My Seattle-based friends Jeremy and Sonja and their 5-year-old Alex have been traveling Europe since last June (lucky!) I had been thinking about hopping the pond to say hi for a while, but it wasn’t until they decided stay put for a few weeks that our schedules aligned enough to make it possible. Where? Barcelona? DONE.

Hotel

La Passatge de Vilaret was the perfect little street for our gang to hang out… my hotel at No. 13, and Jeremy & Sonja’s little apartment at No. 21. Beyond being convenient to each other, these units were three blocks away from La Sagrada Família. The bed in my place was painfully uncomfortable, but the prime location, good price, and futon mattress available for stacking made it the perfect choice.

Food

Some favorite finds in the city:

• Restaurante Renoi, right next to our hotel close to Sagrada Familia

• Irati, just off La Rambla

La Sagrada Familia

La Rambla and Barri Gòtic

Beach

Block of Discord

Park Güell

Sant Pau

Roman Wall

Cathedral

MonTjuic: Cable Car, Castle, and Park

Fountain and Art Museum

The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya serves as a gorgeous viewpoint or backdrop for watching the fountain show. This evening spectacle draws a great crowd, even in the off-season. Looking down from the museum, you are treated to a beautiful view of the four columns, the fountain, and the promenade leading to Plaça d'Espanya.

Las Arenas and Caixa ForuM

Flamenco at Palau de la Música Catalana

I knew I wanted to see the Palau, and splurging on a show provided an ideal opportunity to enjoy the full experience. Barcelona y Flamenco mesmerized us! While photography is not allowed during the show, check their website for some incredible footage.

Dali Muesum

Girona

Well, Girona deserves its own post. :)