Choosing Our Adventure

Today was quite a whirlwind of activities!

We started our day later than I would prefer, but we’re just taking the lead from the Spanish. First stop was the bakery just down the street to grab a quick croissant and cappuccino, before heading back to the Gracia neighborhood to hit the remaining stores Eli missed yesterday.

From Gracia, we walked down into the Gothic quarter, first checking out a mural titled “El Món Neix en Cada Besada (The World Begins With Every Kiss)” by Joan Fontcuberta. Tucked back in a quiet spot just off Plaça d’Isidre Nonell, its a wonderfully hidden gem.

Kiss of Freedom

After running through several other shops in the area, we found ourselves on La Rambla and quickly entered into Mercat de la Boqueria. We navigated around and through all the wonderful little stalls before settling on chips and guacamole, and chocolate churros. The amount of guac would have easily cost $15 here in the states, but only set us back 3€!

Stomach’s tamed, we decided it was time to get touristy. We headed over to the Barcelonetta neighborhood, took a quick view of the beach and the Mediterranean Sea, and then jumped in line for the Transbordador Aeri del Port gondola.

Boqueria

After an hour wait, it was finally time pack ourselves like sardines into the car for our ride across the port up to Parc del Mirador del Poble-sec. The eight minute ride went by so quickly because the views were so stunning. Definitely a unique way to see the whole of the city.

Once off the gondola, we made the 10 minute hike up the park to the gates of Castell de Montjuïc. The views from the gondola were quickly usurped by the views from atop the castle. Simply stunning.

In an attempt to top those views, we took a different cable car down the mountain. This was much more chill as the car only seated 6 people and again provided gorgeous views.

Cable car views

Our next stop was to trek completely across town to hike up another mountain to catch sunset. As we started our walk to the metro, we stumbled upon the venue of the 1992 Olympic diving events. As you’ve probably surmised, it also had stunning views of the city.

After 30 minutes of sweating hot metro riding, we found ourselves at the base of the mountain for the climb up to Turó de la Rovira. The strenuous hike included a section with 170 steps, but was well worth it! Pretty sure this is the best spot for sunset in the entire city.

With the sun set, we made our way down the mountain and grabbed a bus back to our neighborhood. We arrived starving, but found that our barrio is a bit too residential and nothing was open. So we hit up the local grocery and attempted to make our own tapas of tomato bread, jimon and blue cheese.

Sunset from the Bunkers

Bellies full, we relaxed for a bit before calling it a day. And what a day it was. Thirteen miles walked, 26000 steps and so many stunning views later. Barcelona you are the most chill major city I’ve ever encountered and I will miss you dearly.