After spending three wonderful days in Madrid we reached here. Since the Vueling morning flight was on time we were very happy. And my Genius Level 2 status with Booking.com ensured that we could check-in early to our hotel. In fact two hours earlier. If you too plan to spend a couple of days here, travel with us to check out how we spent ‘One day in Barcelona’. It was our first day.
Carrer De Malgrat
My Pillow
You must be wondering why I am talking about my pillow here. Because that’s the name of our accommodation that I had booked for the two of us. In fact it was the name which attracted me first. Then of course the location and the place itself.
The rooms we stayed in was nice & big enough. The place is run by a Chinese immigrant family who are extremely nice human beings & very helpful. Also it’s very clean & well maintained by the family who also stay there. There are no breakfast options but free tea/coffee is available anytime. You could also buy frozen food & stack in the refrigerator available for guests. There is also a Microwave to heat up your stuff. Overall a lovely place which will not pinch your pocket too much, if that is what you are looking for. Come have a look.
And this nice bench outside to relax and have a smoke
Carrer De Malgrat
Carrer De Malgrat is a nice peaceful neighborhood with the Fabra i Puig metro station just a casual 7-10 minutes walk away from our accommodation. Moreover there is nice English Breakfast restaurant as you walk towards the station. Also there are ample eating options to choose from, including the conveniently located restaurants La Cholita, Txapeldun Egarri and Ovante, And if you love Indian food there are a few good options close by. And it took us just 15 minutes by underground to reach the center of town.
One Day in Barcelona City Center
Le Rambla
We are now in the heart of City Center. And as many travelers do, we too start with La Rambla. Because it is one the most famous streets in Central Barcelona. Being a tree lined pedestrian street it stretches 1.2 kms and starts near the Christopher Columbus Monument which is again another famous landmark of the city.
La Rambla
We were lucky it wasn’t too crowded although it can really be during the peak tourist season. But even then you need to be careful from the pickpockets. The place is lined up with pavement cafes, souvenir kiosks and human statues who are all ready to click with you at a price. Have a look.
Christopher Columbus Monument
The Columbus Monument is a 60 m tall monument to Christopher Columbus. It was constructed for the Exposición Universal de Barcelona (1888) in honor of Columbus’ first voyage to the Americas. Furthermore at the very top of the monument stands a 7.2 m tall bronze statue atop a 40 m tall Corinthian column. The statue is said to depict Columbus pointing towards the New World with his right hand, while holding a scroll in the left.
Gobierno Militar de Barcelona
Right in front of the famous Columbus Monument, the Military Government of Barcelona is a military institution of the Spanish Army. Moreover it is located in this neoclassical building from the beginning of the 20th century.
Boqueria Market
The first of Barcelona’s local markets was opened on the 19th of March 1840, after four years of work on the land that was till then occupied by Saint Joseph’s convent. Further with time the Boqueria Market of Barcelona transformed itself in a modern market. Come have a look.
Plaça de Catalunya
Also popularly known as “Catalonia Square”, it is a large square in central Barcelona. Some of the city’s most important streets and avenues meet here. It occupies an area of about 50,000 square metres and is especially known for its fountains and statues. Let’s spend some time here.
Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
The magic fountain is a spectacular display of color, light, motion, music and water acrobatics – if you mix these elements together in just the right combinations, you end up with pure magic.The magic fountain is a must see when you come to Barcelona. But preferably in the night when the magical colors start appearing.
Time by the Mediterranean
Next we zip around town
A stop at FC Barcelona
Dinner Time
We were back to our hotel after a refreshing day. And then after some relaxed moments it was time for dinner. We took a short walk to Ovante for some beer and their delicious Burgers. A nice freaky place which you must visit if you are staying around Fabra i Puig metro station.
Barcelona. Our first day matched exactly with the picture we had in mind. A nice cool place. And that made us eagerly look forward to our next day there.
If you loved being in Barcelona, PIN it for later!
Nice….
Love the article! I so want to visit Barcelona!!
Thank you.
Very catchy and engaging article
Barcelona is one of our favourite cities in Spain so good memories brought back as I read through your post. Great that you found an English Breakfast restaurant close to your stay. We love Spanish food but the lack of protein at breakfast sent us on breakfast searches after a few days. Great that you got to enjoy La Ramblas without the crowds.
Yes Linda we really had a good time and when the owners told us about this nice breakfast joint we were very happy. A good breakfast always gives the fuel for a great day.
I’m impressed that you were able to see so much in one day! I remember when we went to Barcelona, it all went by so quickly. We did like one walking tour, ate some pinchus (i think thats what those little sandwhiches with the toothpick are called), and headed back to Reus. Reading your article did bring back some great memories though!
Yes I had planned well so that we could get the best out of our first day there.
I was surely supposed to travel to Barcelona a few years ago. but unfortunately I ran out of time while I was in Europe. Hopefully someday I will get to go there and see the beautiful city. Thanks for this quick one day tour of Barcelona, I will keep these in mind. When I visit, I will I would like to spend more days living and exploring the place and do a bit of slow travel.
You would certainly love Barcelona and also Madrid when you are there,
Barcelona is one of my favourite destinations. Boqueria Market is a must see as is La Sagrada Familia. Reading this makes me want to return for a 5th time!
We too loved being there. Wish we could go back again sometime in future.
Great post, definitely brought me back to my Barcelona visit years ago. Did you notice any tension (or signs) about wanting to separate from Spain?
We didn’t notice any tensions regarding separation from Spain Mike.
This city has always been a dream place to visit. In fact, last year, I started taking Spanish lessons so I can travel to Spain and Latin America and better absorb the culture. Sadly, Covid is continuing to be a dampener on any travel plans 🙁
Hopefully all would be good by year end I hope.
Barcelona is a great city, full of amazing architecture and great food. I have been there several times. You presented in an interesting way how to spend one day in the city to get to know its most interesting and important attractions. I like La Rambla and Boqueria Market.
Yes Agnes. I too would certainly love to visit again.