In November 2024, we set out for a long-awaited trip to Barcelona—a city we had only read about, seen in photos, and dreamed of walking through. What we didn’t expect was how quickly it would feel familiar. For nearly two weeks, we stayed in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, exploring the winding alleys, lively markets, and breezy promenades of the city—using it as both our base and our compass.
But this wasn’t just a Barcelona-only getaway. With train tickets in hand and curiosity as our guide, we ventured out on day trips across Catalonia, discovering small towns, seaside escapes, and hidden gems that gave us a deeper sense of the region’s pace and personality.
This journal captures where we went, what we spent, what stood out, and the moments in between. Whether you’re planning your own trip to Barcelona and Catalonia, or just love following travel stories, we hope this gives you ideas, insight, and inspiration.
Day 1 – Arrival in Barcelona
November 11, 2024
We landed in Barcelona after a long journey from the U.S., with connecting flights through Frankfurt. Our trip began on the afternoon of November 10 with a 3:45 p.m. departure from St. Louis, and after a smooth overnight flight and layover in Germany, we arrived in Barcelona around 1:10 p.m. local time the next day.
Getting from Barcelona Airport to the City Center
Navigating out of El Prat Airport (Terminal 1) was straightforward. We caught the Aerobus, a reliable shuttle that runs between the airport and the city center. Tickets cost €7.25 per person, and the ride to Plaça de Catalunya took just under 40 minutes.
From there, we hopped on a local TMB bus (€2.55) to the Via Laietana, 1 stop, which dropped us just a few minutes’ walk from our apartment in the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic).
Settling In
We checked in around 4:00 p.m. Our Airbnb was nestled in the heart of the Gothic neighborhood—close to historic alleyways, small cafés, and walking distance to the waterfront. After dropping off our bags and taking a few minutes to regroup, we stepped out for a short walk to get our bearings.
We wandered down to Moll de la Fusta, the boardwalk that runs along Port Vell, where the light was just starting to soften over the marina. It was quiet, peaceful, and exactly what we needed after a long day of transit.
Back at the apartment, fatigue caught up with us. We skipped dinner, unpacked just enough to feel settled, and called it an early night—asleep by 6:30 p.m., ready to reset for the days ahead.
Day 2 – Markets, Architecture, and a Midnight Reset
November 12, 2024
We woke up around 9 a.m., feeling surprisingly well-rested. The morning was quiet and gray—just the kind of weather that suits the Gothic Quarter. With no strict agenda, we headed out for a walk through the neighborhood, taking in the narrow alleys, medieval buildings, and early café bustle that give this part of Barcelona its atmosphere.
Morning at Mercat de Santa Caterina
Our first stop was Mercat de Santa Caterina, a vibrant and less tourist-heavy alternative to La Boqueria. The market’s colorful wavy rooftop is hard to miss, and inside we found everything from fresh produce to gourmet ham and cheese. At one of the stalls, we tried €2 tasting cups of jamón ibérico and local cheese—simple but excellent.
Historic Sights and Walks
From the market, we made our way to Catedral de Barcelona. We didn’t go inside, but took some time to walk around the exterior and photograph the surrounding Gothic architecture.
We continued on foot toward Palau de la Música Catalana—a stunning modernist concert hall tucked into a dense network of streets. From there, we explored the nearby lanes before arriving at the Arc de Triomf. The wide promenade, Passeig de Lluís Companys, gave us some open air and a good sense of the city’s layout.
Lunch at El Nacional
For lunch, we headed to El Nacional, a beautiful food hall located on Passeig de Gràcia. The space feels upscale—vaulted ceilings, warm lighting, and vintage touches—but the prices were surprisingly reasonable. We tried a few tapas and left full but not over budget. Worth the visit, even just to see the interior.
On our way back, we passed Casa Batlló. Even from the outside, Gaudí’s work lives up to the hype—organic shapes, colored glass, and almost no straight lines.
Afternoon Free Walking Tour (Sort Of)
We had signed up for a Free Walking Tour of the Gothic Quarter that started at 3:00 p.m. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate. Just minutes into the tour, heavy rain rolled in, and we made the call to duck out early. Sometimes plans change—and that was perfectly fine with us.
A Midnight Second Wind
We headed back to the apartment, dried off, and shared a bottle of wine with some leftover cheese from the market. The rain and jet lag caught up to us—we unintentionally fell asleep and didn’t wake up until close to midnight.
Strangely refreshed, we decided to go back out. First stop: La Pizza del Born, a small late-night spot serving inexpensive empanadas and beer—exactly what we needed.
