
Of course, we couldn’t skip Spotify Camp Nou – the FC Barcelona stadium. Even during the reconstruction, you can feel that this place has a unique history.
This is where the greatest soccer players in the world have played. This is where the emotions every soccer fan knows were born. A photo in front of the stadium was a mandatory part of the itinerary.
Sagrada Família – a project with no rush
And speaking of construction… it’s time to visit a place that is a symbol of patience. Sagrada Família has been under construction continuously since 1882, which is over 140 years.
Looking at its extraordinary towers and details, you can conclude that some projects really don’t like to be rushed. We were super impressed.
We did wonder, though, if we’ll ever live to see the moment when someone can say: ‘Well, they finally finished it.’
For the end, we saved Parc de la Ciutadella – the most famous park in downtown Barcelona.
The fountain, exotic plants, paths full of strollers, and the famous stone mammoth make it a perfect spot for a moment of rest. After intense sightseeing, it was much needed.
Of course, the ‘moment of rest’ ended with another few miles of walking and another batch of photos.
Conclusions from the trip
After a few days, I came to a few simple conclusions:
Barcelona can amaze you at every step. The step counter breaks records faster than our phones can keep up with recording them. I earned a full set of badges, and my phone and watch thought they had changed owners.
February in Spain and February in Poland are two entirely different seasons. Locals in Barcelona and Poles apparently live on two different planets when it comes to perceiving temperature.
Barcelona is a city you want to come back to. For Gaudí’s architecture, the unique atmosphere, beautiful views, soccer thrills, and that feeling that even an ordinary walk turns into another adventure.
