I visited Barcelona in November 2021. I was impressed because in my country everyone was following rules about Covid whereas in airports and in Barcelona, people had somewhat “forgotten” Covid and its restrictions. I mean there were rarely masks, there were no hands’ sterilization and there were random checks when entering a store or a restaurant. So, I guessed the pandemic was over or that the hospitals in this country suffice to cover the problem. I guess probably it was a combination of both because 90% of the residents were at that time vaccinated, and at the same time I figured that this is probably a rich city, therefore has solved primary needs that other cities / countries haven’t.
My takeaway of Barcelona overall is that it is a beautiful city, nevertheless most probably I won’t be visiting it again. If you have known me from past posts, my favorite vacations abroad are in Rome and Italy in general. I like to explore other countries and will continue doing so if I can, therefore if I go to Spain again, I would rather visit Madrid and the south of Spain.
Barcelona is very interesting in terms of art and architecture, not so interesting though when it comes to dining. Perhaps I didn’t find the correct restaurants or places to eat, but why don’t I have the same problem when visiting Rome? In Rome, food is above average everywhere. In Barcelona, in my opinion, is below average. And this is inexcusable because it is a touristic city and may I say expensive with regards to food. We stayed in Barcelona 8 days and we normally eat twice a day… Well I just have three recommendations to share!
To give you a hint, we ate at the Boqueria market in La Rambla several times, where the average cost was about Euros 40 per person. In an open market!
Of course, you can visit the Boqueria Market for a dining experience and to shop:
Anyway, my recommendation to eat is Cecconi’s (at Euros 40-50 per person):
Taberna del Cura was quite good (at about Euro 30 per person) :
and Pepa Tomate in Placa de la Revolucio had an interesting variance of dishes – not all good (at Euros 35 per person) :
We stayed in the Gothic neighborhood of the city which I wouldn’t recommend if you have passed a certain age and are not looking for night life. I would suggest you find a place near Taverna del Cura or Pepa Tomate.
Places to visit would be Barceloneta, Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces and of course museums. Antonio Gaudi was a famous architect who lived late 19th -early 20th century, whose buildings are admired today and can’t be copied! There is no one like him! And of course walk!!! It is an easy-to-walk city and if the weather allows, don’t be modest!
Overall, Barcelona is a vivid city, full of tourists and young people.
The climate is good, Mediterranean, and it is very positive that it is located near the sea! The people are very polite, they have been influenced by a colorful past of conquering continents and meeting new civilizations.
Till next time enjoy!