Afterward, we ended up at Recreo Bar, a local place with solid drinks and techno-house music. The energy was laid-back but lively, and it felt like the kind of local spot that doesn’t try too hard. A good, unplanned end to a long but memorable day.
Day 3 – Sagrada Familia, Hilltop Views & Tapas Trails
November 13, 2024
We started the day a bit later, heading out around 11:30 a.m. with one of the most iconic landmarks in Barcelona on the agenda: Sagrada Família. Designed by Antoni Gaudí, the basilica has been under construction for well over a century—and even partially unfinished, it’s astonishing. The scale, detail, and natural light inside easily lived up to the hype. We booked tickets in advance – €52 for two.
Lunch Break: Tacos in Eixample
After our visit, we made our way to Taquería Los Güeros for lunch—one of those casual places you might miss if you’re not looking. The tacos were simple, flavorful, and very affordable (€1 each, total bill €12.80). A great spot for a quick bite without sacrificing quality.
Park Güell and a View Worth the Detour
By 3:30 p.m., we caught Bus V19 from Pg de Sant Joan – Aragó toward Park Güell, another Gaudí masterpiece located on the city’s hills. Unfortunately, we hadn’t booked ahead and learned that entry was sold out until the weekend. But the trip wasn’t wasted.
Instead of heading back, we walked up toward the Mirador de Joan Sales, just above the park. The climb was worth it—panoramic views of Barcelona, from rooftops to sea, under a late afternoon sky. If you’re unable to enter Park Güell, this viewpoint is a strong consolation.
Evening Tapas & City Walk
From the park, we boarded Bus 87 toward the Gràcia neighborhood to visit Raspall, a small tapas bar that opens at 5:30 p.m. One quick tip: this bus didn’t accept card payments—we had to pay in cash, so it’s worth having a few euros handy.
At Raspall, we grabbed a few drinks (€8 total) and waited out the early evening crowd. It’s the kind of spot that feels local, unpolished in a good way, and ideal for relaxing after a hilly walk.
Around 6:30 p.m., we headed to Can Codina—another nearby favorite known for traditional Catalan dishes and a lively atmosphere. Our bill came to €18.55, and the food was hearty and satisfying.
Evening Walk Through Iconic Streets
After dinner, we walked home on foot, winding through some of Barcelona’s architectural landmarks: La Pedrera – Casa Milà, Casa Batlló, Plaça de Catalunya, and finally through the familiar stone corridors of the Gothic Quarter.
Before calling it a night, we stopped at Alcampo supermarket by our apartment for a few basics (€12.54), restocked the apartment, and wrapped up the day.
Day 4 – Bikes, Tapas, Flamenco, and Spoken Word
November 14, 2024
By day four, we had adjusted to the rhythm of Barcelona—slow mornings, long afternoons, and late nights. We started the day a little before 11:00 a.m. with something active: a 3-hour guided bike tour that took us across key parts of the city. At $64 for two, it was a great way to cover more ground and learn about the city’s layout, history, and hidden spots from a local’s perspective. Most tours start near the city center and include bike rental, helmets, and a guide.
If you’re short on time or want to get your bearings early in a trip, this is highly recommended.
Lunch at Cerveseria Vaso de Oro
After the ride, we were ready for lunch. We made our way to Cerveseria Vaso de Oro, a small but lively spot in Barceloneta, known for traditional Spanish beer and classic tapas. The staff shouts orders across the bar, the space is tight, and the food is no-nonsense and full of flavor. We ordered a mix of dishes and drinks—totaling €32.80—and left full and happy.
Siesta and Reset
We returned to the apartment for a siesta-style nap from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m.—something we hadn’t planned but fully embraced. By now, we understood that Barcelona is a city that doesn’t rush you. You move when you’re ready.
Flamenco at Los Tarantos
Refreshed and dressed for the evening, we headed to Los Tarantos in Plaça Reial for a 7:30 p.m. flamenco show (€50 for two). The venue is intimate, and the performance was powerful—focused, emotional, and deeply rooted in tradition. If it’s your first time seeing flamenco, this is a solid introduction that doesn’t feel overly touristy.
Poetry Slam Night at L’Estranger
After the show, we headed to L’Estranger Espai Cultural, a small venue hosting a poetry slam night that started around 8:30 p.m. Entry was €20 for two, and the crowd was a mix of locals and creatives.
