Barcelona: Perfect Fall Getaway

This past weekend was a 3-day holiday weekend, so we decided to head to Barcelona with another couple.  We could not have asked for a better weekend...the weather was sunny and warm (very different from what we left in Paris), the food was great, and it was such a relaxing weekend!  Be sure to check out all of our pictures from Barcelona here.

Nick and I took a VERY early Friday morning flight, but it meant we were in Barcelona and ready to go by 9am!

We spent the morning wandering around Las Ramblas, the port, and through the Gothic Quarter.  The streets had a similar feel to Venice, just without the canals (and the hoards of people).

After lunch, we checked out some Gaudi sights.  Gaudi is a famous Spanish architect known for his unique style.  We started at Sagrada Familia, which is his cathedral.  It wasn't finished before he died, so they are still in the process of completing it, including a large center spire that will be the world's tallest church spire.  Of all the cathedrals we've seen in Europe, it was definitely the most impressive and awe-inspiring.

Next, we headed to Park Guell, which Gaudi had designed to be an upscale housing development on a hill overlooking the coast.  It never really took off, so now it's just a park with some of his amazing architecture.  We wandered around the park, and were able to catch sunset from the top.  Perfect ending to the afternoon!

Saturday was a pretty relaxing day.  After some home cooked eggs and chorizo, we made our way to the Boqueria Market.  Man, I thought Paris markets were impressive, this one put those to shame!  It was huge and filled with more meats, fruits, cheese, etc. than you could ever imagine.  There were also little bar/restaurants inside the market that you could sit and eat at.  And best of all?  Fresh fruit smoothies in all flavors imaginable for only one euro!

We bought a little picnic lunch and headed to the beach...Barceloneta.  We all took a few naps and generally relaxed (well, when we weren't been bombarded by people selling things, at least).

Sunday, Nick and I did our own little excursion to Montserrat, which is about an hour train ride outside of Barcelona.  It's known for its monastery, which houses some Virgin Mary Statue.  And while we did go inside the monastery, only for about 10 minutes, and then we spent the rest of the day hiking.  The rock formations in this area are unreal...they were formed by an old river and unlike anything I've ever seen before; very unique!

When we finally reached the top--it was quite a hike--we were rewarded with stunning 360 degree views.  We could see to the Mediterranean by Barcelona, and if it had been a little less cloudy, we would have seen the Pyrenees in the other direction.  Nevertheless, it was a perfect place for a picnic lunch.

Arriving back in Barcelona, we checked out a little more Gaudi architecture around town and then ate our best meal of the entire weekend at Sensi.  I highly, highly recommend you check this out if you're ever in Barcelona.  The tapas were delicious and pretty large portions, compared to other places we went for dinner, and the waiters were awesome.  I wish I could go back just for this restaurant.

Overall, we had a wonderful weekend.  It was my first time in Spain, and I loved the chill, laid-back feel that Barcelona has to offer.  Nick had been to Madrid before, and was a little skeptical of Barcelona before visiting, but he also really enjoyed it!

*Tips: Buy Sagrada Familia tickets online to avoid hours and hours of lines.  We literally walked right in.  Eat at Sensi...you won't be disappointed.  Try and take a day trip to Montserrat, if you enjoy hiking!