Spain - Barcelona

Barcelona



Flight: Leeds Bradford Airport to Barcelona Airport

https://www.jet2.com


Accommodation: Casa D'Espiritualitat Sant Felip Neri

https://casaespiritualitat.barcelona



What is the Festival of Sant Jordi and when is it?

It is one of the most original celebrations in Catalonia and takes place in spring, on 23 April. On this day, it is custom for couples to exchange gifts: the men receive a book and the women receive a rose. However, this has developed over time, so both men and women can receive books and roses.




Barcelona


Gaudi is Barcelona, and any visit to Barcelona has to include the glorious La Sagrada Familia.



Places to visit in Barcelona


Exploring Barcelona: A Perfect Few Days in the Catalan Capital

Day 1: Football History

We kicked off our Barcelona adventure with a visit to the Camp Nou Museum — an absolute must for any football enthusiast. The recently refurbished museum now boasts the latest interactive technology, allowing us to dive deep into the illustrious history of FC Barcelona and its legendary players. One of the highlights was the 360-degree cinema, which gave us a thrilling taste of the stadium atmosphere on a big match day. It felt like we were right there amidst the roar of the crowd!

Day 2: Sant Jordi Festivities in Sarria

The next day, we headed to the charming neighborhood of Sarria to soak in the vibrant Sant Jordi festivities. Sarria is a delightful area of Barcelona with a pleasant ambiance and local charm. The streets were alive with lively music, dancing, and traditional events. We felt like locals as we joined in the celebrations, enjoying the rich cultural experience that Sant Jordi offers.

Day 3: Shopping and Sightseeing

Our third day began with a ride on the Ferrocarril into Barcelona for some serious retail therapy at Plaza Catalunya. This bustling square is a shopper's paradise, home to numerous large department stores. One standout was the unique Sephora shop, which featured a giant slide—how could we resist?

From there, we took a leisurely stroll to the famous Mercado de la Boqueria. The market's vast array of food stalls was overwhelming in the best way possible, offering everything from fresh produce to gourmet treats. We indulged in some delicious local snacks and soaked in the vibrant atmosphere.

Our next stop was the Barcelona Cathedral. The views from the tower were breathtaking, offering a panoramic perspective of the city. We also tried the Virtual Reality activity that let us fly above the cathedral, right up to the St. Helena statue at the top—a truly unique experience.

The day continued with a visit to the Town Hall, where we joined the ongoing Sant Jordi celebrations. The music, dancing, and entertaining 'Gigantes' (giant puppets) made for a festive and memorable experience. We ended the day with a quick walk to the harbour and enjoyed a delicious paella dinner by the waterfront.

Day 4: Gaudí’s Masterpieces

Our final day was dedicated to marveling at Gaudí's stunning creations. In the afternoon, we visited Parc Güell, a whimsical park that truly showcases Gaudí's genius. The vibrant mosaics, unique architectural elements, and serene gardens provided spectacular views of the city and made for a delightful visit.

No trip to Barcelona would be complete without visiting La Sagrada Família. This awe-inspiring cathedral, designed by Gaudí, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an architectural marvel. The exterior is adorned with intricate sculptures depicting biblical stories, while the interior is illuminated by colourful stained-glass windows and supported by towering columns that resemble trees. The serene and otherworldly atmosphere left us in awe.


Barcelona is a city brimming with culture, history, and architectural wonders. Whether you're a football fan, a history buff, a shopping enthusiast, or an admirer of art and design, this vibrant city has something to offer everyone. Our journey through the heart of Catalonia was filled with new discoveries at every corner, making it an unforgettable experience.


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