My Barcelona Trip
My Barcelona Blog
Monday 23rd December, 2024
The plane was flying over Barcelona getting ready to land and both me and my wife were thrilled and excited for this city which is famous for its rich history and vibrant culture. The idea was to explore the city during the Christmas holidays and find the vibrance and ambiance during the Christmas season this city offers.
The plane wheels hit the runway, and I turned on my phone and immediately received a message from the phone company welcoming to Barcelona and letting me know about the data services available to me. Walking a long way down the plane towards the huge immigration line was not a good impression I got from this beautiful international airport, but I guess that’s part of the deal. After immigration we went towards terminal exit and felt happy again not to carry check-in luggage and started looking at my google maps for the nearest train ride to our hotel. Google maps showed us a ride consisting of changing two trains and a bus. Declining this idea in my mind I started to look for the Uber signs after exiting. To my surprise there were no Uber or Ride Sharing signs at the exit. I asked an airport assistant officer, and he told me that Barcelona airport does not have a dedicated Uber or Ride Sharing spot. A little disappointed, I started walking towards the taxi service as we were exhausted from the 12-hour flight and wanted to reach our hotel asap. As taxi came out of the terminal, I found it to be a beautiful sunny day with a temperature hovering at 50 F.
The taxi ride was showing a 35-minute ride to hotel but after getting stuck into a traffic accident on the road the taxi finally dropped us at La Rambla, a block before our hotel. It was a quick minute walk to the hotel, but I was immediately struck with awe as soon as we entered the alley that led us to our hotel – Barcelona House.
A nice cozy hotel located right in the heart of the Barcelona Gothic Quarters with abundant historical charm. Walking on a beautiful and tidy tiled road, strolling our carry-on bags, and looking at the historic residential buildings around we reached our hotel. It is 11:30 in the morning, and the hotel staff bluntly told us with a dry attitude that rooms cannot be make available before 3 pm. They were kind enough to hold our luggage in the meantime and after putting our carry-ons and backpacks in the storage we immediately came out to start looking for some place for our lunch. Google maps showed us a few options at a few minutes walk and we started walking towards the direction. We passed through La Rambla again watching its vibrance and so many excited local and tourists people wandering on La Rambla. After lunch we were so tired as it was difficult to sleep on the plane and I was really looking forward to hit the bed asap. We walked back to the hotel, waited for some time in the guest area and finally got the room keys around 2 pm. We quickly got settled into our room and went to a quick sleep after taking a nice warm shower. We woke up around 5 in the evening and it was already getting dark outside. After getting ready with some warm clothing, we strolled outside for a quick area exploration. Right behind our hotel was the famous Plaça Reial square with its charming bright decoration, beautiful architecture, lively bars, and restaurants. Full of tourists, this area immediately caught my attention and we stopped there to capture some of the moments in our camera.
Plaça Reial square is connected to Carrer de Ferran street on the other end which is again an amazingly brightly lit & decorated street with tons of shopping & dining options. The street was filled with joyous crowd enjoying the ambiance. We started walking north-east on the street towards Barcelona Cathedral. Walking on the cobble stone road, hearing the church bells on the way felt like you are wandering in a medieval town. Barcelona Cathedral itself is a classic piece of architecture. With its stunning gothic architecture and huge towers, it stood tall with grace and shine.
The Christmas market just outside the church was creating an amazing atmosphere with tons of people strolling around and shopping. After capturing several moments in our cameras, we started to walk back to our hotel through a narrow alley Carrer dels Banys Nous. Walking through this alley at night was an enchanting experience. The narrow, cobblestone street was illuminated by the soft glow of vintage street lamps, casting a warm and inviting light. The air was filled with the faint sounds of laughter and conversation from nearby cafes and bars, creating a lively yet intimate atmosphere.
The historic buildings, with their charming balconies, added to the charm of the alley. As I strolled along, I could not help but feel a sense of wonder and contentment, completely captivated by the magic of this hidden gem in Barcelona.