Late Walk Home via La Rambla
By 10:30 p.m., we decided to check out Telephone Nightbar—a speakeasy-style bar hidden behind a phone booth entrance. It was completely empty that night, so we passed on staying and instead walked home slowly, cutting through La Rambla and winding back through the Gothic Quarter. The streets were quieter, more reflective than earlier in the evening, and we got back to the apartment around 12:20 a.m., ready to rest for the next leg of our trip.
Day 5 – Tapas, Montjuïc Views & a Georgian Feast
November 15, 2024
Day five started with one of our longest walks of the trip—from the Gothic Quarter to Poble-sec, on a mission for one of the city’s most beloved tapas bars: Quimet & Quimet.
This tiny, standing-room-only spot is known for creative montaditos (open-faced sandwiches), conservas, and walls lined with bottles. We arrived around 2:40 p.m., just early enough to beat the afternoon rush. Lunch came to €31.50—well worth it for the quality and experience.
Up to Montjuïc by Cable Car
After lunch, we walked to Paral·lel Metro Station and took the Montjuïc Funicular, which is part of the regular TMB fare system (€2.55 per person). The short ride brought us up to Parc de Montjuïc, where we spent some time walking through the green spaces and quiet paths that offer a break from the city’s busier neighborhoods. From there, we continued on foot toward the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC). The building alone is impressive, and the collection spans Romanesque, Gothic, and Modern art. Tickets were €12 per person, and there was no wait to get in.
Dinner: A Georgian Culinary Surprise
In the early evening, we took the D20 bus from Paral·lel – Tamarit to Pla de Palau—a straight shot back toward the El Born area.
By 6:45 p.m., we sat down at Kinza, a Georgian restaurant that turned out to be one of our most memorable meals of the trip. We ordered a full spread: borscht, khinkali dumplings, adjaruli khachapuri (the cheese boat), and three types of Georgian wine—Saperavi, Kindzmarauli, and Tsinandali. Total: €61.90.
If you’re looking to break from tapas and experience a different regional cuisine while in Barcelona, this place is well worth the visit. Rich flavors, warm hospitality, and a great wine list made it a standout.
Day 6 – Market Hopping, House Beats & Quiet Corners
November 16, 2024
We started the day walking to the famous Mercat de la Boqueria. It’s one of the most well-known food markets in Barcelona—packed with colorful displays, fresh fruit, and rows of tapas stands—but it was extremely crowded and overpriced. Worth seeing once, but not where we’d go to actually shop.
From there, we looped back to Mercat de Santa Caterina—a market we kept returning to for good reason. It’s less chaotic and more local. We picked up a piece of incredibly sweet melon, easily the best we’d had all trip, and browsed a few stalls before heading out for the rest of the day.
House Party at Les Enfants Brillants
Around 5:30 p.m., we made our way to Les Enfants Brillants in the El Born neighborhood for a party that started earlier in the afternoon. Arriving before 6:00 p.m. earned us a free welcome drink, and we spent a few hours enjoying the house music and watching the crowd slowly grow.
The drinks were on the pricey side—€12 for cocktails, €7 for beer—but the venue had a good atmosphere and attracted an interesting mix of locals and visitors. We stayed until about 8:30 p.m., then left to wind down the night in a quieter part of the city.
Street Music and a Simple Dinner
Back in the Gothic Quarter, we picked up Greek pita with chicken and a beer for €6.95, then took it to Plaça de George Orwell—a gritty, graffiti-tagged square that somehow always feels alive. Later, we wandered toward the Muralla Romana—a stretch of the city’s Roman walls. A street musician nearby was playing reggae on his guitar, and we ended up sitting for a while just listening.
Day 7 – A Day Trip to Sitges and a Slow Evening in the Gothic Quarter
November 17, 2024
After a week of exploring Barcelona, we decided to take a break from the city and head to the coast. At 11:17 a.m., we boarded a Rodalies train from Estació de França bound for Sitges, a coastal town southwest of Barcelona. The round-trip ticket cost €9.80 per person, and the ride took about 55 minutes, following a scenic stretch of coastline for much of the journey.
Exploring Sitges on Foot
Sitges is compact, easy to walk, and full of charm. We wandered through quiet residential streets, whitewashed buildings, and small plazas. At one point, we came across a group of older locals dancing in a circle to a live band—a moment that felt genuine and beautifully out of time.
We had brought lunch with us—two sandwiches with cheese and ham, and slices of the sweet melon from the day before—and found a peaceful spot on the pier near the marina to eat. With views of the sea and the church on the hill behind us, it was one of our simplest but most enjoyable meals of the trip.
