June 2016 and a little bored….turned into booking a solo adventure to Barcelona. A beautiful city, somewhere to sightsee, sunbathe, and be free!
Without a care in the world I packed a case a few weeks later and off to the airport I went.
Now I don’t know about you guys, but on my holidays I like to take a little something to read. Chosen book to indulge myself in was ‘Behind Closed Doors’ by B A Paris.
Arriving in Barcelona Airport I made my way to my hotel which I couldn’t wait to see. ‘Praktik Bakery’. Yes it was an actual bakery. The smell of fresh bread was just incredible.
http://www.hotelpraktikbakery.com/
Hotel life was just amazing here. Hidden in the city streets, camouflaged by the downstairs bakery, it was a real retreat.
If your looking for those crisp white bed sheets and a beautiful view from your city balcony, then this is one to book.
The bathroom floor reminded me of a scene from ‘Eat Pray Love’ where ‘Tuti’ asks her mum for a pretty blue tiled floor (one of my favourite films ever)! But back to Barcelona.
No time to unpack! It was the middle of the day, and while some would have chosen to siesta, I wanted to make the most of the day. Starting with ‘Park Güell’.
After finding my way around the streets of Barcelona I made it to what I would call the climb! Don’t worry it’s not all stairs. Conviniently there are a few escalators to take you off your feet for the heaviest part of the climb.
It doesn’t look steep but trust me….it felt like I was on the start of mount snowdon again.
Recommended attire….cotton clothes, a hat and water. Don’t forget your suncream! I did.
Whilst the journey is one of the most important parts, you cannot beat the welcome smell of churros at the top of the climb, although I chose not to indulge on this occasion. 
Was it all worth it?…..
Absolutley! What a breathtaking view.
You can see all the way to the Barceloneta coastline.
I booked this online before arriving in Barcelona. Ticket price at the time was around €7. I opted for general admission to the park inc access to the monumental zone.
http://www.parkguell.cat/en/buy-tickets/
After a lovely afternoon looking over the park and admiring the hundreds of mosaic tiles it was time to walk the city.
Getting around
Metro travel card is most definitely they way forward. If you have mastered the London tube this is pretty easy. Don’t worry if you get it wrong everyone is pretty helpful…just ask.
http://irbarcelona.org/discounts-barcelona/hola-bcn/
I opted for a 5 day travel card for around €32 back in 2016. Valid on all of Barcelonas transport systems it’s a money saver. You can even make your way to and from the airport with one of these which will save your transfer costs.
Bucket List Activity
Pre booked before arriving I wanted to try out paddle surfing. I booked two sessions for paddle board lessons. In simple terms the lesson includes showing you the paddle, the board and the sea…..and then your on your own!
I can only say it was an experience and one that was entertaining for those on the beach watching me face plant the board and end up with a fat nose and a black eye!
That said it was fantastic and I would definitely do it again. The sea wasn’t very calm and if you can imagine trying to balance on your feet, on a lilo in a swimming pool with a vigorous wave machine…do you have the mental image? That’s what it was like.
The water was refreshing!
Barcelona by night
After indulging in some tapas and a glass of bubbly, an evening beach walk was just what was needed after a hard day in the sea.
Sightseeing some more
La Sagrada Familia
Currently under reconstruction this architecture is breathtaking.
http://www.sagradafamilia.org/index.html
If there is one thing that is amazing here it is the city bus tours. Buy your ticket, and hop on and off as much as you like around the sights of Barcelona. There are two routes red and blue. If you can do this on your first day I would defiantly recommend doing so. You will not only get your barings but you will receive a booklet of vouchers for discounts into a lot of the main attractions of Barcelona.
Gothic Quater…and indulging on ‘churros and chocolate’ finally.
Amazing atmosphere here from people simply taking in the scenery, appreciating a glass of wine, or dancing in circles with strangers.
La Pedrera (below image)
https://www.lapedrera.com/ca/home
Port Olímpic (paddle surfing is not far from here).
From the city streets to the bustling beach, the calm port and the lovely resort. My 5 days were nearly over.
Biking Barceloneta whilst it rained
What started as a sunny last day, ended in a very humid rainy one. I’m not one to let that stop me so I popped off to hire a bike for the afternoon.
The thunder and lightening wasn’t giving up. Soaked wet through biking along the port, then through the back streets was a delight.
Taking yourself away from your typical day of sunbathing to catch those rays is better than expected I assure you. It made me realise there is so much more to having a holiday than just a beach. Especially in a place like this.
Hire a bike! Explore….I dare you.
The journey home
Travelling on your own for me is second nature as it’s part of my day to day working life. Even though the flight was delayed due to a very big thunder storm, once up in the sky it revealed beauty. Rich pink skylines whilst the angry storm sat below.
Barcelona- beautiful city retreat.
Amazing beaches, bars, and people. It is a must.
I hope you have enjoyed the read and had a good old giggle about my awesome paddle surfing skills. P.s the book I mentioned at the start…’behind closed doors’ I couldn’t put it down! It’s definitely worth a read.
Until we meet again xXx
Schits & Giggles 