All things Barcelona

Studying abroad was single-handedly the best decision I have ever made. Traveling is a passion of mine and sometimes seems like it’s my identity. Picking up my things and just going somewhere keeps my life interesting and fun. While I was abroad in Barcelona, Spain, I visited several countries but Spain was most definitely where I felt most at home.

For starters, Barcelona was just amazing. I couldn’t have picked a better place to live for three months. Granted, I may be a little biased seeing as that’s where I spent most of my time, but still. Day-to-day life in Barcelona was so different from my day-to-day life in America. I had classes Monday-Thursday and typically would travel to other countries on the weekends after I got out of school on Thursdays. However, I spent so much time in Barcelona that I’m sure I know all the hotspots, every kind of hotspot for that matter. I’d like to share with you my experience and the hottest spots that I hit while I was living there.

Some of my favorite restaurants and places to get food were:

Wok to Walk: Wok to Walk is a restaurant founded in Amsterdam but quickly made its way to Spain after its popularity amongst the Netherlands skyrocketed. This restaurant is almost like an Asian Chipotle. You pick and choose your rice and noodles along with your vegetables and sauces and it is absolutely to-die-for! Although it’s not Spanish-style, you should definitely check it out.

Firebug: My friends’ and I favorite place to eat before going out. It’s a smaller restaurant but super cute and has great vibes. Their cocktails -- especially their mules -- are to die for and their food is amazing. They have medium-sized portions which are perfect before going out because you never want anything too heavy. Our favorite dishes were the popcorn chicken, the patatas bravas (which is a Spanish staple for tapas), and the pato Peking crujiente (crispy Peking duck pancakes) -- and don't knock those until trying them, they’re delicious!

Da Greco: Da Greco is a fancier Italian restaurant with delicious dishes. We went there a couple of times when celebrating birthdays and as a final send-off dinner before we flew back to America. They allow for you to bring your own bottles of wine and if you show them your student ID you are able to get three bottles of wine in with no corkage fee included. They have the most heavenly dishes and have the biggest portions. Da Greco is most definitely a place to check out if looking for something a little closer to home.

Tapas 24: Tapas 24 is a Spanish-style restaurant that serves only Tapas which are smaller dishes to share amongst your party and a staple in Spain. The chef who works there is a famous chef and their most popular dish, which was absolutely delicious, is their truffle bikini which is a ham and cheese sandwich so it’s definitely worth trying!

Port Olimpic clubs and other bars I enjoyed going to around the city:

Port Olimpic Clubs: Barcelona’s hottest clubs were on this strip along the ocean. These clubs are the most popular for tourists and are super fun. My favorite club by far was Opium. This strip is up and at ‘em all night long as they usually close around 4 am. I met so many people from other countries when I was at these clubs, a few of which I still keep in touch with. This strip is super fun to go to with friends. You’ll be sure to dance the night away while on the Port Olimpic strip!

Dow Jones: Dow Jones is a mock stock market bar with the concept of constant fluctuating prices of drinks. Prices rise on your favorite type of drink or shot means it’s time to try something new. Everyone scrambles around the bar trying to get their favorite drink when the stock market crashes. It’s a sight to see. All in all, Dow Jones has a cool concept and it's a fun place to hang out with friends.

Espit Chupitos: Espit Chupitos is a shot bar with a couple of locations around the city. Chupitos only serves shots and has over 100 options. They all have some sort of crazy name and you’ll end up ordering something and have no idea what you’re about to get. The concept is so interesting and fun. All of the workers cheer for you when you take your shots and are super friendly and funny.

L’ Ovella Negra: This is a bar we often found ourselves at before we would go to Port Olimpic. It’s super Americanized and is undoubtedly a tourist spot for Americans. They are known for their sangria which is a strong authentic Spanish sangria and is super delicious. There are also a couple of locations within Barcelona, one smaller than the other. We went here on the day of the Super Bowl--there was a huge watch party as they aired it. If that doesn’t scream American then I don’t know what does.

Popular sightseeing attractions around the city :

Bunkers del Carmel: Bunkers is a hidden gem in Barcelona. It’s found on a hilltop and has the most spectacular views of the city. Being one of the highest points in Barcelona, it overlooks everything at a 360 angle. Sunset and a bottle of wine? I’d take that any day!

Carnival: Carnival is a festival that happens every year in Sitges Spain which isn’t far from Barcelona at all. This city-wide street party is INSANE! Taking place each year in the run-up to Ash Wednesday, Carnival is both a religious celebration and a popular party. Parades rub throughout the streets all day long, people dress up in wigs and costumes, and everyone has a good time. Attending Carnival was definitely one of the best highlights of my time in Spain.

Park Güell: This is a public park surrounded by beautiful gardens and the most exquisite architecture. Park Güell has an amazing view as it is located on Carmel Hill which belongs to the mountain range of Collserola. The architecture was designed by the famous Antoni Gaudí whose work flourishes throughout the city.