Painting, People-Watching & Sunset
We spent some time painting at the pier, soaking in the sun and the sound of the waves. Later in the afternoon, we found a spot at Central Bar & Books on Plaça de la Indústria. The bar offered a cozy setting, perfect for people-watching. We ordered a beer and a glass of cava (€6.80 total) and enjoyed the laid-back vibe. The staff was friendly, and the atmosphere made it a pleasant stop during our day in Sitges.
As the sun set, we headed back to the Sitges boardwalk, where we sat for a while watching the sunset and the people passing by.
We caught the 5:44 p.m. train back to Barcelona and returned home to repack our bags.
Evening Tapas and a Final Walk
Later that night, we went out for one last evening stroll through the Gothic Quarter. Around 9:45 p.m., we stopped at Palosanto Tapas Bar for a small dinner—sangria and a few tapas (€17.10). On the way home, we made one final stop at the Greek gyro stand in Plaça de George Orwell. It was late, quiet, and somehow the perfect way to end the day.
Day 8 – Transit & Arrival in Girona
November 18, 2024
We checked out of our Barcelona apartment around 10:30 a.m., then took a short local train to Barcelona Sants Station at 10:50 a.m. (€2.55 per person).
Since our train to Girona wasn’t until the afternoon, we stored our bags temporarily at a small shop near the station that offers luggage storage—€5 per bag—located inside a mini-market:
📍 Luggage storage spot – Supermarket + Laundry
Quick Errands Before the Train
While we waited, I stopped for a quick haircut and beard trim for €13 at a local barbershop near Mercat d’Hostafrancs. Katie got her nails done nearby for €45.
On to Girona
We picked up our bags and caught the Renfe high-speed train to Girona at 2:50 p.m. Tickets were $20.24 per person, and the ride took just 38 minutes.
After checking into our Airbnb, we spent the rest of the afternoon walking around the Old Town.
Dinner and a Quiet Birthday Night
We grabbed a quick snack at Rocambolesc Bikineria—a ham and melted cheese sandwich (€5.80)—then later had dinner at Enjoy It Girona. The food and service were great, and dinner came to €26.05.
Day 9 – Exploring Girona’s History and City Walls
November 19, 2024
We started the morning with breakfast at Federal Café Girona, a modern brunch spot with good coffee and a laid-back vibe. Our bill came to €32.65, a bit on the pricier side for breakfast, but the taste made it worth it.
Old Town, Cathedral & City Walls
After eating, we walked through Girona’s Old Town toward the iconic Girona Cathedral. We didn’t go inside, but spent time exploring the exterior and its surrounding courtyards. Even from the outside, it’s a striking structure with steep steps and views over the rooftops.
From there, we made our way to the Muralles de Girona—the city’s medieval walls that wrap around parts of the old town. Walking along the top offers a different perspective of Girona, with panoramic views of the town and surrounding hills.
Afternoon Break & Archaeology
In the afternoon, Katie stayed at the Airbnb to rest while I visited the Museu d’Arqueologia de Catalunya – Girona. The museum is housed inside the Sant Pere de Galligants Monastery, one of the best-preserved examples of Catalan Romanesque architecture. The space itself is calm and quiet—perfect for walking slowly and taking things in.
The exhibition walks visitors through the deep history of Girona and the surrounding region, starting from the Paleolithic era and continuing through the Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iberian culture, Roman period, and up to Late Antiquity. Entry was €7, and it was well worth it for anyone interested in the broader story of how this region developed.
The goal of the exhibit isn’t just to showcase old tools or pottery—it places each object within its historical context, highlighting the changes and advancements that shaped each period. Artifacts are tied to archaeological sites from both the city and nearby areas, giving a regional perspective to the timeline.
A helpful timeline and illustrated panels made it easy to follow even without a guided tour, and there were English translations throughout. It wasn’t a large museum, but it was thoughtful, informative, and left me with a better understanding of the layers of history beneath Girona’s streets.
📍 Museu d’Arqueologia de Catalunya
Dinner at Porcus
We ended the day with dinner at Porcus Girona, a cozy spot focused on regional cured meats and tapas. The total came to €25.65, and the portions were generous. A solid choice if you want to try local ham and cheese in a relaxed setting.
Day 10 – A Windy Day Trip to Figueres
November 20, 2024
We started the day with a plan to visit Figueres, best known as the birthplace of Salvador Dalí and home to his eccentric and iconic museum.
