Day 3 – The Second Half of Our Third Day: Discovering the Old Town

The Harbor & Columbus Monument

Once we arrived at the San Sebastián Tower, we found ourselves at the city’s vibrant Port Vell. This area is lined with charming bars and entertainment spots, making for a pleasant stroll. Luxury cruise ships and elegant yachts rocked gently in the water.

We walked along Moll de la Fusta, Barcelona’s wooden waterfront promenade, which runs parallel to Passeig de Colom. After a while, we took a break on a bench, soaking in the view of the sea and the bustling harbor.

A Close Call – A Pickpocketing Incident

Here, we experienced an unfortunate event that I don’t like to remember, but I want to share it so others can learn from it.

While we were sitting on the bench, our daughter, Liny, suddenly became restless. My husband, his mother, and I all focused on her for just a moment. That was all it took—a hand appeared from the side and grabbed my bag from the bench.

In an instant, I turned around and saw the thief just a few meters away. Thankfully, my instincts kicked in—I immediately ran after him and firmly demanded my bag back, warning that I would scream if he didn’t return it. The man hesitated, signaled for calm, and handed it back. But I noticed something chilling—just a few steps ahead, his accomplice was waiting at the corner. Had he made it that far, my belongings would have disappeared for good.

Fortunately, I never keep my most important documents in my bag when traveling, so I wasn’t at risk of being stranded without ID. However, inside were some personal items, cash, and my phone—things I was very lucky to get back.

A Valuable Lesson – Beware of Pickpockets in Barcelona!

This experience was a huge lesson for me, and I want to warn all travelers: this part of Barcelona, especially the waterfront promenade and La Rambla, is full of pickpockets! Always keep an eye on your belongings and never leave your bags unattended—even for a second. A moment of distraction is all they need.

After this incident, we continued our journey, but from then on, we were extra cautious with our belongings. Although this was an unpleasant experience, it didn’t dampen our spirits—we were still eager to enjoy the beauty of Barcelona, just with a bit more vigilance!

Columbus Monument & Passeig de Colom

We continued along Passeig de Colom, where the monumental Christopher Columbus statue stands tall. This is the largest Columbus monument in the world, perched atop an imposing Corinthian column. It was erected in 1888 for Spain’s first world exhibition, commemorating the place where Columbus returned after his historic voyage. You can take an elevator to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of Barcelona and the sea. We skipped this, but if you love scenic viewpoints, it’s definitely worth a visit.

Strolling Down La Rambla – Barcelona’s Most Famous Promenade

From here, we turned onto La Rambla, Barcelona’s most iconic pedestrian street, lined with plane trees. Stretching from Plaça de Catalunya to Port Vell, this bustling boulevard is alive day and night. It’s filled with painters, street musicians, performers, and living statues—Liny especially loved them! Countless restaurants, bars, and cafés invite visitors to soak in the Mediterranean atmosphere while watching the lively crowds pass by.

A Hidden Gem – Plaça Reial

Taking a detour down a side street, we discovered Plaça Reial (Royal Square), one of Barcelona’s most charming plazas. This arcaded square is adorned with palm trees and elegant iron street lamps—designed by a young Antoni Gaudí. At its center, the Fountain of the Three Graces is always surrounded by life, with cozy cafés and terrace restaurants making it a perfect spot to relax in the heart of the city.

The Famous La Boqueria Market

Returning to La Rambla, we visited the Mercado de La Boqueria, one of the most famous food markets in the world. The selection was truly impressive—from fresh, colorful fruits and vegetables to meats, seafood, chocolates, nuts, and spices. The stalls were beautifully arranged, and the vendors were well-prepared for both locals and tourists. We picked up a few pre-packed tasting boxes, specifically curated for travelers. Even if you’re not planning to shop, the vibrant market atmosphere alone makes it worth a visit!

The Gothic Quarter – Getting Lost in Barcelona’s Medieval Streets

Just a few blocks from La Rambla, we found ourselves in an entirely different world—the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic). Wandering through its medieval alleys, we admired the historic Santa Maria del Pi Church, known for its stunning rose window (although it was under restoration during our visit).

One of the highlights was crossing the Bishop’s Bridge (Pont del Bisbe), tied to a fascinating legend: if you walk under it backward while looking at the hidden skull on the arch, one of your wishes will come true. Of course, we had to give it a try!

At the end of Carrer del Bisbe, we arrived at Plaça Nova, where the Catalan Architects’ Association (Collegi d’Arquitectes de Catalunya) caught our attention. Its façade is uniquely decorated with childlike drawings—designed by none other than Pablo Picasso. These designs add a playful contrast to the surrounding historical buildings.

The Majestic Barcelona Cathedral

Just a short walk away stood the breathtaking Barcelona Cathedral (Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia). For over 700 years, this masterpiece has been one of the city’s most significant landmarks, named after Saint Eulalia, one of Barcelona’s patron saints. Its intricate façade and towering spires were a sight to behold, making it the perfect conclusion to our Gothic Quarter exploration.

Ending the Day with a Perfect Dinner & a Stunning View

We really wanted to explore the cathedral in more detail, but by this point, we were exhausted and hungry. So, we decided to end the day at El Café d’en Victor, a lovely restaurant right next to the cathedral. I once again opted for paella, and—learning from the previous night’s experience—we shared a portion.

After a satisfying dinner, we headed back to our accommodation, taking a final stop at Gaudí Park. This charming park not only offered a peaceful retreat but also provided a spectacular view of the Sagrada Família. We captured some amazing photos of the basilica and took one last walk around it, soaking in our final moments in Barcelona.

One last walk around Sagrada Familia

Luckily, we didn’t have to worry about packing that evening, as our flight home wasn’t until early afternoon the next day. So we went to bed exhausted but content, filled with experiences and wonderful memories of this magical city.

The Day of Our Departure

We had a relaxed breakfast before packing up at a leisurely pace, as we needed to check out of our accommodation by 10 AM. By the time our departure time arrived, everything was ready, and we set off for the airport. We took the D50 bus to Plaça de Catalunya, where we transferred to the Aerobus, which provided a quick and convenient ride to the airport. We had purchased return tickets for the Aerobus upon arrival, while for the D50 bus, we bought tickets directly on board.

At the airport, we checked in together with my husband’s parents, whose flight was scheduled to depart just half an hour after ours. This worked out perfectly, as it allowed us to spend a little extra time together in the terminal before heading our separate ways.

These past few days were truly a refreshing experience for all of us. My husband’s parents were overjoyed to have spent so much quality time with their grandchild—and, of course, with us. This trip also reinforced for them just how enriching and enjoyable traveling with a small child can be. The key is patience, flexibility, and embracing every little moment together.

Of course, we couldn’t fit everything into our schedule, as traveling with a toddler requires a slower pace and more flexible planning. It’s impossible to pack every sight and experience into one day, which is why I always design our trips around a core concept: I plan a few key activities but leave plenty of room for rest and spontaneous discoveries. Once again, this approach worked wonderfully, allowing us to enjoy a fulfilling and memorable trip.

We are certain we’ll return to Barcelona one day to explore everything we missed this time. After all, it takes time to process so many new experiences—but that only proves it was a truly unforgettable journey!