Hey travel bugs! Sunni here, and I’ve got the inside scoop on turning your first solo trip into an epic escapade. Buckle up as I take you on a vivid journey through my unforgettable expedition in the heart of Barcelona. Planning a solo adventure can be a bit daunting, but fear not—I’ve got your back with tips, laughs, and a dash of flamenco flair.
Barcelona: A Haven for Solo Explorers
Picking a travel destination for your first solo trip is like choosing the perfect gelato flavor—tricky yet exciting. Barcelona won my heart for its blend of safety, charm, and ease of exploration. It’s a city that embraces solo travelers, especially solo female adventurers like myself. From enchanting streets to vibrant markets, I couldn’t have asked for a better playground to kick off my solo journey.
Map it Out: Explore Barcelona with Google Maps
Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to your new BFF: Google Maps. This trusty sidekick is your ticket to unlocking Barcelona’s treasures. From plotting your path on foot to expertly navigating the metro, this app is your golden ticket. And trust me, getting lost in Barcelona’s enchanting alleys is half the fun.
Crafting Day Trips
Ready for adventure? Hold onto your sombreros, because I’ve got some day trips that will make your heart race faster than tapas being devoured. First up, the majestic Montserrat. I booked an epic day with CastleExperience (www.castleexperience.com), a journey that transported me to mountains and castles. Picture this: a breathtaking cathedral with a little boys’ choir echoing through ancient walls. And yes, there’s even a winery stop to toast to your solo prowess. Feeling a bit medieval? Dive into Girona, a city that saw Game of Thrones action.
Barcelona Unpacked: My Solo Itinerary
Now, let me spill the Sangria on my personal escapades, complete with misadventures and “Eureka!” moments:
Day 1: Arrival and Gaudi’s Masterpieces
Hola, fellow adventurers! Sunni here, and my solo escapade in Barcelona begins. Let’s dive into Day 1 of my unforgettable journey.
Morning: Arriving in Style After touching down, I hopped on a public bus from the airport to Plaça Catalunya—the heart of the city. Pro tip: allow around 2 hours for this journey. Once there, the magical metro system becomes your trusty steed.
Afternoon: La Sagrada Familia and Sweet Indulgence Following a spirited walk (or you can master the metro’s art of direction!), I arrived at the awe-inspiring La Sagrada Familia. I’d recommend the metro, but my churro pit stop was the perfect energizer.
Evening: The Flamenco Flair As the sun dipped behind the horizon, I found myself at Atelier Flamenco. Twirling, stomping, and giggles ensued during a flamenco dance class. Pro tip: Dress the part and get ready to capture memories.
Day 2: Art and Park Adventures
Rise and shine, explorers! Day 2 in Barcelona is packed with art, parks, and panoramic views.
Morning: Casa Batlló and Artful Amazement Kicking off the day at Casa Batlló, Gaudi’s masterpiece that defies architectural norms. Get ready for an oceanic adventure in the heart of the city.
Afternoon: Park Güell: Where Nature Meets Art After a short metro ride, I hiked up to Park Güell, a world heritage site that’s Gaudi’s gift to art and nature lovers. Pro tip: Buy tickets online and save yourself from an unintended scenic route.
Evening: Montjuïc Light Show and the Heights As dusk settled in, I took the metro to Montjuïc Hill. The journey is worth it; there’s an old fortress, a charming garden, and a mesmerizing light show. Don’t forget to explore the Olympic Stadium if time allows.
Day 3: History, Markets, and Magic
Buongiorno, fellow explorers! Day 3 unfolds with history, local markets, and gastronomic delights.
Morning: Free Walking Tour and Roman Remnants Joining Sandemans’ free walking tour was a blast. Through cobbled streets, I discovered snippets of Barcelona’s history and hidden gems. Along the way, I spotted some Roman ruins—a preview of the history awaiting.
Afternoon: La Boqueria and Vermút Vibes Lunchtime called for a visit to La Boqueria, the vibrant market where flavors and colors collide. Remember, “Menu Del Dia” is your lunchtime jackpot. But don’t skip the Vermút—Bormuth is a must-visit spot.
Evening: Girona: A Day Trip to Game of Thrones Venturing out of Barcelona, I embraced a Game of Thrones aura in Girona. The day trip is an adventure in itself—historic streets, enchanting views, and a touch of fantasy.
Day 4: Day of Delights: Food, Dancing, and Beyond
Hola again, adventurers! Day 4 dawns with a mix of culinary delights, dance, and cultural gems.
Morning: Cooking Class: Paella Perfection What better way to start than mastering the art of paella? A cooking class brought me closer to Spanish cuisine. A fusion of flavors awaited—a symphony for my taste buds.
Afternoon: Flamenco Moves and Historical Sights With a full stomach and a happy heart, I danced my way to Atelier Flamenco for a sizzling flamenco dance class. Pro tip: Let your inner Carmen shine!
Evening: History and Royal Charm A leisurely stroll led me to the Cathedral—a blend of history and architectural grandeur. Pro tip: Visit during the free hours or pay a nominal fee to explore.
Night: Montjuïc Light Show: A Spectacle to Remember As night fell, I returned to Montjuïc Hill for the mesmerizing light show. This time, I wandered through the historic fortress and basked in the city’s illuminated beauty.
Day 5: Day Trip
Rise and shine, explorers! Day 5 in Barcelona is packed with panoramic views and new experiences.
Morning: Casa Batlló and Artful Amazement stroll around the local markets and shop and grab breakfast
Afternoon – Evening: Montserrat Day Trip: Castle Experience Prepare for a day of awe with a Montserrat day trip by Castle Experience (www.castleexperience.com). Venture into the mountains, visit a cathedral, and savor a winery tour. Pro tip: Dress warmly and embrace the majestic views.
Night: Get back just in time to grab dinner with your new friends from the day tour and maybe a few drinks!
Day 6: Sports and food!
Morning: Grand Royal Palace and a Free Sunday Stroll I kicked off the day with a visit to the Grand Royal Palace, free on Sundays after 3pm. The historical charm intertwined with contemporary life offered a perfect blend of old and new.
Afternoon: The Charming Catalan Cuisine In the final stretch, I dived into more Catalan delights. Remember, Barcelona’s eating schedule is unique, with a hearty lunch and tapas-filled dinner. “Menu Del Dia” continued to be my ally in the culinary adventure.
Evening: Camp Nou Excitement and Flamenco Flair Gear up for some football fever at Camp Nou—the grandest stadium in Europe. Watching FC Barcelona play is an experience like no other. Pro tip: Eat before the game to avoid the food hunt. Later, unleash your inner flamenco dancer at Atelier Flamenco—pure exhilaration!
And there you have it, fellow travelers—my Barcelona adventure meticulously laid out for your solo escapades. From art to history, parks to flamenco, this vibrant city offers a palette of experiences waiting for your eager exploration. Remember, every step you take, every tapas you taste, will weave unforgettable stories that will forever be your own.
FOOD:
Barcelona eats a little differently than we do. They do a BIG lunch and small/tapas dinner. Look for the ‘Menu Del Dia’ (menu of the day) at lunch time – its where you can usually get the most bang for your buck! It’s a three course meal and some even come with unlimited wine! Below are a few of the places that were either recommended to me or that I went to and loved!
- Bastaix – good little tapas and wine spot
- La Boqueria- is a must, it’s a market with fresh food daily and the unlimited wine at lunch!
- Bormuth- I loved this place the try their Vermut (similar to sandgria but better) and delicious Tapas
- Xaciva – not as close to everything, but very good!