Tuesday 24th December, 2024
We woke up little late due to jet lag and went down to hotel lobby for breakfast. Afterwards we got ready to visit Sagrada Familia. Google Maps was showing a 50 minutes walk and therefore decided to hop on a metro to get there. Walked towards the nearest metro station called Drassanes which was a 9 minutes walk on a sunny wintry morning. At station I bought the Hola Barcelona Travel card for the two of us. This card provides unlimited travel on all Barcelona city transportation for 17€ for 2 days. Reached Sagrada Familia station in about 25 minutes and as we climbed out of the metro station there was it. Seeing the Sagrada Familia for the first time was truly an awe-inspiring experience. As you approach the basilica, the sheer scale, and details of Antoni Gaudí's masterpiece immediately capture your attention. The huge towers, each uniquely designed, seem to reach for the sky, creating a sense of grandeur and wonder. Unfortunately, there were no tickets available for that day as they were all sold out and I cursed myself for not buying the tickets in advance. We took several pictures of this audacious building from every possible angle to be remembered in our memories. The combination of Gaudí's visionary design, the ongoing construction, and the spiritual ambiance of the Sagrada Familia left a lasting impression, making it a moment of profound awe and admiration.
At this point we decided to hop on the city tour bus to explore city from an open rooftop bus. Standing at this bus stand we checked the bus route map and realized they have two red and blue lines that go through the city. Realizing that we were standing at a blue route bus stop whereas Red route seems to be covering the more historic area, we decided to take a quick metro ride to reach the La Pedrera which was the nearest Red line stop. At La Pedrera the atmosphere was vibrant and full of energy, with both locals and tourists enjoying the sights and sounds of the city. The wide sidewalks and tree-lined streets make it a pleasant area to explore on foot.
With the help of Google Maps it took us around 15 minutes to get to the Bus Trustic bus stop and we hopped on their bus after paying about 60€ for two people. Riding on the bus rooftop felt extremely cold in the high 40s F temperatures.
After a few stops we decided to make a stop at Plaça d'Espanya. This place was bustling with activity and surrounded by historic buildings and modern structures.
Then there was the view of Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC) which was truly breathtaking. The grand building sits majestically atop Montjuïc hill, with its impressive domes and neoclassical architecture standing out against the skyline.
Visiting Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya was not part of our plan, but the grandeur of the building just pulls oneself towards it. As you begin your walk towards the museum, you'll come across the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, a spectacular sight especially in the evening when it comes alive with vibrant lights and synchronized music.
As you ascend the steps or take the escalators up towards the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, you'll be treated to panoramic views of Barcelona. The combination of the city's urban landscape, the greenery of Montjuïc, and the architectural beauty of the museum creates a memorable and awe-inspiring experience. The walk was not only a visual delight but also a journey through some of Barcelona's most iconic landmarks. Once up the Montjuïc hill at the base of MNAC, we captured several snapshots & videos of Barcelona city that was spread in front of our eyes.
I was curious to look at the museum from inside and immediately decided to buy the tickets to have an interior look of the museum. Visiting the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya from inside was a remarkable experience that immerses you in the rich artistic heritage of Catalonia. As you step inside, you're greeted by the grandeur of the museum's neoclassical architecture, with its spacious halls and beautifully adorned ceilings. The museum houses an extensive collection of art, ranging from Renaissance paintings to modernist works. Each gallery offers a unique glimpse into different periods and styles, making the visit both educational and visually captivating.
PictureOne of the highlights of the MNAC is its roof access. After exploring the galleries, you can take an elevator or climb the stairs to the rooftop terrace. From there, you're treated to breathtaking panoramic views of Barcelona. The city's skyline, with its mix of historic and modern buildings, stretches out before you, and you can see iconic landmarks such as the Sagrada Familia. The rooftop also provides a closer look at the museum's impressive domes and architectural details, adding another layer of appreciation to your visit. Overall, the combination of the museum's rich art collection and the stunning views from the rooftop makes a visit to the MNAC a truly memorable experience.
While staying up on the hill and taking pictures, I noticed something right across. In the far distance, you can see Tibidabo, the highest mountain in the Serra de Collserola range. The mountain is easily recognizable by the iconic Sagrat Cor church standing at its summit, with its towering statue of Jesus Christ. This view was such captivating that I decided to visit Tibidabo the next day.
We came down the hill, hopped back to our Red Line bus and finally descended back at Diagonal. Walking along Avinguda Diagonal on Christmas Eve in Barcelona was a magical experience. We were immediately captivated by this beautifully decorated street with festive lights and ornaments that was creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The trees lining the street were adorned with twinkling lights, and the shop windows were filled with holiday displays, adding to the festive spirit.
