Why I Love Barcelona

I had high expectations before heading to Barcelona.  There had to be something special about this city – because every time I talked about it with someone I would always get the same reaction…

Ahhh Barcelona! I love Barcelona!

And you know what? After two days, I can say the same thing. Here’s a few of the reasons why.

1. La Rambla - One of the busiest streets in Barcelona that seems to be central to everything you need. You can head off to the incredible fruit market, shop your heart away, or mosey on down the side streets to get a real feel for what Barcelona is really about. I almost felt transported back in time, stepping on bricks that I knew were stepped on by millions before me. Accidentally wandering into majestic cathedrals? Sign me up.

2. The Mediterranean  - So Barcelona doesn’t have the nicest beaches in the world.  It’s not ugly by any means, and I may have seen a dead rat in the sand. But the Mediterranean is absolutely beautiful. So are the many ships that line the docks as well… It gives you this romantic, dreamy feeling that makes you wish that a beautiful Chris Messina would come and wisk you away…

3. Sangria -   Who doesn’t love a little cheap wine, juice, and pieces of fresh fruit floating around? I am not a drinker by any means, but if you go to Barcelona you must try the sangria.  It’s every fruit loving girl’s dream come true.

4. Tapas - You cannot drink sangria or anything in Spain with the absence of tapas. Tapas are finger foods/snacks like olives, cheese, fried squid… Etc.  It’s amazing because you get to try little portions of lots of different things. If you’re a vegetarian like me you’ll probably be limited to multiple versions of potatoes… But trust me, even the potatoes are delicious.

5. The Metro - Barcelona has an amazing transport system. Technically, you could walk everywhere as things aren’t that far to begin with, but the metro gives lazy people like me a convenient plan B. So spare those leg muscles!

6. Picasso – Barcelona was Picasso’s home for a good part of his years, and so much of his legacy lives on within the city.   You can walk the street where he was chased down by 4 prostitutes in his early age, or view hundreds of pieces of his work in the Picasso Museum.  The museum was pretty empty when we went in (on a late afternoon) and it was pretty amazing.

7. Beautiful Parks - I saw several free parks around the city of Barcelona that displayed beautiful sculptures. The undeniable favorite is Park Guell. The park was designed by Antoni Gaudi who – you all remember, is also responsible for La Sagrada Familia. And if you hike your way up to the very top of the hill, you’ll come to a cross.. and an incredible view of all of Barcelona below you.

There are many more reasons why other people fall in love with this beautiful city.  The soccer, the architecture, the men….  and I realize that all the things on my list can probably be found in other parts of the world. Maybe my opinion is a bit jaded, because this is the city that conquered all of my solo traveler fears. You can doubt me all you want, but hey… I will always love Barcelona.