Barcelona Travel Guide: Art, Rooftops & the Soul of Catalonia

Welcome to the first stop of our Spain-Portugal itinerary — Barcelona! With its dreamy mix of modernist architecture, Mediterranean coastlines, vibrant tapas bars, and Gothic alleys, this city is a feast for the senses. Here’s how we spent two amazing days soaking in the best of Barcelona.

Day 1 – Castles, Cable Cars & Gothic Charm

Our Barcelona adventure began with a trip up to Montjuïc Castle — a historic fortress that offers sweeping views of the city and harbor. We drove to the Cable Port Station, from where we took the Aerial Tramway all the way up to Miramar. The ride was absolutely worth it — gliding over the port and city skyline was breathtaking.

Right outside the Miramar Tram Station, we found a lovely restaurant with panoramic views where we enjoyed a relaxed Mediterranean lunch.

Post-lunch, we made our way to the Gothic Quarter — a beautiful labyrinth of cobbled lanes, local boutiques, and centuries-old buildings. We spent a solid amount of time here walking through the medieval alleys, shopping, and admiring the street art. A highlight was visiting the Cathedral of Barcelona — a grand structure that captures the essence of Gothic architecture.

We ended our day at the famous pedestrian boulevard, La Rambla, before heading back to the hotel to rest our feet.

Day 2 – Gaudí’s Barcelona: Park Güell & La Sagrada Família

If Day 1 was about views and charm, Day 2 was about visionary art and spiritual architecture.

We started with a morning visit to Park Güell, Gaudí’s colorful wonderland of mosaic benches, whimsical structures, and city views. We booked a guided tour through Golden Globe Tours (since official tickets were sold out). While the tour was informative, you could also explore Park Güell on your own if you prefer a slower pace.

Next up was La Sagrada Família, and this experience deserves its own paragraph.

La Sagrada Família is not just a church — it’s Gaudí’s masterpiece and one of the most awe-inspiring buildings we’ve ever seen. With its intricate facades, towering spires, and stained-glass-lit interiors, this basilica tells a story of faith, nature, and endless creativity. We joined a guided tour through Julià Travel, and our guide made the entire visit come alive with stories about Gaudí’s life, the symbolism in every element of the architecture, and the vision that started in the late 1800s. It’s still under construction and expected to be completed in 2033, and standing inside the sacred hall gave us goosebumps.

We wrapped up the day with souvenir shopping and gelato near the cathedral. What a beautiful way to end our stay in Barcelona before heading to Madrid.

Places We Loved to Eat

• Hungry Eyes – cozy spot with eclectic Spanish fusion dishes
• Chennai Masala Dosa – delicious South Indian food for a spicy fix
• Pastry and Gelato stops – the Gothic Quarter and around La Sagrada had some delightful local bakeries and gelaterias

Must-Know Tips for Visiting Barcelona

• Buy tickets in advance for top attractions:
  • Park Güell: https://parkguell.barcelona
  • La Sagrada Família: https://sagradafamilia.org
• Guided tours: Book with reputable vendors like Golden Globe Tours or Julià Travel if official sites are sold out.
• Stay safe: Barcelona is beautiful but known for pickpocketing in crowded areas like La Rambla and the Metro. Wear crossbody bags, keep phones secure, and avoid placing valuables in back pockets.
• Walk comfortably: Bring comfy walking shoes — most neighborhoods have cobbled streets.

Map of Attractions Visited in Barcelona

Barcelona swept us off our feet — from historic hilltops to vibrant architectural marvels. Every street, every dish, every view told a story. If you’ve only got two days, this itinerary is a great blend of history, art, and local flavor.

Next stop: Madrid — let’s go!