My trip to Barcelona was quite unplanned, and with 4 days on hand I decided I’d just walk around with a map trying to cover the major tourist-y places and let my nose lead me to my food.
In the four days I was there, I fell in love with Barcelona. Madly in love with the food, the colour, the architecture, the narrow winding streets, Gaudí’s gorgeous mosaics, street performances, crema Catalana, and of course, La Boqueria. The preview of the country in a box totally lived up to it.
I ate the best Nutella ice cream I’ve ever eaten from a tiny, nameless stall on the Ramblas. I’m not a big ice cream person (I know!), but somehow I ended up buying 2 scoops everyday.
That’s Plaça de Catalunya – from our room window.
How adorable is this couple sharing a meal?
There is something about the prawns in Barcelona. They are so sweet and tender. Nothing like anything I’ve eaten anywhere else.
I seriously contemplated stealing this blue chair. So pretty.
Flowers – quite possibly the quickest way to make someone happy if you’re not going to bake them a cake.
Ate a paella packed with flavour and a spectacular view of Port Vell to boot.
I’d always get distracted by cute little restaurants (how can anyone not?)
Took a walk down the harbour and ate waffles covered in melted chocolate.
Walked. Got lost. Then figured it all out. Then got lost again.
Crash course in Spanish jamon.
Ate squid ink paella. It felt weird eating something so black.
With every peek into cute cafes I’d make a secret wish.
Took a little time off at the Cathédrale Sainte-Eulalie.
The aquarium….Umm, I’d rather be eating them.
Attended a paella-making class.
Marvelled at Gaudí’s work.
Loved spotting pretty lamp posts.
Ate churros with hot chocolate.
Took a free walking tour with a super fun guide who made sure we wouldn’t miss the almost inconspicuous shrine of Santa Eularia.
Drank lots and lots of Horchata (you absolutely MUST have it when you get a chance). [Horchata]
And make sure you go to this shop.
Spotted several human statues.
More cute bake shops. More secret wishes. (Of course, that’s a pail of horchata in my hand)
That’s probably the apartment I want to live in on my next visit.
Or this one.
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OMG !! What wonderful pictures, makes me want to go there now !!! You sure seem to have had the time of your life !!
Beautiful photos, all the shops and restaurants look so inviting. And I love the tie on the human statue, what a cute touch.
Fabulous photos Shaheen. Makes me want to visit Barcelona
and a paella-making class sounds fun..
Each pic has a story to tell Shaheen. Thank you for giving us a sneak peak to Barcelona’s streets, restaurants and food ofcourse!.
..esp that ice cream looks so yum!
Have fun,
Siri
Wow – Beautiful Photographs.
You have an inborn gift to click great pictures besides baking.
Thanks, dad!
How absolutely beautiful – you gave us a walking tour of your own! I absolutely love that wrote what you felt about each picture you took, the bookstores, the cafe, the horchata (it’s on my list!) right down to the little apartment you’ll be staying in on your next visit
Hi Shaheen!
Wow…Barcelona seems so picturesque. and of course, the food. I honestly think that along with all the art and architecture, its the food of a place that makes its culture.
Im not a big ice cream fan myself but i always feel that in Europe the more ice cream you eat is less.
Best,
Radhika
Hey Shaheen,
Help!
Lovely pics! Where exactly did you stay near the Plaça de Catalunya ? Planning a trip to Barcelona in July and very confused on which area to stay in
Regards,
Rupa
El Born is where you should be! Stayed there the last time (going to post a Barcelona travel guide soon)
Thanks so much Shaheen! waiting eagerly for the Barcelona travel guide
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