Spain, Part 2: Barcelona

Barcelona is Spain’s second largest city, the capital of the province of Catalonia, one of the most visited cities in Europe, and it is glorious.

It’s easy to see why the Spanish government would put separatist leaders in jail rather than be parted from this gem. Bob and I both fell in love, and added it to our bucket list of places to live when we get to Europe. Located in one of Spain’s wealthiest regions in the Pyrenees, Barcelona, a city of 1.6 million people, is right on the Mediterranean Sea, and is quite hilly.

The beach in Barcelona

The city has a lovely platja (Catalan for beach), and Port Vell, the old port is busy, cosmopolitan and scenic. One of our favorite places to explore was the Gothic Quarter, a meander of alleys and tiny shops off the popular Ramblas pedestrian promenade that attracts visitors worldwide with its shopping and outdoor restaurants.

The Gothic Quarter at night

We ate tapas, of course, which are small plates unique to the region. We took a Hop On Hop Off bus tour, which turned out to be a fantastic way to get an overview of the city. We saw the Olympic Village where the Summer Olympics were held in 1992.

We visited Casa Mila/La Padrera, a masterpiece home on a grand boulevard designed by the visionary Spanish architect Antonin Gaudi, whose modernist influences can be found all over the city (and in fact the region.)

Casa Mila/ La Padrera

The rooftop of Casa Mila/ La Padrera

A door in La Padrera inspired by butterfly wings

We saw the famous Sagrada Familia Cathedral (designed by Gaudi and still unfinished), passed popular FC Barcelona's football (soccer) stadium. We even ate at a retro-themed American hamburger diner/restaurant called Peggy Sue’s when Lexie expressed the desire for a little “normal” food.

Sagrada Familia

View of Sagrada Familia from the bus

We only had two days in Barcelona, so we will definitely be back to visit Park Guell (more Gaudi), see a flamenco show, spend an evening at Casa Battlo (more Gaudi), eat more tapas, and so much more!

This was a tapa of a visit, just a small taste.

Next ... Part 3: Reus