Barcelona City Break
A Long Weekend in Barcelona
We’ve just returned from a wonderful long weekend in Barcelona, and it reminded me what a fantastic city it is for a short escape. With regular flights from the UK and so much to see within a relatively compact area, it’s perfect for a few days of exploring, eating and simply soaking up the atmosphere.
One of the first places we visited was the famous Sagrada Familia. It’s one of those landmarks you’ve seen countless times in photos, but standing in front of it in real life is something else entirely. The intricate details on the outside are extraordinary, and once inside the light streaming through the stained glass windows is spectacular, I could only imagine what it would be like during a service with a full choir, just magical.
Food is, of course, a huge part of any trip to Barcelona, and we're big foodies so it was perfect for us! We spent time wandering through Mercado de La Boqueria, just off La Rambla, where the stalls are packed with fresh fruit, seafood, cured meats and little counters serving tapas. It’s a great place to stop for a quick bite or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere.
We also visited the Erotic Museam! Quite an eye opener, we were given a free glass of Chamapagne on arrival, which was much needed half way through! We also visited the Picasso gallery, my husband found a bit boring as it's a selection of work produced whilst Picasso lived in Barcelona before moving to France. That said, there are plenty of different galleries all clustered in the same area, lots of modern art, there's even a Flemenco show you can visit and have some lunch.
Our mornings began slowly with coffee and pastries, afternoons we spent sitting in the sunshine having a beer watching the world go by. Plenty to see and do at a leisurly pace without feeling overwhelmed. And we did a lot.
For anyone looking for a city break that offers great food, fascinating architecture and a vibrant atmosphere, Barcelona really does deliver. It’s easy to see why so many people return again and again.