“Traveling. It leaves you speachless , then turns you into a storyteller.” Ibn Battuta

If there’s one place I’ve been that has made me want to stay forever, it’s Barcelona. Everything about it is just so… cool. The food is delicious, the beach amazing, the streets are full of character, the sun shines and the people are so friendly!

There are so many things to see and do in Barcelona but I tried to make it short and choose my absolute favourite.

Eat & Drink

Brunch & Cake is probably the most popular place for brunch in Barcelona. With few different branches to choose from we went to one closest to Barceloneta- Brunch &Cake by the Sea. Food is healthy and delicious and plates are decorated just perfectly for Instagram snaps.

The other option, Milk bar & bistro is legendary for it’s ‘recovery brunch’, widely viewed as one of the best in Barcelona.

Hammock Juice Station is a place where you can go for relaxing afternoon because it’s hidden from the tourists. Besides this spot being vegan, its design is bohemian and incredibly charming with 8 hammocks hanging from the ceiling. Their organic juices are delicious and refreshing.

Tapas 24 located near Passage de Gracia can be a problem if you don’t like queueing but usually, table for two you can get pretty quickly. It’s one of the unique tapas places in Barcelona and serves delicious tapas which is not overpriced.

Granja Dulcinea is a place where I keep coming back for churros and hot chocolate. They are probably the best churros you’ll ever have. Also, their traditional decor is making a lovely calming atmosphere.

Not enough of sweet? Head to the chocolate and doughnut heaven  Chök the chocolate kitchen.

See &Do

Hire a bike and explore the city.  Also, the alternative route is to ride along the beach. There is  a Green route for bikes that leads you to Badalona, north suburbs of Barcelona.

Badalona is very quiet, clean and so beautiful that sometimes it doesn’t seem real. Mainly locals are coming to this beach and it’s not really known to tourists.

Boqueria Market is one of the most famous food markets in the world, and with good reason. It’s a great place to wander around, try fresh and local foods.

Tour Gaudi is a must. The Modernist architect Antoni Gaudí has left his mark all over Barcelona. My favourites are Parc Guell, Sagrada Familia and Casa Batllo.

Explore Gothic Quarter! The best way to spend hot afternoon days. There so many things to see in those pretty streets.

Galeria Maxo is a place where you should go for a souvenir that is different than all those touristy things. I was completely amazed by  everything I saw in the gallery.

Wander the different neighbourhoods of Barcelona, my favourite being Barceloneta ( beachy vibe), El Born (gothic quarter) and Gracia (artsy quarter).

Parc de la Cuitadell is located between Barcelona’s Arc de Triomphe, Estació de Francia and Olympic Village. I love this park because of its architecture and beauty but also numerous activities like boat rowing in the lake, the Natural Museum, conservatory, zoo and – a big statue of the mammoth. Also, the fountain in the middle of the park was built  with contribution of Antonio Gaudi.

Visit the gorgeous cactus gardens at Jardins Mossèn Costa i Llobera, and then have a drink at the top of the hill overlooking the city.

Remember,  you are in the city that lives for football so being a fan or not, head to Camp Nou to see the home of one of the best teams in the world. Even better option is to try to get the ticket for their home game.

The best thing to do is to live like locals – wake up late, ride a bike, have paella by the beach and then spend the afternoon with sangria. Finish the day with late dinner!