Day 1:

Our First Full Day in Barcelona – Meeting Family & Exploring the City

On the morning of our first full day in Barcelona, we set off early from our accommodation to make it to Plaça de Catalunya in time to meet my partner’s parents. They had taken an early flight from Hungary and were scheduled to arrive at the square around 10 AM via the Aerobus airport transfer.

This time, we opted for the metro, as there is a stop on Line L2 right next to the Sagrada Familia. From there, we could take a direct train to Passeig de Gràcia, which was just a short walk from Plaça de Catalunya.

First Encounter with the Sagrada Familia

As we walked towards the metro station in the morning, we suddenly caught sight of Gaudí’s masterpiece in all its glory. We were completely mesmerized. We stood there for minutes, just taking in the breathtaking beauty of this monumental architectural wonder, feeling incredibly grateful to witness it in person. However, we had only planned a brief stop this time, as we had pre-booked tickets for the next day to explore it in detail. After soaking in the view for a few moments, we continued towards the metro.

Taking the Metro & Buying Tickets

Since we didn’t plan to use public transport extensively, we decided against purchasing a travel pass like the Hola Barcelona card. (For those planning multiple metro or bus rides, it’s worth checking out the available discount passes—more details here.)

For now, we just bought single tickets—six in total, as we knew we would need them for the return trip when we set off sightseeing with the family.

Meeting the Family & Setting Off to Explore

We met my parents in law at Plaça de Catalunya and headed back to our accommodation so they could drop off their luggage and rest a little after their journey. Once everyone was refreshed, we were ready to dive into the vibrant atmosphere of Barcelona.

Wandering through Barcelona: Arc de Triomf & Ciutadella Park

Now a group of five, our first stop was the Arc de Triomf and Parc de la Ciutadella. The arch was about a 2 km walk from our accommodation—a perfect opportunity to chat and soak in the city’s vibe. Meanwhile, Liny enjoyed a peaceful nap in her stroller, which was particularly helpful since she still napped twice a day at that time. We had brought both a stroller and a baby carrier on the trip, allowing for flexibility—whether for sleeping or exploring more comfortably. The stroller also came in handy for carrying coats and extra bags.

Arc de Triomf – More Than Just an Arch

After a pleasant 20-minute walk, we arrived at Arc de Triomf, standing tall along a palm tree-lined promenade near Ciutadella Park. Unlike most triumphal arches, this one wasn’t built to commemorate a military victory. Instead, it was constructed for the 1888 World’s Fair, symbolizing respect for arts and sciences. Its striking red brick facade and blend of architectural styles made it stand out from afar. After admiring it and snapping a few photos, we continued towards the nearby park.

Parc de la Ciutadella – Barcelona’s Green Oasis

A short stroll from the Arc de Triomf led us to Parc de la Ciutadella, one of Barcelona’s largest and most beautiful parks, home to several notable sights:

• The Catalan Parliament building
• Barcelona Zoo
• Castillo de los Tres Dragones (The Castle of Three Dragons)
• Cascada Monumental – A breathtaking fountain

The Cascada Monumental is a true masterpiece, with intricate sculptures, cascading waterfalls, and golden winged creatures. A young Antoni Gaudí even contributed to its design. We climbed the steps for a stunning panoramic view of the park, while others enjoyed a romantic rowboat ride on the small lake nearby.

Relaxing in the Park

On weekends, Ciutadella Park is a lively hub for both locals and tourists—people picnicking, enjoying ice cream, or simply basking in the peaceful surroundings. Liny was particularly fascinated by the giant mammoth statue, which was a popular spot for kids to climb and play. The park is filled with palm trees, orange groves, and vibrant parrots, making it a true green retreat in the heart of the city.

Entry to the park is free.
Tickets for Barcelona Zoo can be purchased online via Tiqets, Freetour, Visit BCN, or GetYourGuide.

El Born District

After a short break in the park, we headed towards the El Born district, a historic yet trendy neighborhood. Our first stop was the El Born Centre de Cultura i Memòria, a fascinating cultural space housed in a former market building. Here, the remains of 18th-century Barcelona have been excavated, offering a glimpse into daily life centuries ago—perfect for history lovers.

Tip for parents: The El Born Centre de Cultura i Memòria has clean, free restrooms with baby-changing facilities—super useful if you’re traveling with a little one!

From there, we wandered onto Passeig del Born, a lively boulevard lined with modern cafés and historic bars. This was once a medieval plaza that hosted knightly tournaments, public executions, and even witch burnings. Despite its dark past, today it’s one of the city’s most vibrant areas.

El Born is not just about history—it’s also a hotspot for boutique shopping, unique cafés, and contemporary art. While we initially wanted to sit down for coffee, most places were packed. Instead, we grabbed gelato, coffee, and cold drinks from El Born Minyo bakery and relaxed at Plaça del Fossar de les Moreres, home to an eternal flame commemorating Catalonia’s fallen heroes.

El Born is also known for its cultural landmarks, including the Picasso Museum and the Museum of Textiles, both on the medieval street Carrer de Montcada. At the street’s end, the majestic Basílica de Santa María del Mar stood before us—a stunning example of Catalan Gothic architecture, simple yet breathtaking.

Barceloneta – The City’s Vibrant Beachfront

Next, we made our way to Barceloneta, Barcelona’s most famous beach. Along the way, we stopped to admire El Cap de Barcelona, a striking 14-meter-tall colorful sculpture near the shore.

Barceloneta Beach is buzzing with life, with both tourists and locals enjoying the golden sands and deep blue Mediterranean. The iconic W Barcelona Hotel, shaped like a sail, dominates the skyline, adding to the picturesque view.

It was the perfect place to rest on the sand and soak up the sun after a long day of walking. Liny peacefully napped in the carrier while we enjoyed the relaxing beach atmosphere.

Keep an eye on your belongings! The beach is a known hotspot for pickpockets, so never leave valuables unattended.

After taking in the sea breeze and golden-hour views, we were ready for dinner. Barceloneta is famous for its fresh seafood and lively tapas bars, so we found a cozy spot and, of course, ordered paella. It was absolutely delicious—one portion was big enough to share!

Though we considered taking public transport back, we ultimately decided to walk home instead, enjoying the mild May evening and stumbling upon charming little streets and hidden squares.

We ended our night with dessert, making our way back to our accommodation around 7 PM, pleasantly exhausted and full of unforgettable memories.