A Perfect Day: Barcelona in One Day

I love starting my mornings in Barcelona by walking along the beach, feeling the city gradually come to life. I usually start in the Barceloneta neighborhood and walk along the coast to Bogatell Beach.

On my way back, I treat myself to a vegan cinnamon roll and freshly squeezed orange juice at the Demasié bakery on Carrer de la Princesa. Then, I find a bench in Parc de la Ciutadella to enjoy my breakfast. Although the park is centrally located, it feels completely peaceful, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

In the Gothic Quarter, I love browsing the small shops tucked away in the narrow alleys. My favorite is the shoe store Handmade Avarcas & Espadrilles, where you can design your own espadrilles – typical Catalan canvas shoes with soles made from braided plant fibers.

Plaça Reial, with its old streetlamps and stunning arcades, is for me one of the most beautiful squares in all of Barcelona. Even in December, this “royal square” is filled with people relaxing in cafés and restaurants under the palm trees.

The Mercat de la Boqueria is Barcelona’s largest market, located right on La Rambla, the city’s most famous promenade. I buy vegetables, fruits, and ham there and am always amazed at how beautifully the vendors arrange their products at the stalls.

A friend recently celebrated her birthday at Pizzeria Le Romane, and I’ve been a fan of their pizza with cream cheese, apple, walnuts, and honey ever since. I never would’ve thought this combination could taste so good! For a more savory option, try the artichoke cream soup.

Barcelona’s largest shopping street is the 1.5-kilometer-long Passeig de Gràcia. This grand boulevard is filled with branches of major fashion brands to tempt shoppers. For those who prefer culture, there’s the famous Casa Milà, also known as “La Pedrera” due to its resemblance to a stone quarry, designed by architect Antoni Gaudí.

In the early evening, I take the funicular up to Tibidabo, Barcelona’s 512-meter-high mountain. It’s home to Europe’s second-oldest amusement park with a breathtaking view over the city. That’s why you shouldn’t close your eyes while riding the roller coaster up there.

For me, the best place for dinner or a sundowner is the Mirablau tapas restaurant below the funicular. The view from up there of the Sagrada Família and the city’s sea of lights is simply breathtaking.

Ute Alvarez Alonso has been a flight attendant with Lufthansa since 2001. She lives near Barcelona and speaks eight languages: German, Spanish, French, English, Italian, Portuguese, Catalan, and Galician. She refreshes her skills on her many travels and enjoys chatting with guests on board in their own language.