Travel Writer, Kierat Basi, details her short break in Barcelona, highlighting the Spanish city’s combination of vibrant nightlife, food and architecture
In June, two friends and I embarked on a chaotic yet extremely enjoyable adventure in Barcelona, a city where sun-soaked beaches meet bustling streets, brimming with passion, art and history. We stayed at Unite, a modern hostel tucked into the backstreets of La Barceloneta, just a stone’s throw away from the beach.
Day 1
Running on a single hour of sleep (last-minute packing will do that to you), we dragged ourselves onto a seven a.m. flight to Barcelona. With barely functioning brains, we somehow managed to navigate the metro system and slumped into our beds for a much-needed siesta, a Spanish tradition we embraced without hesitation. Once recharged and fed, we made a beeline for the beach, taking turns dipping in the Mediterranean under the late afternoon sun.
Once recharged and fed, we made a beeline for the beach, taking turns dipping in the Mediterranean under the late afternoon sun
That evening, after a metro ride to Passeig de Gràcia, we admired Gaudí’s two architectural masterpieces, Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, before embarking on a quest for food. Our attempt to dine at El Nacional, an upscale food market failed: if you decide to go here, check the kitchen closing times. But our luck turned when we stumbled across Tapas 24, a small, bustling tavern that ended up being the culinary highlight of our trip. The chicken croquettes, patatas bravas and truffle ‘bikinis’ (a toasted sandwich which was our favourite) were worth every bite. From there, we ventured to the Dow Jones Bar, where prices of drinks rise and fall like the stock market, which makes ordering cocktails unexpectedly thrilling. We ended the night dancing at the iconic Razzmatazz.
Day 2
Day 2 began with a trip to the Sagrada Família, where the grandeur and genius of Gaudí left us speechless – this cathedral alone is reason enough to visit Barcelona. We also visited Casa Vicens, Gaudí’s eclectic first house, taking shelter from the Spanish sun in the cool shadows of the building. After getting our cultural fix, we repeated our daily pilgrimage to the beach for more swimming and sunbathing.
The evening brought us to the marina, where we gave into our hunger and ate at a touristy spot. But with views of sleek yachts, glimmers of light on the water and plates of surprisingly delicious food, we relished every bite. Later, we wound our way through the Gothic Quarter’s hidden streets, before discovering a speakeasy called Monk. Disguised as an off-licence, this colourful bar was a glittering gem, with inventive cocktails and an electric atmosphere. We ended the night at Jamboree, an intimate underground club where we mingled with fellow holidaymakers and locals alike.
Day 3
By Day 3, our sunburns were as fierce as our exhaustion, but we still made time for a morning beach visit, relishing all the sun and sand we could get. Then we headed to Mercat de la Boqueria, the bustling food market off Las Ramblas. We inhaled empanadas and tacos, re-energising for the uphill climb to Park Güell. After what felt like an endless series of stairs, we soaked in Gaudí’s whimsical architecture alongside breathtaking panoramic views, which made the journey worth it.
The final siesta of the trip was absolutely necessary before heading to Opium, a beachside club straight out of a movie. We ended our night on the beach under the moonlit sky, our final bittersweet farewell to this exhilarating city. In true last-minute fashion, we packed in the early hours of the morning, scrambling to catch our flight.
We ended our night on the beach under the moonlit sky, our final bittersweet farewell to this exhilarating city
Final thoughts
Barcelona is a must-see city, offering a vibrant cocktail of art, history, relaxation and nightlife. While it can be pricey, budget-conscious travellers can still enjoy themselves, by staying in hostels and grabbing quick bites from supermarkets. The city’s laid-back yet buzzing spirit makes it a perfect place for young travellers looking to experience a little bit of everything. If you’re seeking a destination that will leave you sun-kissed, culturally enriched and very sleep deprived, Barcelona is for you!
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