Creative Travel Plan for your next trip to Barcelona

Most creative plan for your next trip to Barcelona

While tired parents were sunbathing and swimming in the sea, we decided to rebel and go on adventures on our own. Even if we're staying far away (relatively) from the Barcelona city center, where are all tourist attractions, breath-taking architecture and exciting destinations, if you really want something, you will do it.

How? Create a plan and act. We decided to use our time in Spain to the fullest without no excuses. Although, it is easier if you drive and have a car (you can always rent if you stay for longer in  Spain and plan to travel more), even if you don’t – you can get a train to Barcelona. Always ask yourself – what is the reason you came to this country? Is it an educational purpose, holidays, broadening your horizons or relaxing time with the family? 

 Did we come here to spend one week relaxing at the seaside? No. People who love adventures, want to explore the culture and feel the Spanish soul should totally visit Barcelona and absorb its beauty, atmosphere, and energy.

Despite we stayed in Villanova I la Geltru, a calm and lovely place (for older generations and those who want to escape from tourists), we enjoyed the first few days at the seaside, but then our brain was searching for more awaking experience.

Your Travel Plan in Barcelona (+Suggestions and personal mistakes/lessons)

1. Join the Free Tour with the lovely and energetic Tati, who will make you fall in love with the Gaudi https://runnerbeantours.com/ These free tours are run every day at 11 am and at 4:30 pm and take 2.5 h. Be prepared, because usually it provides a wide context of the history, culture and includes travel by metro, thus has some change. During this tour you will meet your new friends-tourists and your guide at the Placa Reial, then you will head to the Palau Guel, Casa Battle, Passeig de Gracia, Casa Mila and you will finish your tour at the Sagrada Familia. I would recommend you take this tour first, as you will have a better understanding of how to communicate and explore Barcelona and moreover, you can always ask your guide for advice! This free walking tour is the biggest gift for a tourist or a student like us, who is spontaneous, open-minded and ready for an intense 2.5 walk. After this tour Tati will leave you at the Sagrada Familia, which is the symbol of the city and must-visit both from outside and inside. Thus, I advise you to book the tickets in advance and after walking tour has a lunch break and then explore the masterpiece of genius Gaudi.  

2. Go to Sagrada Familia. Even if it is not finished yet, it is worth visiting this famous world project, that is still being built…starting with the first architect Gaudi 140 years ago.

3. Try the most delicious Spanish paella – the combination of seafood, beans, vegetables and unique flavor of this Spanish rice dish. It is named ‘’paella’’, what originally means a ‘’pan’’, where this mixture is cooked. You can find many versions, such as Valencian paella with the meat, seafood paella or the mixed paella. I ordered Pallea de marisco – seafood – and was more than happy with this choice!

4. Book your free tour with the Runner Bean ‘’ Gothic Quarter’’. Similar to ‘’Gaudi tour’’, but in this walking tour you will visit different places, such as Plaça del Pi, Jewish Quarter, Plaça Sant Jaume, Cathedral cloister, Plaça Sant Felip Neri, Plaça del Rei, and Santa Maria del Mar. We enjoyed this tour so much, as it was engaging, interesting and the guide had broad knowledge combined with the great passion. I wish more guides would be like these two I met in Barcelona!

5. Book a table at the … with a beautiful view! Check the restaurant that provides the table outside. During the warm summer evening, you will find this one of the best choices ever.  

6. Walk 1 h across the city centre – starting in Las Ramblas, one of the most crowded, exciting and unique streets in Barcelona. In summer you will be amazed by the street performers, musicians, living statues and the fresh food market. Without any doubts, you have to enter the Market and try fresh Coconut and Mango smoothie and traditional Spanish treats.

7. Try the best ice-cream in the world Arctic Ice cream close to Place de Reial

8. Find the architectural monuments, ornaments, and symbols crafted by Gaudi (Casa Batllo, Palau Güell, Casa Milà, Sagrada Familia – recognized as UNESCO World Heritage)

9. Swim in the sea at the City Beach. When you are in the city centre, you may feel tired after visiting museums, walking tours and feel overwhelmed, therefore the perfect solution is to jump straight into the warm sea. You will be surprised, how quickly your mind and body will be refreshed and ready for the next challenge!