Barcelona



We had been looking forward to visiting Barcelona for some time as we had heard really good things about it and thankfully it didn’t disappoint. We thought we would dedicate at least two full days to the city as there was a lot to see, and we could have dedicated a lot more time.

Our first stop of the day was the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia that Gaudi designed. We lined up at about 9.30am and the line was already around the other side of the building. We had been standing there for about 5 minutes before we were told that all door sale tickets had been sold out and you needed to now buy them online. So we decided not to waste anymore time and buy the tickets that night and see it the next day, which we should have done already but you live and learn! The downside to buying online though is that they charge you an extra .30 cents more each, when normally online tickets are cheaper, but that is how the cookie crumbles.

We had our map of the city and were making our way to Las Ramblas when we walked past a free walking tour so stopped to join the tour and see what it was about. This particular day they were discussing Gothic architecture around the city and they would take you for a two hour tour of the architecture. We have found walking tours to be extremely good and this was no exception. Also they usually work on tips so you pay what you feel is appropriate, just make sure you have enough change, as we had to tip her more than we would have because we didn’t have a smaller note.

After the tour we were parched, starving and had sore feet so to the nearest food stop it was. Replenishing ourselves, and with so much more to see, we walked to Las Ramblas and had a nosey. Following the street down to the port for a bit of sea action we noticed there was a swimming competition on, but unfortunately we had just missed the last event. With the friendly people, amazing architecture, beautiful beach and amazing weather, you can see why Barcelona is liked by a lot of people.

Wiping the ice cream from our mouths, we headed back into the city to view a few more iconic buildings which included the national palace. Again, this building was stunning. After taking a number of pictures in order to ensure we captured it perfectly, I was starting to complain about my sore feet and choice in footwear. In looking at the time, we still had a couple of hours before our bus picked us up at 8pm to head back to the campsite and not feeling like I could last another minute longer on my feet, we went for the one thing that cures all, a beer. Great way to end the day.

The second day we got to visit the basilica at our allotted time of 11am and man was it worth it. If there is one basilica I could see in my life it would definitely be this one as it is so different. The weird and wonderful architecture felt like something out of a Tim Burton film, it was cool to see. After seeing this piece of work from Gaudi, we headed over to another design of his the Park Guell. Inside the park is also the house that Gaudi lived in so we visited that while we were there. Again another amazing sight and from the park you get a great view of the city.

After the park we followed our map around the city seeing other monuments and buildings in Barcelona before grabbing a spot of dinner and catching our bus back to the campsite.

Basilica de la Sagrada familia

An apartment building Gaudi designed - he liked to use dragon features in some of his designs hence the roof.

These are Roman tombs that lay on road leading out of Roman Barcino

Gothic style church that we saw on our walking tour

Lamp post designed by Gaudi

A square in Barcelona

Barcelona cathedral

Columbus monument

This was where the swimming competition was being held

The national palace

View from the palace

The old bull fighting ring

Snaps of the basilica - check out the video as well

Haha this photo makes me laugh, either they were extremely tired or they thought this was really boring

Park Guell