Barcelona is such an all rounder among the city breaks – it’s the perfect destination all year round. Its fascinating Art Nouveau architecture makes it picturesque and photogenic at any time. However, personally, I would recommend wintertime for a trip to Barcelona . Less tourists, less queues, and the perfect excuse to be warming yourself up with a cup of thick hot chocolate and churros in one of the numerous comfy cafés.
By the way, croissants and ensaimadas (a type of pasty made from a sugary, fermented dough and baked in the oven) are also really enjoyable with Spanish hot chocolate.
Sagrada Família
It goes without saying that no one who is in Barcelona should miss out on the Sagrada Familia. The church, designed by Gaudi in a neo-Catalan style, is still unfinished to this day, but definitely worth a visit. The way the light shines through the colorful church windows guarantees beautiful photographs.
Park Güell
On the subject of Park Güell: the ticket is unnecessary, you can save your money. Entry to the park itself is free and the Gaudi buildings can also be seen from below and above. Unless you are determined to go inside the houses.
La Catedral de Barcelona
If you want to experience an impressive contrast to the Sagrada Família, the best thing to do in my opinion is to go directly afterwards to see one of the most beautiful modern churches of all times, “La Catedral de Barcelona”. While the first church captures you with its incredible light, its openness and lightness, the Gothic cathedral has an ancient, solemn atmosphere which takes you right back to the Early Modern period. The ideal time to take photos here is in the early afternoon. (Most churches don’t permit taking photos with a flash, so you might want to pack a tripod if your camera lens isn’t fast enough.)
Staying overnight in an apartment
I prefer to stay in apartments on city breaks, because you can prepare your own meals. This is well worth it, particularly in Barcelona, where there are so many different markets that offer regional delicacies.
My favorite restaurant
La Paradeta. A fish restaurant where you can chose the fish at the counter and have it prepared as requested. To be honest, I have never had such tasty gambas.
View of the port
The nicest view of the port can be had from the castle on top of Montjuic. Skip the cable car and tackle the beautiful walk on foot instead.
Best carrot cake in the city
Margaret no. 13 in “El Pole Sec”, an area still untouched by tourism, houses the Spice Café which sells what is possibly the yummiest carrot cake in the city. All of its other cakes are naturally also highly recommended.
The most photogenic suburb
The suburb Gracia lies slightly elevated on a hill and has a feeling of a Spanish village rather than a pulsating metropolis about it, with small squares criss-crossed by narrow, shortish streets.
But it is precisely this mixture that makes the Mediterranean Art Nouveau city so interesting.
Marianna Hillmer
Marianna Hillmer (blogger, author, and foodie) operates the award-winning German travel blog Weltenbummler Mag. Her blog boast impressive photographs and charming travel accounts; it is supplemented perfectly by her secret tips which showcase her real feel for detail.
Blog: weltenbummlermag.de