Barcelona, Spain

If you are looking for a place to live out your dreams of traveling, clubbing and eating away your early twenties look no further. While about half of the three months I just wrapped up in Barcelona are a blurred combination of; laughter, drinking, eating, learning a new language and being awe-inspired by the deep sense of culture and community that this city has to offer. I have to say that I have never felt such bone deep exhaustion, while at the same time feeling completely and utterly fulfilled.

While it is true that in the 15th and 18th centuries for the great city of Barcelona there was an extended period of decline, since then it has become a major financial and economic centre of Europe, let alone Spain. This can be noticed by walking down nearly every cobbled or paved street in the city surrounded by its beloved Gothic architecture.

As an individual that frequently day dreams about going back in time, to a period when all the world could talk about was art – walking around this city makes you feel like you’ve been transported through time. So you can trust me when I say that the Casa Bartllo (an exquisite piece of architectural history, the building itself looks like it has been created out of dragon scales), or the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, one of the largest Roman Catholic Churches in Spain (which after nearly one hundred and forty years still has a predictive four years left till it is completed) are places that you have to see or else your trip will not be complete.

Aside from the architectural mast pieces scattered around the city, it would be a great dishonor to you if I didn’t bring up the food! While you can count on the entirety of Spain to have mouth watering food, the dishes that are crafted in Barcelona are some of the best the country has to offer. Imagine nearly every dish you get your hands on to not only feature the freshest sea food you’ve ever had but to be rich in colour and bold I flavor. One of the best places to visit, and have the full Barcelona experience is Can Culleretes. Opened since 1786, it is one of the oldest restaurants that Barcelona has to offer.

Some thing’s to keep in mind while you are wandering around the streets living out your ‘Spanish Dreams’.

Avoid La Rambla when it comes to food and souvenirs if possible. While the streets are fun to walk through, everything that it has to offer is directed at tourists. So you’ll be faced with increased prices, and not so local ‘local food’. The same goes for the little trinkets you’ll see on display there as well. While on the topic of food, something that you must keep in mind is that the locals eat late here. Dinner is around nine, so don’t even try to make six o’clock reservations.

Don’t take pictures of market stands, street stands or shops without asking permission. Lastly, keep in mind that Barcelona is a place for adventure. While it’s best to avoid any type of backpacks while you are here, make sure you stay hydrated and bring your walking shoes.