My Personal Guide to Barcelona

   To the person reading this, whether you are headed off to Barcelona, Spain (my favorite place and my second home) or somewhere new, I am so beyond jealous of you. Studying abroad has been one of the best decisions I have made for myself, since choosing Wofford! Making the decision to leave behind the one familiar structure you had in your life to go across the world to the unfamiliar, is hard. I was once in your shoes, and it feels just like yesterday I arrived into a new city where everything and everyone felt like a stranger. A new walk to class, new coffee shops, and new grocery stores all felt like the biggest change ever. It gets easier. About a month in and you are navigating your way around the city without google maps. As Barcelona’s biggest fan, I am going to share some of my favorite places to go during your first few weeks here. Some of my most favorite memories with new and old friends are here, and I am already looking forward to the day I get to come back. 

       It’s a warm morning, the sun is shining and you have an extra 20-minutes before class. Take a quick walk down to The Cathedral, and across the street is the best coffee in Barcelona, Cafe de Finca. My most favorite coffee shop with the best vanilla iced coffee. Besides Cafe de Finca, head over to The Coffee or La Papa for a variety of fun coffee and matcha options. I also highly recommend bringing your laptop to La Papa and doing some work here, or go one morning for their brunch.

       For a fun dinner out with your new friends from the program make a reservation at La Pepita, Bao Bao, Maldita Barra, or Tapeo. Tapeo and La Pepita have the best tapas and a variety of new things to try. Boa Boa gives you some comfort food for a cold rainy day where you want to enjoy a restaurant setting, but need some comfort. Maldita Barra, the top of my list every single time! The best wine bar with the best entrees and appetizers. This is also such a good place to go and do work one afternoon after classes or in the mornings as they offer breakfast and a variety of coffees and pastries. 

       In between your classes when you can’t make it all the way home, Nudes Café, Honest Green’s and Mercadona are some of my personal favorites. All less than a 10 minute walk from IES Barcelona, you can find so many options that will keep you full all day for the remainder of your classes. 

       For some scenic walks, walking along the beach near the Poblenou stop or Barceloneta on L4. I also love Parc de la Ciutadella because it is so pretty on a warm afternoon or early morning. For a good long hike, take a day trip to Montserrat and get your steps in. There are so many great restaurants when you get to the top, but be sure to bring some water!

       Make the most of every day while you are abroad. Find those moments in between your busy schedule where you can take a walk in a new park, or try a new coffee shop, or just explore the city and what it has to offer. You will never be bored in Barcelona! Follow restaurants and other various instagram pages for all updates on local activities in Barcelona. 

       I hope you have the absolute best time in my new favorite city and traveling throughout Europe! Best of luck to you!