3 days in Barcelona: What to see, eat, and do

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Barcelona, and it was an absolute delight. My plan was pretty simple: to eat my way through this trip, and let me tell you, this city not only knows how to make a foodie like me very happy, but also treat my eyes with all the stunning sights. I spent three days indulging in Spanish cuisine and wandering through streets steeped in history and culture.

First things first: the food. My first mission upon arrival was to treat myself with some Jamon Iberico. I wanted to uncover what makes this piece of meat so highly prized. It certainly did not disappoint, and I couldn’t help reaching out for more of this fatty goodness once I had a bite. Beyond the food, the dining culture is something special, as is the case in many cities in this part of the world. Meals are a leisurely affair, meant to be enjoyed with company and lively conversations. It was a shame not having someone to share all the incredible food with while I am traveling solo, still I enjoyed lingering over in cozy cafes, feasting in an array of tapas, while watching families and friends buzz around me.

One of my favorite spots in town is the La Boqueria Market. This place is bustling and packed with stores selling everything from fresh seafood to colorful treats. I spent some time here appreciating the local produce and sampling fresh oysters, fried octopus and baby squid, croquettes, and many others. There’s also an incredible display of cured meats, olives, cheese, and fruits – plenty enough to make any charcuterie lover go wild. It’s well worth making the trip here for an early breakfast at one of the classic tapas bars. While I didn’t get to do this with the market in full swing by the time I arrived, it’s definitely on the list on my next trip to Barcelona.

No trip to Barcelona will be complete without enjoying a sumptuous seafood paella. I found an unassuming restaurant near my hotel in Balmes to have my fill and it was pure bliss. This dish is meant to be shared, but you can’t fault me for indulging in it all by myself. This is where I truly fell in love with Spanish food.

While I am primarily drawn by the promise of delicious Spanish cuisine, I would not pass on the opportunity to visit the must-sees in the city.

It is always wonderful to start a touristy day off with a walk at the beach. Barceloneta beach is within easy walking distance from Las Ramblas. The beach is typical and does not quite match my tropical girly standards, but there’s a nice selection of cafes and restaurants at the beachfront to hang out in.

My visit coincided with Sant Jordi Day who is the patron saint of Catalonia. Casa Batllo was adorned with roses and Passeig de Gracia was filled with people celebrating. On this day, it is tradition for men to give roses to women and for women to give books to men. This exchange symbolizes love and respect leading many to call it the Catalan Valentine’s Day.

Entering Park Guell almost feels like stepping into a scene in Alice in Wonderland. It is colorful, dreamy, imaginative. It is packed with people especially around Nature Square and The Dragon Stairway, but it is also large enough to find spots away from the crowds. My advice – stop, look, keep your chin up. You might stumble upon some of the most intricate and brilliant tile mosaic you’ve ever seen, just like I did.

Be prepared if you want to come here as it is a 20-minute walk from the nearest metro, which gets steeper as you get closer to the entrance at Sant Josep de la Muntanya, and there will be lots of walking inside the park as well. Alternatively, you may take the taxi to the entrance. This park is gorgeous, and you get amazing views of Barcelona from the terrace. I’m sure that is reason enough to endure the hike.

Seeing the Sagrada Familia was definitely one of the highlights of my trip. It feels surreal to stand in front of an architectural marvel that has spanned centuries to build and continues to evolve. It is still a work in progress, but it surely makes you appreciate the sheer scale of Gaudi’s ambition for this church. I took the time to admire the stone carvings depicting biblical scenes from the Nativity to the Passion. The craftmanship and details in the sculptures are really amazing. The interior is equally beautiful especially as the light pouring through the stained-glass windows bathed the space with a stunning array of colors. I planned my visit carefully to coincide with the sunset to take advantage of this experience.

One of my favorite things to do in my trips is wander around the city’s back alleys, find quirky shops and charming cafes to while away the hours, and get lost among old buildings. After walking past the hustle and bustle of Las Ramblas, I felt like I’ve been transported back to medieval times in the Gothic Quarter. This is the perfect place to wander aimlessly, though having a GPS handy wouldn’t hurt in case you stray a bit.