Last updated on January 11, 2024
Barcelona can’t help but be a city we love. It’s where we first got together on on fateful trip that started as a couple of friends back in 2008. Since then, we’ve both lived in the city for stretches of time and it’s home to some of our favourite people. We’ll be returning next year for a couple of months when Steve works with our friend’s post-production studio on the final stages of Continuum, but in the meantime, here are some photos from our most recent trip. They’re a little whistle stop tour of the places we love.
I’ve also written a complete guide to what to do in Barcelona, plus a guide to visiting Barcelona with a baby and the best things to do in Barcelona with kids.
The joy of Barcelona begins with walking, marveling at the architecture beneath a brilliant blue sky. A friend once said to me that his favourite thing about living in Barcelona was that no matter how cold it gets (and it is cold in winter) there’s nearly always a sunny sky – the antithesis of London.
The city bustles with vibrance and play – people roller-blading down the boulevards,
…skating outside the museums,
…playing music in the park,
…decorating the streets,
…and slacklining between the trees. Parc de la Ciutadella is one of our favourite places in the city and the perfect place to wile away some hours people-watching and listening to local musicians.
Our love for the city also has a lot to do with food. No trip is ever complete without a lot of pimientos de padron,
…and here, Steve stands above Caelum, an underground tearoom full of delicious treats.
La Cereria is one of our favourites, home to some of the city’s best pizza and salads.
It’s run by Argentinians so you can even get a mate.
If you’re looking for something quick, a slice from one of the pizzerias on Passeig del Born is always a winner,
…and we are big fans of the Bernie sandwich at Sandwich and Friends.
Cuines Santa Caterina is perfect for a treat,
…and the city is full of excellent ice-cream. This one is on Carrer de la Llibreteria, parallel to Ferran.
Of course, our main draw to the city is the people. Here’s our dear friend Sergio (my first ever couchsurfing host) cooking us his famous paella. Delicious and not for sale, yet.
We’ll be back in Barcelona sometime next year so expect plenty more photos and tips then. This was a very short visit, which we also combined with a trip to Santa Pau to stay at the gorgeous Mas Can Battle and take a trip in a hot air balloon!
Also check out our travel guide to Barcelona and our guide to the best things to do in Barcelona with kids. And here’s a guide by From Lust til Dawn with some of Barcelona’s best restaurants.
Did you actually get time to do or see anything in Barcelona on this trip other than the food? Not that I’m complaining! I now have to go off and discuss with my partner whether Barcelona should go on our list of ‘places to spend a month or two at some point’ in favour of a lesser city!
Yep, this was most definitely a friends and food trip! Barcelona should totally go on your list. It’s one of the best cities in the world!
Nice photo story on Barcelona! We were in Valencia last month 😉 and found loads of vegan foods! Paella was a popular dish in Valencia, but we didn’t try the vegan version.
Oh yes, I love Valencia too. Only been there briefly when visiting Tomatina a few years ago but would love to go back.
You really can’t beat a good food pic to make you drool!!
The paella looks immense, YUM!
It was! I believe Sergio is the best paella chef in the city 🙂
Barcelona is a truly wonderful city! It’s been over ten years since I’ve been there, so a trip (with plenty of food indulgences) is certainly in order for 2014! And you’re right-we certainly do miss the blue skies in London.
Yep, a blue sky really makes a massive difference.
Great post, love the picture. Can’t wait to visit Spain again specially Barcelona. Next year we’re going to watch FIBA World Cup.
Oh wow, football in Barcelona is huge. You’ll have a great time!
We visited Barcelona for the first time this year – and promptly fell in love. Such a cool city, thanks for the little trip down memory lane 🙂
It’s hard not to fall in love with BCN isn’t it?!
Victoria and Steve,
This was a fun post! Made me hungry. I didn’t realize there was so much good pizza to be found in Barcelona 😉 but it seems as though you have found quite a bit of it. Did you two ever make it to Flax & Kale for food? It isn’t Spanish food, but its one of the more memorable and mouthwatering meals I have had throughout my travels. Absolutely delicious. I highly recommend it.
Another awesome one (this one is tapas) would be Barraca. SO tasty!!!
Another great recommendation. Thanks! We’re hoping to be back in Barcelona sometime this year so hopefully we’ll go there then 🙂
I cannot wait to go to Spain! What a wonderful adventure and to have a country you yearn to return to is how we feel about Italy!
Cheers!