The reason I am writing to all of you today is because I have some great news to share. I have been accepted into a study abroad program for this summer in Barcelona, Spain! This is one reason for my absence the past couple of weeks, I have been busy filling out applications and paper work for this amazing opportunity. For four weeks this summer, I get to study Spanish in the wonderful city as well as get to travel to other parts of Spain such as Costa Brava.
Now my excitement for my Spanish adventure has inspired me to research many great little trips one can take while in Spain. My list is not in any particular order, but these are just a few things that I hope to accomplish while on my journey.
1. Get lost in the Labyrinth Park of Horta
One of the oldest parks in Barcelona, the Labyrinth Park is thankfully outside of the tourist radius. I have been told it is an “undiscovered treasure” in the beautiful city, which is why I hope to get the chance to discover this little gem. In the park lies an 820 yard long labyrinth that has at its center the statue of Eros, who is known as the god of love. Besides the labyrinth, it also has a romantic garden that dates all the way back to the 1800s. The plus about this attraction is that if you are on a budget, admission is only €2.17 and Sundays and Wednesdays are free!
2.Ride the Ferris Wheel on Tibidabo Mountain
Obviously, I am not going to Barcelona for the amusement park rides, but instead, I want to ride the ferris wheel on Tibidabo Mountain not just for enjoyment, but for its breathtaking views. Now if you aren’t into amusement park rides then check out the Tibidabo Church, which is also located on the mountain. Built in 1902 this neo-gothic structure is definitely worth your time. I have been told that due to expensive food prices, pack some food and have a picnic! There are plenty of great spots located within the Tibidabo Sky Walk that allows you to enjoy your food as well as the panoramic views.
3.Go Snorkeling in the Mediterranean.
I have never been snorkeling in my entire life, so I feel like Barcelona would be a great place to experience this for the first time! With Barcelona’s abundance of beaches, I believe that this could be a fun plus cheap little adventure. With it only being a €5 investment, how could I pass this up?
4. Go to Dans Le Noir
If you have seen the movie When in Rome you probably remember the scene where they eat in a restaurant that is completely pitch black during their dining experience. Well in Barcelona they have a similar restaurant known as Dans Le Noir. Now I have heard that this restaurant is a wee bit touristy and that the reviews are not the greatest (3/5 on Trip Advisor), but I have always wanted to experience dining like this. Although it may be an awful experience, it sounds fun to me! My goal on this trip is to try as many of new things as possible, just so I can get the best experience out of my small time in Spain.
5. Eat in Gràcia
Full of locals and a younger crowd, this neighbor hood is becoming Barcelona’s hipster center. With many coffee spots and small shops, this area has a very artsy and friendly atmosphere. When it comes to tourist, many don’t know about this little spot in the vibrant city, which means it has a real village feel, if that is what you are looking for. In my opinion, it seems like the perfect place to runaway too.
6. See a beautiful view of Barcelona with El Carmel Bunker
El Carmel Bunker is another site that many tourist do not know of, which is nice if you are tired of being in that kind of crowd. If you head off the beaten track then you will be pleasantly surprised by all of the beautiful gems that you may find. El Carmel Bunker is the Spanish Civil War site that sits high above on one of the tallest hills in the city, which can definitely then define this as the best spot to see Barcelona in a new way.
7. La Rambla
Although I know that this is a tourist attraction, I have been told that this is a must. The Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorca even shows his love for the street by saying, "It is the only street in the world which I wish would never end”, so I am definitely going to take time to check this site out. If you haven’t strolled down this street then you cannot say that you have been to Barcelona because this is said to be the heartbeat of the city. Another reason you should go is because it is obviously fee to visit, so why not take time from your busy schedule to check La Rambla out. However, beware of pickpockets on this street, especially since there will be a lot of tourist about that they will try to target.
8. Create my own Cava
Or in other words, my own champagne! Since this is outside of Barcelona, if you have the time in your busy schedule, take the train to a 1000 year old farm house in the Penedes wine region of Spain, so you can bottle your own brew. Personally, if I don’t have time in my schedule to leave Barcelona, I hope to still do a wine tour or tasting of some sort.
9. Sailing or deep sea fishing in the Mediterranean
We must remind ourselves of the blue vast body of water that we are next to during our time in Barcelona. Instead of getting distracted by all of the tourist attractions, why not take the time and go on a sail boat to see a new view of Barcelona. Obviously, this is not a cheap attraction, it is around $80 for a two hour sailing trip from Barcelona, but the reviews definitely tell you that it is worth the money.
