loving barcelona
There is no country I love so much as Spain. Of course, God Bless America and all that, but Spain posses a certain magic that appeals deeply to the eater, thinker, napper and explorer in me.
It wasn’t love at first sight, though. It took me a good month to get comfortable living in Madrid the first time I studied abroad - the experience was just too new and unsettling to appreciated immediately. But once I adapted, I fell head over heels. Madrid, Malaga, Cordoba, Segoiva, Salamanca, Cuenca - I could list dozens of cities, towns and villages that cemented my love for this country. And Barcelona has been no exception.
Today was a little less magical, as I spent most of it in bed in the hostel, with a migraine. Thankfully, the day is not lost, as most of the world will still be awake (eating! drinking! playing!) for the next seven or eight hours. By the way, the staff at Hostal Goya was ridiculously kind about the whole thing (Do you want something? Are you cold? Maybe another blanket for your bed?). So if you’re ever looking for a place to crash in Barcelona - I couldn’t have better things to say about this one. (Thanks, Amber!)
Over the next few days, I’ll be sharing tips, photos and stories about what’s to love in Barcelona. If you’ve got food or site seeing recommendations, drop ‘em in the comments box. I’m here through Sunday.
My sister and I LOVE staying at Hostal Goya whenever we are in Barcelona!
Foodwise - I love fresh seafood so anywhere at La Boqueria is heaven for me - I like Universal, Pinotxo, and this small place all the way in the back - they serve the best black ink paella! For sweets, I like Papabubble (between Barceloneta and Las Ramblas) and Giangrossi.
And try the absinthe if you haven’t yet
If you want to do some shopping - do it at Zara. Their prices are half of what they are in the US. For instance, I bought a beautiful Zara dress for 20 Euros (which back then was about $35 USD)…when I got home I saw it at the Zara on Madison Ave and it cost $55!!!
I feel the exact same way you do about Spain…out of all the countries I’ve visited, Spain my favorite.
Land of my dreams, Spain is. I’ve only visited once, and only for two weeks, but I long to go back. It grabbed me in a way that no other country I’ve visited did. I can’t wait to see the Barcelona photos, as I didn’t make it there.
Hey, Fish! What a nice post about Spain! I’m Spanish myself, and a follower of your blog for quite a while now. I’d love to help and give you some hints, but I’m afraid Barcelona is not my area of expertise. I did visit, and loved it, but I don’t think I’m the one to be giving hints. However, if your travelling takes you to more places in Spain, I’ll sure try to recommend places for food, fun and visiting.
I sure hope you enjoy yourself and, once again, get the chance to fall in love with Spain.
Just pure jealousy running through me at this very moment… Have a doubly (?) good time!
Sigh. We had to drop Barcelona from our whirlwind Europe-by-Eurail-backpacking-for-
a-month-before-trying-to-get-pregnant tour.
There was a transit strike so we weren’t sure we’d make our flight out of Paris if we went.
Two kids later, the freestyle, hostelling life is just a distant memory.
I wouldn’t trade my family for anything, but I sure love reading your blog(s) and living vicariously through you.
Soak up Barcelona for me - I can’t wait to read all about it!
Hey Fish,
Glad you like Hostal Goya as much as I did!
I sent you a marathon email with Barca suggestions, so I won’t repeat them here, but I hope you feel better, and please raise a glass of vino tinto and eat some boquerones for me!
I’ve never been, but something about Barcelona just clicks with me. So, since I’m a long time reader of the other blog and love this one, I’m excited to see what you have to say. Spill the details as it’ll help me plan my hopefully sooner than later trip!
Hey Fish,
I was in Barcelona a few months ago and ate quite well - I went with my mom, who is a chef and food critic, and thus extremely picky. For a very worthwhile splurge, try Tragaluz. For amazing, no frills but perfectly deliciously fresh seafood, I adored Rosalert - it’s on Diagonal, and is enough to get me to revisit that city.
If you’re interested in spending a relaxing day on a beautiful beach, take the train out to Sitges (it’s about a 30-40 min rid) and costs about 5 euros. Definitely worth it.
Taller de tapas is very good - they are a chain and have over 50 different tapas on the menu. There are also a couple of really nice tapas bars in el born, i ate far too many last weekend.
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Barcelona was the first European city I visited after moving abroad. I fell in love. It reminded me so much of Chicago.
Oh man, if I had a penny for every time I heard the