Barcelona: My Experience

A few years ago, I had the chance to visit Barcelona on a high school trip, and it was one of the most exciting places I’ve ever been. From the amazing architecture to the energy of the streets, Barcelona just has this vibrant feel that’s hard to describe. We had a packed itinerary, racing from one sight to the next, but every day was an adventure — from marveling at La Sagrada Família to sliding down water rides at PortAventura. 

ACTIVITES

Barcelona is known for its breath-taking and unique architecture around the world, and it didn’t disappoint. One of the absolute highlights was visiting La Sagrada Família. I had seen photos of this iconic basilica before, but nothing compares to standing in front of it. The intricate details, the towering spires, and the massive scale of it all left me in awe. The fact that it’s still under construction after over 100 years only made it feel even more incredible, like watching history unfold in real-time. In addition, we also visited Park Güell, and it was just as I as I’d hoped. The colourful mosaic tiles, winding paths, and unique structures gave the park a dreamlike feel. The best part was the stunning panoramic view of the city, stretching all the way to the sea — the perfect spot for some pictures.

Of course, we couldn’t miss Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. Wandering through its narrow, winding streets felt like stepping back in time. The Barcelona Cathedral was a standout here, with its Gothic architecture and serene atmosphere. Exploring the little shops and hidden squares in this part of the city was a peaceful contrast to the busier, tourist-heavy areas.

While Barcelona’s sights are incredible, the activities were just as exciting. One of the coolest things we did was visit Camp Nou, home to one of the world’s most famous football teams, FC Barcelona. We took a tour of the stadium, which was a very interesting as someone who isn't interested in soccer  The scale of the stadium was huge, and it was fascinating to see the trophies, the locker rooms, and the pitch itself up close. I’ve never been that close to such a legendary football club, so the whole experience was definitely a highlight for me.

Another unforgettable experience was spending a day at PortAventura, a massive water park just outside the city. We spent hours racing down water slides and enjoying the wave pools. There’s this one slide that’s almost vertical, and I remember being absolutely terrified as I took the plunge — but it was so much fun! After a few days of sightseeing, it was great to just let loose and cool off in the water. The tickets for PortAventura were around £30 which I thought was definitely reasonable for the experience.

While Barcelona was filled with amazing sights and experiences, I personally wouldn't re-visit the La Boqueria Market on La Rambla. While it’s a popular tourist spot, it felt overcrowded and overpriced, with many of the stalls aimed more at tourists than locals. We didn’t get the authentic market experience I was hoping for, and it didn’t seem worth the time when there are so many other interesting places to visit. In future, I would be looking elsewhere for a more nicer and more authentic market experience. 

FOOD

I’ll be honest — during my time in Barcelona, I didn’t dive deep into Spanish cuisine as much as I would have liked. Our schedule was tight, and most of our meals were at the hotel, which, to put it lightly, wasn’t exactly a food highlight of the trip. The hotel was a hostel-style accommodation, and while it was budget-friendly, the rooms were old, outdated, and not very comfortable. As for the food, let’s just say it was nothing to write home about. We did get to try a bit of paella (a classic Spanish dish), but it was nothing like the amazing versions you’d find in a local restaurant. Given how packed our days were and how tired we were by the evenings, we didn’t have much time to go out for meals. Most evenings, we ended up grabbing fast food as it was cheaper and more convenient, which was perfect after a long day of exploring. 

ACCOMADATION 

While Barcelona itself was an unforgettable experience, the hotel we stayed at was far from ideal. The accommodation was more like a hostel-style hotel, which, while budget-friendly, left a lot to be desired. The rooms were old and outdated, with barely any modern facilities. After long days of exploring the city, the tired, cramped rooms weren’t the relaxing setting we had hoped for. The facilities were basic at best, and the overall atmosphere felt more functional than welcoming. It was clear that the hotel catered mostly to tourists on a budget, and while it served its purpose for a few nights, I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone looking for comfort or a bit of luxury. If you’re visiting Barcelona, I’d suggest opting for a more updated and comfortable place to stay, especially if you plan to spend more than just a few nights in the city. 

COST

Barcelona is one of those cities where you can really make your money stretch if you plan wisely. For me, the biggest expenses were the entry fees to the main attractions, like Camp Nou and Park Güell. While they weren’t exactly cheap, it felt worth it to pay for the full experience, and booking tickets in advance saved me from wasting time in long lines. Food-wise, I found that grabbing meals at bakeries and fast food spots was a great way to keep costs down as opposed to proper restaurants The public transportation system was also a budget-saver; the metro and bus systems are affordable and super easy to navigate, making it possible to get around without splurging on taxis. As for accommodation, there’s something at every price point, but I’d recommend budgeting for a hotel with a little extra comfort as it is worth it getting back to a nice room after a busy day sight-seeing. 

CONCLUSION

Barcelona is a city full of incredible sights, rich culture, and activities I’ll never forget. From the awe-inspiring architecture of La Sagrada Família and the colourful charm of Park Güell to the thrill of PortAventura, there was so much to take in and enjoy. Although the hostel-style hotel and some touristy spots didn’t quite meet my expectations, these were minor setbacks in an otherwise amazing trip. The experience of navigating Barcelona — tasting a bit of local food (and fast food, too!), exploring iconic landmarks, and even visiting the legendary Camp Nou — made every moment memorable.