How do you eat an elephant?
One bite at a time.
That’s exactly how I felt about Spain — especially Barcelona. This city was buzzing, everywhere and all at once!
Rick Steves to the rescue again, with great advice in his guidebook on how to tackle it. One line stayed with me, “Travelers need only focus on a few areas - the Old City, the harbor/Barceloneta, the Eixample, and the Montjuic.”
Four bites.
Let’s Go!
First Bite — The Beach!
After an overnight flight and easy taxi ride, I arrived at the hotel on a tree-lined street, wide-eyed and energized.
Just minutes into my stroll, I stumbled upon the Arc de Triomf, a perfect, accidental grand entrance into Barcelona! So, of course, I walked right through the center.
And then: Palm trees.
I never expected palm trees would grow here, but there they were. I was so happy to discover that Barcelona came with its own little tropics.
I kicked off my shoes and let the sand squish between my toes. It was a little cool for swimming, but perfect for standing, soaking up the sun, and stretching out after a long plane ride. Extra blue sky included.
Second Bite — Old City!
After savoring the sand and sun, I headed back to the hotel for a quick siesta—a part of the culture I embraced without hesitation.
By early evening, it was time for welcome drinks and introductions at the hotel, and the optional orientation walk led by the tour manager — an incredibly helpful touch that led to sharing dinner with two fellow travelers.
We wandered into the Old City, where the Barri Gotic quickly became my favorite neighborhood—a labyrinth of narrow streets, hidden alleyways, cafes, bars, and tiny shops tucked into medieval buildings towering overhead.
The perfect spot for a siesta — one more reason I trust Rick Steves to pick the hotels.
Tapas in the Gothic Quarter — take what you want, pay by accumulated toothpicks. Thanks to our tour manager for this gem.
Tinto de verano, red wine of summer, a refreshingly genius combo of red wine and lemon soda. A local tip I happily implemented the rest of the trip and practically carried home in my suitcase in spirit.
Catedral de la Santa Cruz y Santa Eulalia (Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulaia), the Gotic Barri centerpiece — blessed by a perfect sky.
I spent the rest of the evening strolling on my own, taking in the streets and the energy of the people.
I lingered outside a tiny vermouth bar at one point — packed with locals, rapid-fire Spanish, no obvious place to stand. I wanted to go in. I almost did. But I wasn’t quite brave enough that night.
Instead, I found a simple dinner nearby — tuna over fresh tomatoes and olives stuffed with anchovies — definitely not date food. Another reason solo travel is a win.
Third bite — the Eixample!
The next day I dedicated to Eixample, one of Barcelona’s central neighborhoods and the heart of modernist architecture — where many of Antoni Guadi’s, the city’s most famous (and unconventional) architect, are found.
I took a taxi up to Park Guiell, a whimsical residential development designed by Guadi where gardens, architecture, and nature collide. Though it was never completed as intended, it remains one of Barcelona’s most playful and beautiful spaces, now enjoyed by visitors.
I loved his use of discarded materials like broken tiles, even bottles — to create colorful mosaics. It made me think how quickly I discard things —and how, with a little imagination, they could have a second life!
From there, the day continued to Sagrada Familia —Gaudi’s masterpiece, a soaring basilica. The incredible history and symbolism tucked into the smallest details kept me there for hours. It’s vast, ornate, and utterly impossible to capture its splendor in a photo — but I tried!
Fourth bite - the Montjuic!
The fourth bite? I saved it for next time. The Old City kept calling me back — and I listened.
I learned quickly that savoring a city, doesn’t mean taking every bite. Sometimes, going back for seconds is the whole point.