Postcards from Barcelona

The vivacity of Barcelona's streets welcomed in the dancing spring sun as we jetted off for a spontaneous sweet city break. 

Picture the scene: two worn-out students revising for January exams who stumble upon a couple of bargain flight deals and two hours later a holiday is booked! Procrastination isn't good for your bank balance. Fast forward 2 months, with a holiday playlist at the ready, we're on the plane to sunny Spain. 

Barcelona is a city which we have always wanted to explore together. Personally, it's a city of nostalgia as I had my first ever abroad holiday there as an excitable eight year old, but it was a first for my boyfriend Tom, who was eager to explore the architectural wonder that is the Sagrada Familia. So here's a little post to capture some of our best bits from our city get away... 

Holiday Playlist ft. Lucy Jones new single 'Too Good'

Food Markets: Mercat del Ninot 

As a budget holiday, we were eager to keep costs low and thanks to the amazing local food market not only was this was possible, but we were able to have outstanding food. With fresh fruit and veg, a huge selection of cheeses, and pastries and breads to make to you drool - we were well sourced by this local gem. Thankfully, Tom has a good grasp of Spanish because there wasn't an English speaker in sight, and we loved that. The authenticity of the market was captured by the little side cafe which served deep aromatic espressos and a local breakfast dish of fresh vegetable omelet on tomato spread ciabatta bread. Divine. This bustling market spot stole our food loving hearts and was our breakfast jaunt for the duration of our holiday, properly immersing us into Spanish culture. For cheap, beautiful food I cannot recommend local markets enough and we even picked up supplies to make our own lunches in our Airbnb kitchen. 

 

La Sagrada Familia

 

My words will never give this spectacular building justice. This Gaudi masterpiece is a must see for anyone visiting Barcelona and I'd highly recommend getting tickets to experience La Sagrada Familia's full beauty and learn all about this iconic building. 

Arc de Triomf 

The parks around the Arc de Triomf proved to be a popular area to soak up the first of the strong sun rays. Filled with Spring cherry blossom and proud palm trees we took some time to relax in these beautifully kept gardens. Quite moments away from the busy streets were equally as cherished.  

The Gothic Quarter

Walking along palm tree lined streets to the west of the city into the tucked away streets of the Gothic Quarter was an exciting adventure. Plant filled balconies and independent boutique shops filled the cobbled streets, making it the perfect spot to find unique holiday purchases. These eclectic streets opened up into sun trap squares which were filled with quirky cafes and bars for those essential pitstops. Keen to capture the holiday memories I was armed with a disposable camera and travel journal which we both really enjoyed adding to throughout our trip. 

The Gothic Quarter is also home to two of our favourite Barcelona hot spots, the first of which being the Picasso Museum which was amazing for both art fans (myself) and 'pls don't drag me round a gallery' people (Tom) as the exhibition was quite short and curated in an easily accessible way.


As the hazy evening drew in on our final night we strolled over to the acclaimed Harlem Jazz Club for their jazz and blues night and for what we later decided was the highlight of our break. Going to the Harlem was pretty much the top of my list of things to do in Barcelona and it did not disappoint. Seeing smooth professional jazz musicians live was the perfect, romantic end to our holiday in Barcelona. 

Laura x