Barcelona: Skipping Thanksgiving
November of 2013, my family and I decided to skip Thanksgiving and jet off to Barcelona, Spain. Zero regrets!
Barcelona is vibrant, colorful, and full of architectural wonders. From Gaudí’s masterpieces to historic cathedrals, stunning fountains, and plenty of tapas and sangria, this city has a little bit of everything. We were even lucky enough to snag an Airbnb with a side view of the Sagrada Familia!
Where we went
Sagrada Familia
My favorite cathedral in the world! If there’s one thing you CAN’T miss in Barcelona, it’s the Sagrada Familia. This breathtaking cathedral, designed by Antoni Gaudí, has been under construction for 140+ years, and it’s still not finished! The stained glass windows bathe the interior in a rainbow of light, making it one of the most magical places I’ve ever seen.
Park Güell
Another Gaudí masterpiece, Park Güell is straight out of a fairytale. The mosaic-covered benches, whimsical buildings, and panoramic views of Barcelona make this park one of the most iconic spots in the city.
Cathedral of Barcelona
This Gothic-style cathedral is located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. It’s much older and more traditional than the Sagrada Familia, but just as stunning in its own way. The rooftop views are worth the climb!
Arc de Triomf
Not to be confused with the one in Paris, Barcelona’s Arc de Triomf is a massive red-brick arch built for the 1888 Barcelona World Fair. It sits at the entrance to a beautiful promenade, making it a great spot for a walk or some photos.
Cascada Fountain at Parc de la Ciutadella
One of the most beautiful fountains I’ve ever seen, the Cascada Fountain in Parc de la Ciutadella looks like it belongs in a royal palace. Fun fact: Gaudí helped design it while he was still a student.
Casa Batlló & Casa Milà – Gaudí’s Architectural Gems
Barcelona is covered in Gaudí’s architectural magic, and Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera) are two of his most famous buildings. Casa Batlló looks like something from an underwater dream, while Casa Milà’s wavy stone façade makes it stand out from everything else on the street.
Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
At night, the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc puts on an epic light and water show with music. It’s totally free to watch, and it’s one of the best ways to end a day in Barcelona.
Montjuïc Castle & National Museum of Art
Montjuïc Castle – A historic fortress on a hill with incredible views of the city and the sea.
National Museum of Art – Home to an amazing collection of Catalan art, plus one of the best panoramic views of Barcelona from its front steps.
Camp Nou
Home to FC Barcelona, this is one of the most famous soccer stadiums in the world. We didn’t catch a game, but the touring the stadium is pretty cool!
What we ate
Tapas & Sangria
You can’t visit Barcelona without indulging in the food. Some of the most popular dishes included:
Patatas Bravas – Crispy potatoes with a spicy tomato sauce
Pan con Tomate – Toasted bread with tomato, garlic, and olive oil
Jamon Iberico – Cured ham that melts in your mouth
Gambas al Ajillo – Garlic shrimp that’s packed with flavor
Paella – A must-try! This iconic Spanish dish is packed with saffron-infused rice, seafood, or meat.
Pair it all with a glass (or pitcher) of refreshing sangria, and you have the perfect Barcelona meal.
What I’d do next time
La Boqueria Market
A food lover’s paradise! This huge market off La Rambla is packed with fresh produce, seafood, meats, and sweets. Great for grabbing a quick snack or fresh juice!
Picasso Museum
If you love art, the Picasso Museum is a must. It focuses on Pablo Picasso’s early works, many of which he created while living in Barcelona.
Bunkers del Carmel (Best Viewpoint!)
For one of the best panoramic views of Barcelona, head up to Bunkers del Carmel. It’s a bit of a hike, but sunset views from here are incredible!
Palau de la Música Catalana
A gorgeous concert hall that’s an architectural gem of Modernisme style (not by Gaudí, but just as stunning!). Even if you don’t see a show, the interior tour is worth it.
Tibidabo (For Fun & Views!)
A mountain with a vintage amusement park and Sagrat Cor Church at the top. You get spectacular views of the city and the sea!
Montserrat (Day Trip Idea)
A gorgeous mountain monastery about an hour outside of Barcelona. The views are breathtaking, and you can even see the Black Madonna statue inside the basilica.
Barcelona is a dream city—full of stunning architecture, historic sites, and delicious food. Whether you’re admiring Gaudí’s masterpieces, exploring castles, or sipping sangria on a sunny terrace, there’s never a dull moment here.
Samantha Shammas, Author
A true travel enthusiast, Samantha has been going around the globe her entire life and has visited over 35 countries and counting. With a lust to wander, she’s always excited to visit new places and soak in inspiration for her artwork.
