Hello Everybody,
It’s been quite awhile since my last blog post, but between September finals and traveling to Barcelona I haven’t had much of a break to update you all on my wonderful experiences. From October 7th to October 9th, I visited Barcelona, Spain with 4 other friends. We took quite a risk going to Barcelona with the circumstances between Catalonia and Spain, but we took our chances and headed that way. (Also, some of the bus tickets were non-refundable). To get to Barcelona in the most costly and time efficient manner we used Renfe. Renfe is the high-speed train system within Spain.
* I highly recommend buying your ticket through the actual website(www.renfe.com),while also making sure you’re aware that promo deals are great, but are not refundable. *
We left Alicante at 8:00am and arrived in Barcelona at 1:30pm. After a very long train ride (with no wifi) we arrived in Barcelona and hit the ground running to make it in time to check into our hostel and go to Park Güell.
Upon arrival to Barcelona we walked from the train station to our hostel which wasn’t a horribly long walk, but because Barcelona is a huge city ( especially compared to Alicante) we used public transportation. I love the public transport in other countries because it’s so cheap and allows you to save so much time getting from one place to another. Our group of five bought two tickets with 20 rides for leaving and arriving. We used them to get to Park Güell and La Sagrada Familia which were the farthest places from our hostel. Each single ticket for the tram is 2,15 Euros and can be bought with euros or card.
We stayed in Be Sound Hostel for 17,50 Euros a night. The 17,50 included sheets, all kitchen supplies and appliances, lockers with scanners, air conditioning in the rooms ( whoa!!), and a terrance for socialization. I liked Be Sound Hostel because it was a very quiet hostel, but if you’re looking for something more upbeat it isn’t the place for you.
Later on October 7th, after settling in our hostel we took the tram to Park Güell! From the tram to the park it was about a 15 minute walk, but there are escalators to help you climb the hill. ( Woo-hoo!!)
Park Güell is a public park in Barcelona which incredibly designed architecture. it was all created by Gaudí. Guadí basically created all of Barcelona and Park Güell is no exception. I was amazed at how every piece fit perfectly and the colors stood out even while overlooking the entire city.
The group at Park Güell
Park Güell doesn’t take an enormous amount of time, but we had already purchased our tickets for a specific date and time to not have to worry about getting in. Park Güell is one of Barcelona’s most popular attractions, so buy your tickets in advance. A general ticket for entrance into the park is 7,00 Euros.
Park Güell
On October 8th, we visited Castillo de Montjuïc on the hill of Montijuïc (that hill was so joke). After a brutal 40 minute walk and a no- complaining rule we made it to the castle! After hiking up the hill, we realized that there is a lift that takes you up and down the hill (price unknown). I personally enjoyed the walk up the hill because there is a little park along the way and we get to hike it like they did back in the day, right ?!
The castle of Montjuïc used to be a military fortress, but is now municipal building. The building is beautifully lined with grass growing on the side of it until reaching the main doors. On the lower level of the castle there are exhibitions to learn about Barcelona’s culture and the castles old history and purpose. While on the upper level you can go to the viewpoint to see the boat port and overlook the entire city.
Entrance to Castle of Montjuïc
Upper Level of the castle
Group picture overlooking Barcelona!
Barcelona’s Port
Later on October 8th, as we were on our way to the gothic quarter in Barcelona there was a peaceful protest for the unity of Spain and Catalonia. It was very interesting to witness this and be apart of a major moment happening in the country I’m currently living in. I think it’s very important to be aware of what’s going on around you even if you don’t necessarily live in that country, but for me to be this close and experience the things that we discuss in class, is a moment I’ll never forget.
Peace protest for the unity of Spain and Catalonia
To finish, on Sunday we visited the Arc de Triomf and the Parc de la Ciutadella. Both were completely free!
Arc de Triomf
Parc de la Ciutadella
On our last day we tried to fit absolutely everything in before we departed from Barcelona later that evening. The biggest highlight of the day was visiting La Sagrada Familia. La Sagrada Familia is the unfinished Catholic Church in Barcelona constructed by Gaudí. ( This man was completely amazing)
We also bought our tickets in advance for La Sagrada Familia because it would have been impossible to get in. The price is 13,00 Euros with a student discount. It allows you to see everything inside and outside the church.
La Sagrada Familia
The inside of La Sagrada Familia
Architecture of La Sagrada Familia
Lastly, we visited the gothic cathedral of Barcelona and the two more houses built by Gaudí. All entrances were free! For the Gaudí houses, there was no interest for us to see the insides, but I do believe there is a charge to enter.
Gothic Catedral of Barcelona
Inside of Gothic Cathedral
Casa Batlló
Overall, Barcelona is a trendy city with lots of activities and crazy, but beautiful buildings to see. I would definitely visit again possibly early in the summer as well to visit the beaches of Barcelona and the Picasso Museum.
Thank you for reading,
CNB
Eudaimonia in Alicante 