Our train from Girona to Figueres was scheduled for 9:51 a.m., but it ran late. We eventually boarded around 10:27 a.m. The roundtrip tickets for two came to $26.17, and the ride itself was short—just 14 minutes each way on a regional Renfe line.
Cold Weather & Comfort Food
Figueres greeted us with cold wind and gray skies, not the most welcoming start. From the station, it was about a 20-minute walk to the city center, passing quiet streets and local shops. Hungry and needing to warm up, we stopped for an early lunch at Gabee—a small ramen place where we had chicken and beef ramen, which hit the spot given the weather.
The Dalí Theatre-Museum
The main purpose of the visit was the Teatre-Museu Dalí (Dalí Theatre-Museum). Entry was €17 per person, and it lived up to expectations—strange, imaginative, theatrical, and completely unique. The building, designed by Dalí himself, is as much a part of the experience as the works inside. Even if you’re not a big fan of surrealism, it’s worth seeing simply for its boldness and creativity.
After the museum, we made the same 20-minute walk back to the train station, catching the 2:55 p.m. train back to Girona.
Quiet Afternoon Back in Girona
Once back, we stopped at a nearby Spar grocery store to stock up on a few things (€11.52) and spent the rest of the afternoon indoors, winding down after the quick trip.
Day 11 – Back to Barcelona for a Final Slow Day
November 21, 2024
We woke up early in Girona, packed our bags, and checked out of our Airbnb around 10:35 a.m. Before heading to the train station, we took a short walk through the neighborhood and stopped by a nearby market one last time.
We boarded the 11:51 a.m. Renfe train from Girona to Barcelona Sants, tickets costing $40.49 for two. The ride took just under an hour, and we arrived in Barcelona at 12:38 p.m..
Final Stop: Hotel in Barcelona
Our last night was spent at Hotel Onix Fira, located just a short walk from Plaça d’Espanya. We were happy that they allowed early check-in around 1:00 p.m. (official check-in is normally at 2:00 p.m.), which gave us a chance to drop our bags and get back out into the city.
Lunch at Fa Patxoca
We took the L1 metro line (fare: €2.55 per person) and headed to a small restaurant called Fa Patxoca—a cozy, unassuming place serving tapas and drinks. We ordered garlic shrimp, Russian salad, patatas bravas, and a mix of drinks: beer, cava, and white wine. Everything was so good, and the laid-back atmosphere made it a relaxing midday stop.
One Last Walk Around the Gothic Quarter
After lunch, we walked to Mercat de Santa Caterina one last time. We picked up some cured meats, cheese, and sliced melon to enjoy later.
On our way back, we stopped by the Cathedral of Barcelona, sat on a bench nearby, and shared the melon. The square was busy but peaceful, and it felt like a fitting way to close out the trip.
We slowly made our way back to the hotel, reflecting on how much we’d seen in the past 11 days—from city views to seaside escapes, mountain walks, local food, and spontaneous moments.
Day 12 – The Journey Home
November 22, 2024
We had an early wake-up call at 2:00 a.m., packing the last of our things and checking out of Hotel Onix Fira before heading to the airport. At 2:37 a.m., we left the hotel and caught the Aerobus to Terminal 1. Tickets were €7.25 per person, and the service was right on time. The Aerobus runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, making it a reliable option for early morning flights or late arrivals.
Upon arrival, we ran into a long line at the Lufthansa check-in counter, which took us about 40 minutes to get through. Once past check-in, we cleared security around 4:05 a.m. and grabbed a quick breakfast—a sandwich for €9.40—before heading to the gate.
Our LH1137 flight departed Barcelona at 7:05 a.m., heading toward Frankfurt. We caught stunning views of the mountains and sunrise—a beautiful send-off after nearly two weeks in Spain.
Layover in Frankfurt
We landed in Frankfurt at 8:54 a.m., but the transfer was far from quick. It took around 40 minutes to get from the plane to our connecting gate (Z16), which included a long bus ride from the tarmac, lengthy walks through multiple terminals, and another security check.
Boarding for our long-haul flight to the U.S. was scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m., but business class started around 10:15. We passed the gate at 10:30 a.m., only to wait another 10 minutes before getting on a shuttle bus to the plane.
By 10:55 a.m., we finally boarded the aircraft and took off at 11:43 a.m., en route to St. Louis.
Back on Home Soil
We landed in St. Louis at 2:09 p.m. CST, officially bringing our 11-day trip through Barcelona, Girona, Sitges, and Figueres to a close.