Now my excitement for my Spanish adventure has inspired me to research many great little trips one can take while in Spain. My list is not in any particular order, but these are just a few things that I hope to accomplish while on my journey.
1. Get lost in the Labyrinth Park of Horta
One of the oldest parks in Barcelona, the Labyrinth Park is thankfully outside of the tourist radius. I have been told it is an “undiscovered treasure” in the beautiful city, which is why I hope to get the chance to discover this little gem. In the park lies an 820 yard long labyrinth that has at its center the statue of Eros, who is known as the god of love. Besides the labyrinth, it also has a romantic garden that dates all the way back to the 1800s. The plus about this attraction is that if you are on a budget, admission is only €2.17 and Sundays and Wednesdays are free!
2.Ride the Ferris Wheel on Tibidabo Mountain
Obviously, I am not going to Barcelona for the amusement park rides, but instead, I want to ride the ferris wheel on Tibidabo Mountain not just for enjoyment, but for its breathtaking views. Now if you aren’t into amusement park rides then check out the Tibidabo Church, which is also located on the mountain. Built in 1902 this neo-gothic structure is definitely worth your time. I have been told that due to expensive food prices, pack some food and have a picnic! There are plenty of great spots located within the Tibidabo Sky Walk that allows you to enjoy your food as well as the panoramic views.
3.Go Snorkeling in the Mediterranean.
I have never been snorkeling in my entire life, so I feel like Barcelona would be a great place to experience this for the first time! With Barcelona’s abundance of beaches, I believe that this could be a fun plus cheap little adventure. With it only being a €5 investment, how could I pass this up?
4. Go to Dans Le Noir
If you have seen the movie When in Rome you probably remember the scene where they eat in a restaurant that is completely pitch black during their dining experience. Well in Barcelona they have a similar restaurant known as Dans Le Noir. Now I have heard that this restaurant is a wee bit touristy and that the reviews are not the greatest (3/5 on Trip Advisor), but I have always wanted to experience dining like this. Although it may be an awful experience, it sounds fun to me! My goal on this trip is to try as many of new things as possible, just so I can get the best experience out of my small time in Spain.
5. Eat in Gràcia
Full of locals and a younger crowd, this neighbor hood is becoming Barcelona’s hipster center. With many coffee spots and small shops, this area has a very artsy and friendly atmosphere. When it comes to tourist, many don’t know about this little spot in the vibrant city, which means it has a real village feel, if that is what you are looking for. In my opinion, it seems like the perfect place to runaway too.
6. See a beautiful view of Barcelona with El Carmel Bunker
El Carmel Bunker is another site that many tourist do not know of, which is nice if you are tired of being in that kind of crowd. If you head off the beaten track then you will be pleasantly surprised by all of the beautiful gems that you may find. El Carmel Bunker is the Spanish Civil War site that sits high above on one of the tallest hills in the city, which can definitely then define this as the best spot to see Barcelona in a new way.
7. La Rambla
Although I know that this is a tourist attraction, I have been told that this is a must. The Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorca even shows his love for the street by saying, "It is the only street in the world which I wish would never end”, so I am definitely going to take time to check this site out. If you haven’t strolled down this street then you cannot say that you have been to Barcelona because this is said to be the heartbeat of the city. Another reason you should go is because it is obviously fee to visit, so why not take time from your busy schedule to check La Rambla out. However, beware of pickpockets on this street, especially since there will be a lot of tourist about that they will try to target.
8. Create my own Cava
Or in other words, my own champagne! Since this is outside of Barcelona, if you have the time in your busy schedule, take the train to a 1000 year old farm house in the Penedes wine region of Spain, so you can bottle your own brew. Personally, if I don’t have time in my schedule to leave Barcelona, I hope to still do a wine tour or tasting of some sort.
9. Sailing or deep sea fishing in the Mediterranean
We must remind ourselves of the blue vast body of water that we are next to during our time in Barcelona. Instead of getting distracted by all of the tourist attractions, why not take the time and go on a sail boat to see a new view of Barcelona. Obviously, this is not a cheap attraction, it is around $80 for a two hour sailing trip from Barcelona, but the reviews definitely tell you that it is worth the money.