Upon a recent trip to Barcelona, I became rather adventurous. During my first time in Europe, I stepped out of my comfort zone by trying new things and visiting new places! I present to you my do’s and don’ts of Barcelona:
Do’s
- Visit Park Güell- Antoni Gaudí was a pioneer of Spanish architecture, and this unique park is no exception. If you truly want to channel your inner Cheetah Girl, (a scene from the movie was filmed here), and observe fantastic views of the city, this is the place to go and explore.
- Sip on sangria in the Spanish sun- Consumed by Spaniards on holidays and other special occasions, sangria is a perfect beverage to enjoy in a restaurant or beach-side. It is also relatively inexpensive for tourists, as it is usually catered to them. *To note: While I am 19 and cannot drink in the U.S, the legal drinking age in Spain is 18. And Mom, I promise that I was responsible.*
- Go on a bike tour- The bike tour on my trip was DEFINITELY a highlight of the week. I preferred this to the walking tour I did because we were able to cover a larger chunk of the city in a short span of time. We cruised all around, seeing La Sagrada Familia, the Mediterranean sea, the beach, and the Arc de Triomf.
- Try local cuisine- Tapas are absolutely delicious, and I am appalled that the U.S serves its citizens such mediocre appetizers! My personal favorites are calamari, ham and cheese croquettes, patatas bravas, and Spanish omelettes. These dishes can be found at most tapas restaurants throughout Barcelona. I highly recommend Tapa Tapa for a yummy bite.
Don’ts
- Go to Montjuïc- While the idea of a Spanish castle is fascinating, I did not find this spot to be too intriguing. The views were not bad, but there was not much to do after you reach the top. Monserrat is a much better option if you are looking for a nice hike with breathtaking views.
- Drink Jägerbombs- This is not of Spanish origin and tastes like legitimate poison. This beverage from hell is composed of a shot of Jägermeister that is dropped into a small glass of Red Bull. So if you’d like to stay up all night feeling like garbage, this may be your drink of choice. If not, PLEASE pass.
- Buy souvenirs on La Rambla- They are far too expensive and are not always of the best quality. I recommend looking for locally made trinkets on side streets!
- Carry a backpack- While Barcelona is relatively low crime area, pickpocketing is HUGE here. Always make sure you know the location of your passport, ID, and wallet. As long as you play it safe, I’m sure you won’t run into too many problems.
The bottom line is this: Barcelona is an AMAZING place for people of all ages to travel. I hope to visit again someday, so I can once again live my very best life.
