Barcelona was the last leg of our 24-day trip with EF Ultimate Break. We got up early to leave Rome and were on the bus by 6am. We flew on Vueling to Barcelona and were there by the afternoon. We stayed at the Student Hotel – Marina, which was perfect for us. They’re set up dorm-style and a lot of people use them for study abroad as well! My first thoughts on Barcelona: it was warm and a little humid, but nothing like Rome because we had the ocean breeze.
My friends and I went to La Taverna Gallega for dinner by the ocean. We had seafood and lobster croquettes, sangria, and paella with shrimp and squid and clams. It was SO good and I got to test out my Spanish with the waiter – he was gracious with my mistakes, haha. We all walked along the beach then walked our 20 minute way home. It felt super safe because although it was late, they don’t start to go out until 12 or 1 there so we saw a lot of young people around.
The next day we started at Parc Guell. Antoni Gaudi used broken ceramics to design all the art around the park, and you can see the whole city from the top. We then saw the exterior of the Sagrada Familia and learned a little more about its symbolism. It’s incredibly detailed! After eating, we returned to the Sagrada Familia to tour the inside. This was my FAVORITE building we toured, hands down. Stunning is the only way I can describe it. The block-style sculptures at the back of the church were my favorite. The style was so unique but still portrayed so much emotion.
After, we had tapas at Nuvio with an incredible crispy fried eggplant with honey. Then I walked around the Born district, which is really cool with a lot of handmade jewelry and clothing boutiques. I didn’t see anything I loved enough to buy, but it was all so unique. We then went to see the Magic Fountains, a light show that coordinates to popular music. At the top of the steps, you have the royal family’s residence and a great view of the city.
Barcelona is known for its nightlife, so of course we had to go out! Our entire group went out together. We started at Sonoma sports bar – and they had KU signs in it! It had a lot of American sports paraphernalia. We then went to Razzmatazz because it was a few blocks from our hostel. We got there at midnight and we were literally the first people there – but it was extra fun because we had all gotten to know each other by then, so we danced and hung out til the rest of the crowd showed. We went home at 3:30 am and people were still going to the bars.
On our last day, my friend Lauren and I went to the Gaudi house of Casa Vicens. It was the first house he ever built and had the iconic marigold tiles on the outside. It wasn’t crowded at all and inexpensive to visit as well. We then had lunch at Balmes Rosello, a three-course meal for only 10 euro!
We then ended the night with our whole group dinner at Balthazar. It was really sad to say goodbye to everyone and end the best trip ever – but I’ll admit I was ready to be home.
xo, Hannah
