The second day began leisurely, as we meandered through Barri Gòtic, stopping off to get another sandwich and some pastries from La Colmena of course, and making our way to the Open Tour busses. Though these buses brand the user with the neon flashing sign of “TOURIST” and often can cause quite some frustration when a whole busload of people arrive at your previously quiet destination, they really are the best option for sightseeing in Barcelona. Getting the high vantage point over landmarks and letting you see more than you could cover by foot or metro, these tours take the cake in this city with their English audio commentary.
We started by going to La Sagrada Família, the world famous basílica that began construction in 1882, one year before it’s landmark architect, Gaudí, took over the project and became consumed with it. He died at age 73 in 1926, when less than a quarter of the project was complete, but was remarkably at peace with this - he famously explained to a concerned reporter “My client is in no hurry,” referring to God. The famous landmark has declared an expected completion date since my last visit - 2026 or 2028! I am so excited that it’s completion date is now within reach! I’ll definitely have to return to Barcelona again to see his completed masterpiece.
Following the trail of architectural gems scattered throughout Barcelona by Gaudí, we rode past his apartments, Casa Milà (also known as La Pedrera), with their characteristic nature-inspired scalloped façade, and on towards my absolute favorite park in the world: Park Güell. The park had changed since I last visited, and was now not entirely free - the most famous works required a ticket, which thankfully cut down on the enormous crowds I battled back in 2010 and made viewing the famous sculpture, el drac, feasible for someone of my height!
Many of Gaudí’s designs in the park are adorned by Trencadís, a uniquely Catalan style of mosaic that uses broken tile shards to create colorful and eye-catching designs. The park is actually the most famous use of Trencadís in the world, a true artistic treasure. It is located high up on a hill, which gives the visitor amazing panoramic views of the city below, viewable from the famous slithering Trencadís seating on the terrace. Park Güell extends far beyond its’ newly restricted area - weaving paths, elevated terraces, and more contain a lively mix of Catalan culture, with local goods and vibrant music celebrating life around every corner.
Many of Gaudí’s designs in the park are adorned by Trencadís, a uniquely Catalan style of mosaic that uses broken tile shards to create colorful and eye-catching designs. The park is actually the most famous use of Trencadís in the world, a true artistic treasure. It is located high up on a hill, which gives the visitor amazing panoramic views of the city below, viewable from the famous slithering Trencadís seating on the terrace. Park Güell extends far beyond its’ newly restricted area - weaving paths, elevated terraces, and more contain a lively mix of Catalan culture, with local goods and vibrant music celebrating life around every corner.
Once again feeling like I had returned home, I marveled at the beauty of his creation and felt so lucky to have gotten to come at three different times in my life - first, when I was ten and visiting my best friend in Valencia with my mom, then when I lived there in 2010, and finally this most recent time as I am beginning a life abroad here again. This park, and this city, are so much a part of me - while others have a childhood founded in a treasured hometown, a request to see where I was from would result in a myriad of places that have been etched into my heart and shaped my experiences, and I am so thankful that this awe-inspiring park is one of them.
After reminiscing and admiring for quite some time, we hopped back aboard the bus and toured the rest of the city, including the Olympic Stadium, Castell de Montjuïc and the Christopher Columbus Monument (which hilariously points in the wrong direction of any of his excursions). We stepped off back at Barceloneta, walking onto the hot sand to our favorite beach bar to enjoy a pitcher of sangria. Happy and definitely more tan, we met up with the rest of the girls and walked to Taller de Tapas for some delicious tapas, including the regional dishes of papas bravas (wedge fries with garlic aoili and spicy red sauce) and pan con tomate.
We ended the night at L’Ovella Negra, a clandestine bar that makes the best sangria I’ve ever had, which is served with popcorn that often inspires a mini food fight or two throughout the night. The bar is located in a cave under a building, and the cool air is a relieving break from the residual daytime heat as people from all over instantly become friends at the dining hall style seating. After finishing our drinks, we walked home to see the Spaniards just heading out for their night on the town, and looked forward to catching up on a little bit of sleep.
We ended the night at L’Ovella Negra, a clandestine bar that makes the best sangria I’ve ever had, which is served with popcorn that often inspires a mini food fight or two throughout the night. The bar is located in a cave under a building, and the cool air is a relieving break from the residual daytime heat as people from all over instantly become friends at the dining hall style seating. After finishing our drinks, we walked home to see the Spaniards just heading out for their night on the town, and looked forward to catching up on a little bit of sleep.