We walked along the wide sidewalks where we encountered a mix of locals and tourists, all enjoying the holiday ambiance. The air was filled with the sounds of Christmas carols and the occasional street performer adding to the cheerful mood. Many cafes and restaurants along the avenue offer special holiday menus, inviting you to take a break and enjoy some seasonal treats.
The combination of the festive decorations, the lively atmosphere, and the sense of community made this walk on Avinguda Diagonal on Christmas Eve a truly amazing experience. It was a wonderful way to soak in the holiday spirit and enjoy the beauty of Barcelona during this special time of year.
At this point we started feeling hungry and after having a nice dinner we started walking towards our hotel. On our way we passed through Plaça de Catalunya. This bustling square is the heart of Barcelona, surrounded by shops, cafes, and historic buildings. The lively atmosphere, combined with the beautiful fountains and sculptures, makes it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll. From here we took the Av. Portal de l'Àngel to continue our evening walk. Walking along Av. Portal de l'Àngel on Christmas Eve was again a magical experience. The avenue was beautifully decorated with festive lights, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The air was filled with the sounds of holiday music and the laughter of people enjoying the festive season.
As you stroll down the bustling street, you can admire the charming shop windows, each one creatively decorated for the holidays. The aroma of roasted chestnuts and other seasonal treats spreads through the air, adding to the sensory delight. The combination of the twinkling lights, cheerful ambiance, and the joy of the season makes walking on Av. Portal de l'Àngel on Christmas Eve a truly enchanting experience. Finally it was time to get back to our hotel and strolling through La Rambla and crossing through Plaza Reial we reached back our hotel.
Wednesday 25th December, 2024
The next morning, after a late breakfast we headed to Tibidabo. Google map was showing a 45 minute ride through a combination of metro, bus and cable car. From our Drassanes metro station we went to Av Tibidabo - La Rotonda metro station and then walked for about 10 minutes for the bus stand to wait for Bus 196. We were supposed to descend at the Pl del Doctor Andreu - Funicular del Tibidabo station but due to some confusion we descended at a different station. I checked the Google Map again and it was showing a 12 minutes walk to the cable car station. We decided to walk and soon realized that it was not a good decission to walk due to high incline of the road. Eventually we reached the cable car station up high on the hill and were so disappointed to know that last cable car for the day has already left. At that point I decided to call an Uber to take us to Tibidabo. Uber took about 15 minutes to take us up there on a scenic drive. There was a few minutes walk from the taxi stand to the The Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor (The Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus). While walking towards it we kept capturing the stunning view of the church.
As you approach the temple, you are greeted by its amazing neo-Gothic architecture, which stands majestically on top of Mount Tibidabo. The Church’s enigmatic details and towering appearance create an awe-inspiring sight that captures the essence of its religious significance. From the outside, you can appreciate the temple's grandeur and the breathtaking panoramic views of Barcelona that it offers. The location itself adds to the experience, as Tibidabo is one of the highest points in the city, providing a unique vantage point to see the sprawling urban landscape below. The serene atmosphere and the beauty of the surrounding natural scenery make it a perfect spot for reflection and admiration.
After capturing several moments into our camera we decided to head to the top of the building to enjoy the highest point in the area. The rooftop experience of the Church was nothing short of spectacular. As soon as you get out of the elevator to the rooftop, you are greeted with an unparalleled 360-degree view of Barcelona and its surroundings. The city skyline stretches out before you, with iconic landmarks like the Sagrada Família and the Mediterranean Sea visible in the distance. What a serene and peaceful spot, perfect for taking in the breathtaking scenery. The elevation provides a unique perspective, allowing you to see the layout of the city and the natural beauty that surrounds it. The combination of the temple's architectural beauty and the panoramic views creates a truly memorable experience.
Overall, the experience of visiting the Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at Tibidabo is a blend of architectural wonder, spiritual ambiance, and scenic beauty that leaves a lasting impression.
As sunset approached, we decided to return to the hotel. We called an Uber to transport us to the railway station and subsequently arrived at our hotel. These two days in Barcelona were exceptional and have left a profound impression of the city's beauty on our minds.
This featured blog entry was written by SANSARI from the blog My Barcelona Trip.
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