The last time I traveled abroad was to London in December 2019, right before the world changed with the outbreak of the coronavirus. I was never exactly what you’d call a "globetrotter", but I did like to visit different countries once or twice a year, experiencing new places and cultures along the way. However, after that London trip, I stopped traveling altogether. Why? I’m not even sure—I suppose life just unfolded that way.
Typically, when I travel, it's not solely for leisure or relaxation. I like my journeys to have purpose; I often look for ways to combine personal interests with the adventure of exploring a new place. And if there’s one thing I can’t resist, it’s planning my trips around live music events, whether it’s a concert or a music festival. Music has always been a core part of my travel experiences. It has this incredible power to evoke emotions, make memories unforgettable, and even connect me with like-minded people —all while discovering a new country.
That brings me to my first trip in 5 years. When my boyfriend told me about "Greetings from Barcelona", a music festival held in, you guessed it, Barcelona, showcasing an incredible lineup of punk, dark wave, and synth artists from all around the world, I couldn’t say no. My response was immediate: “Hit it! Let’s do it.”
The excitement was instant. From the moment we arrived in Barcelona, I fell in love, especially with the architecture.
Barcelona is a city where history and innovation meet in a captivating blend of architectural styles, each reflecting the city’s dynamic past and creative spirit. Walking through its streets feels like traversing different epochs, each with its own unique character. The oldest parts of Barcelona feature 15th-century Catalan Gothic architecture—a distinct variation of Gothic that diverges from the styles seen elsewhere in Europe, embodying a local take on this dramatic style with its own set of features and nuances.
As the city entered the Modern Age and became more closely tied to the Hispanic Monarchy, new influences arrived from Italy and France, bringing with them the Renaissance and Baroque styles. This era marked a shift, introducing elegance and refinement that still appear in certain areas today. Yet, it was in the 19th century that Barcelona reached a pinnacle in architectural creativity, with the emergence of Catalan Modernism. This movement, characterized by its bold, organic shapes and vibrant details, transformed the city’s aesthetic and left a lasting legacy.
Today, Barcelona’s architectural landscape is a seamless mix of ancient and contemporary. Wandering through its streets, you encounter everything from medieval stone facades to the flowing, avant-garde lines of Modernism. It’s a city where each building tells a story, radiating a rich atmosphere that invites you to slow down and take it all in. Strolling through Barcelona is truly a feast for the senses—one that reveals the city’s spirit in every structure and street corner.
However, let me shift to a more detailed account, taking you through the places we explored, the activities that filled our days, and the winding streets we wandered.
La Sagrada Família
You cannot visit Barcelona and not go to the Sagrada Familia. The Sagrada Familia is a monumental Catholic basilica in Barcelona, designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí, whose visionary vision makes it one of the most recognised masterpieces of Catalan modernism. This impressive structure combines Gothic, modernist, and surrealist elements, standing out for its slender towers, ornate facades, and rich religious symbolism in every detail. From the moment we approached Gaudi’s magnum opus we knew we were in for something extraordinary.
Palau Nacional de Montjuïc
An imposing Spanish Renaissance-inspired building that stands majestically at the top of Montjuïc mountain. The palace was built as the main headquarters of the 1929 International Exhibition. Its spacious halls and corridors are decorated with Renaissance and Baroque-style ornaments, creating an atmosphere of grandeur and elegance. In addition to its impressive architecture, the Palau Nacional de Montjuïc also houses the National Art Museum of Catalonia, one of Barcelona’s most important museums, which exhibits a wide collection of Catalan art, from Romanesque to modernism. An immersive experience that blends art, architecture and panoramic views of the city.
The Pavilion
A masterpiece of modern architecture that represents the essence of simplicity and elegance. Designed by Ludwig Mies van Der Rohe and Lily Reich, was the German Pavilion for the 1929 International Exposition in Barcelona. Unfortunately, when we reached the entrance, we were met with an unexpected disappointment: the pavilion was occupied for a private, closed event. Although I couldn’t step inside and walk along the beautiful marble floors or see the elegant Barcelona Chairs in their original setting, the sight from the outside still conveyed the elegance and tranquility of Mies van der Rohe's design.
