FAVORITE PLACES: BARCELONA,SPAIN.

​It's no secret to my loved ones that I'm slightly obsessed with Spain. 
From the people, to the culture, to my adventures, España is truly a jewel.

since it's impossible to sum up all of spain's glory in one piece, this article is about one of my favorite cities in spain: barcelona.
a must do for any lover of travel.

located in the catalonia region, barcelona is known as the cosmopolitan capital of spain. the people of the catalonia region have a deep sense of pride in their roots and still speak catalan to this day. although BARCELona is very much a cosmopolitan city, it was founded as a roman city in the middle ages, therefore, saturated in culture.

The following are some of my absolute must do's and tips  while visiting barcelona!

(LAS RAMBLAS)

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• roam THE streets

​A starting point IN ANY NEW CITY FOR ME. I'M NOT KNOCKING PAID TOUR GUIDES BUT EXPLORING AND ALLOWING YOURSELF TO GET A LITTLE LOST IS JUST SO MUCH FUN, not to mention easy on your wallet!
BARCELONA HAS endless HIDDEN ALLIES AND BEAUTIFUL STRETCHES OF STREETS FILLED WITH QUAINT SHOPS TO WONDER ON. 

IF YOU GET TIRED, THERE is no shortage  of LUSH PARKS AROUND THE CITY TO take a break! AT ONE PARK IN PARTICULAR, my bestie, and i WERE WATCHING WHAT WE THOUGHT TO BE BIRDS. THEY WERE Bats! HUNDREDS OF BATS FLYING OVER OUR HEADS!! THE CRAZIEST PART (which a friendly local taught us) WAS THAT IF YOU PUT SOME ONION ON THE END OF A KNIFE AND HELD IT IN THE AIR, A BAT WOULD SWOOP DOWN AND EAT IT! 
must see parks:
​Park Guell, Labyrinth park of horta

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• ​take in the architecture​

While roaming the streets, really take in your ENVIRONMENT. Spain is the birthplace of some of the most creative minds to date. For example, SALVADOR Dali, Pablo PICASso,and antoni gaudi all call spain their mother land. 

Pieces from the last two can be marveled at all throughout the streets of barcelona for free!

Gaudi is known for his buildings. basilica sagrada familia, casa mila, and park guell are just a few of the places you can admire his ARCHITECTURAL designs.

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(THE GATE TO THE GOTHIC QUARTER)

THE FRIEZES ALONG THE FRONT OF THE COL-LEGI D'ARQUITECTES, PICASSO'S ONLY OUTDOOR ARTWORK, IS LOCATED IN PLACA NOVA (PLAZA NOVA EST. 1358). presently, the plaza is filled with trendy clothing stores, confectioneries, and cafes nestled into the historic backdrop.

also, the friezes are LITERALLY ACROSS FROM THE RUINS OF a TOWERING ANCIENT ROMAN GATE. this gate is the entry to one of my favorite places in the entire world: Barri Gotic  (the gothic quarter).

​although some aspects of the architecture were created in the early part of the 20th century simply to attract TOURISM,  this location is a history lovers disneyland. 

the columns from the temple of augustus built during the imperial period, the 18th century basilica de la merced, Placa reial (royal plaza), and many more sites will keep you entertained for hours.

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• tapas. tapas. tapas. tapas. cafes. tapas. tapas. tapas. tapas.

​mmmmhh where do i start?! spain, being in europe, has no shortage of cafes that serve delicious coffee with incredible views. There is LITERALLY a cafe on almost every single corner ! the food, however, is a whole other story.

spain in known for its PAELLAS and tapas. neither fail to live up to their expectations, especially if you know  where you're going.
there are two restaurants i visit every time i'm in barcelona.
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1.  sensi tapas: carrer ameple, 26, barcelona, 08002

call ahead to make reservations because this place fills up fast! the ceviche tapa is my favorite but i have tried almost everything on the sensi menu and have yet to be disappointed. they also have two sister restaurants with the same name that are very good, but the main sensi restaurant is where it's at! the demographic is classy and has a bit of an older crowd but is still MODERATELY priced.

    2. creps al born: passeig del born 12, barcelona, 08003
a top notch crepe and cocktail bar. what else does a person need?? creps al born is in walking distance of the gothic quarter and definitely worth visiting. The bartenders don't just create yummy drinks, they create art!! they also swing the lamps hanging from the CEILING every time someone tips. awesome ambience for people in the mood to have a little fun!

these are just two of my favorites places to indulge my taste buds but fun fact, i have never had a meal in barcelona that i didn't like. 

• THE BEACH

BECAUSE, WELL, DUH. BARCELONA IS LOCATED ON THE NORTHEAST COAST OF THE IBERIAN PENINSULA, HUGGING THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA. TAKE A GOOD BOOK AND YOUR SUNSCREEN AND HEAD DOWN TO THE PLAYA FOR SOME FUN. BARCELONA HAS A BUNCH OF BEACHES TO CHOOSE FROM AND UNLIMITED POSSIBILITIES OF WHAT YOU CAN DO THERE. OF COURSE THERE ARE CAFES AND RESTAURANTS WITH INCREDIBLE VIEWS, BUT THERE'S ALSO YOGA CLASSES, A YACHT PORT, AND MIND-BLOWING NIGHTCLUBS, LIKE SHOKO, ON THE SAND!!

• HAVE QUESTIONS?

​GO TO MY CONTACTS PAGE AND SEND ME AN EMAIL! I AM HONESTLY HAPPY TO HELP. BON VOYAGE!