The weather wasn’t all that great at the time we were in Spain, so our plans to sit at the beach (all day, everyday) were squashed. The Barcelonetta area of Barcelona, right along the beach, still offered a great place to settle in for dinner / wine and people watch, or just to stare out at the water.
We braved the wet and cool weather to explore the parks and great outdoor spaces that Barcelona has to offer. Parc de la Ciutadella, right near the Arc de Triomf, was by far my favorite. I could easily spend a full day reading near Fuente Wellington and taking photos of the many surrounding sights.
Photo-op at Fuente Wellington
The funicular at Mont Juic was a little overrated and pricey at 9 euros, but was a great way to take aerial shots of the beautiful city. Get ready to wait in line for a long, long time in high season though!
Gaudi’s Playground
The most popular park in Barcelona, Parc Guell, is famous Catalan: Antoni Gaudi’s most beautiful work. This “outdoor palace paradise” still shone through the grey, cloudy weather. Oddly shaped architectural structures, all with jewel-toned accents, rose out of just about every corner of the park. The fountain with the famous lizard statue was our favorite spot for taking photos.
Lizard Statue, Parc Guell
Another of Gaudi’s well-known sites is the Sagrada Familia, a large, unfinished, gothic style cathedral (yes, I know this isn’t an “outdoor” activity!). I love churches. I especially love European churches. I love audio tours. But what I don’t like? Taking a 70 minute, 3.5 euro audio guide tour of a church with a completely unfinished interior. I mean NOTHING inside. If anyone at all is reading this (not you mom) please take my advice and just do your own research on Gaudi’s plans for the Sagrada Familia. You’ll save yourself a good part of the afternoon for the many other sites in Barcelona.
The upper levels of the Cathedral were a great place to sit and look out at the city.
Sagrada Familia
Ten years ago I set a goal to visit 30 countries by my 30th birthday. With no plan or country list to fulfill this goal, I decided to let life take me where it wished.
“See Simi Travel Blog | Adventures of a travel snob“, is just that. The account of an ex-20-something year old exploring the world, usually solo, and on a very limited budget.
Every other week I try to tell you a story about the friends, food, fun and fails I’ve had along the way.
Sorry, I have to disagree with you on the Sagrada Fmailia as I don´t think that you can appreciate the beauty of it from the outside alone and the que and the price were worth it.
Hi Sean!
My critique was more for the audio tour. I wish I had done my own research and explored the Sagrada Familia’s interior at my own pace. Although I do stress that the building is void of furniture and decor, you are right in saying that the architectural structure of the building alone is worth a visit. Enjoy your time in Spain! You are very fortunate to have the time to explore it properly. Make the most of it!