Museu Picasso
Located in an old medieval palace with elegant windows and thin pillars. The original idea for the museum came from Picasso's lifelong friend and secretary, Jaume Sabartés, whom Picasso had given many paintings, drawings, and prints since meeting in 1899. You can experience his art in chronological order, allowing you to trace the evolution of his various creative phases. It houses an extensive collection of artworks (4251!), mainly from his youth but also several works from his later creative phases. His early works are so interesting because you can see a great talent he was showing already as a young 14-year-old student!
Gothic Quarter
Wandering through its labyrinthine alleyways, I felt like I had stepped back into a medieval world. This area is packed with historical treasures, like the Barcelona Cathedral. Narrow, cobbled streets led to quaint plazas with cozy cafés. The Gothic Quarter’s charm lays not just in its architecture but in the atmosphere too—the sense of history in every stone and the whispers of stories from the past.
La Rambla Boulevard
In stark contrast to the serenity of the Gothic Quarter, La Rambla was bustling with activity. Crowded places have never been my preference; in fact, I usually go out of my way to avoid them. But somehow, with La Rambla, it was different. The lively atmosphere felt more like a vibrant celebration than a chaotic crowd, and instead of feeling confined, I felt energized. And the reward for this whole mood swing of mine, was La Boqueria Market, an explosion of colour, sound and aroma! Inside, stalls were brimming with fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood and Catalan specialties.
The Culinary Experience
Barcelona is a city that truly celebrates food. From the bustling food markets to the endless tapas bars, the city exudes a palpable love for fresh ingredients and bold flavors. However, during our time in Barcelona, we didn’t fully immerse ourselves in this food-centric culture. The reason for this, ironically, was the city's unique dining schedule. Most restaurants close their kitchens around 16:30 and take a break to prepare for the evening dinner rush.Since we were wandering all day long and attending the music festival around 19:30 we wanted to eat at this exact time period that they were shut down. As a result, our meals mainly consisted of quick bites from local bakeries—sandwiches and focaccias, which, though delicious, didn’t quite match the culinary experience we had hoped for.
However, the day that we managed to synchronise with the restaurants, we found a gem that satisfied our cravings: Fa Patxoca, a small and cozy restaurant nestled in the heart of the El Born neighbourhood. The intimate atmosphere, with its rustic charm and friendly service, set the tone for a remarkable dining experience. From the first bite to the last, every dish was a masterpiece!
Sant Antoni Sunday Book Market
Sunday arrived, signaling the end of our incredible trip to Barcelona, and it was time to head home. But before we packed our bags and made our way to the airport, there was one last experience I was determined to have —visiting a flea market. Sunday morning offered the perfect opportunity to check this off my list. Luckily, our apartment was located in the Sant Antoni area, which turned out to be the ideal location to visit the Mercat de Sant Antoni, a renowned food market with a fantastic book market around its perimeter. The Mercat de Sant Antoni book market was a treasure trove for anyone with a passion for reading and collecting. With over 70 stands, it offered an eclectic mix of second-hand books, comics, postcards, and even vinyl records. There was so much to explore, but there was one catch—everything was in Spanish. Therefore, I could not quench my literary thirst.
But then, I stumbled upon a real gem, a vintage Spanish horror comic titled "Vampus”. The cover alone struck a chord. And who would guess that within the pages there was a three-page tribute to German Expressionism films. In the end, this spontaneous find at the Sant Antoni book market that resonates so much with my personal aesthetics, felt like the perfect way to conclude our Barcelona adventure. It was an unexpected discovery that brought together my love for art, cinema, and the thrill of unearthing something unique in an unfamiliar place.
Till my next trip (hopefully not in 5 years from now!)
Yours,
Valisia