Barcelona
Our first visit to Spain was to Barcelona during October.
Spain can get incredibly hot during the summer months, and Barcelona is a popular destination year-round, particularly as it is often a stop on cruises around the Mediterranean, swelling visitor numbers further.
October sees mild temperatures, lower accommodation costs and lesser crowds.
We stayed at a beautiful ‘budget’ accommodation in a very central location. Casa Gracia offers dorm-style and private rooms with en-suites, a self-catering kitchen, and a restaurant, close to transport links and shops.
Our Must Dos for a Trip to Barcelona
Jump on the Hop-on Hop-off bus
Hop-on Hop-off city tour buses can be a little on the expensive side, but they really are the best way to get a feel for a city and work out a plan of action for visiting all there is to see. As tickets last for a full day or sometimes two days, we often complete the full tour circuit first, and then continue on the bus to ‘hop-off’ at one of the attractions along the route.
Visit La Sagrada Familia
Work began on la Sagrada Familia in 1882 and is not expected to be fully completed until after 2026. And it’s easy to see why it has taken so long – the detail in this incredible building is extraordinary, and even incomplete, it is an impressive piece of architecture. Grab a coffee (or even a waffle) in the small park area facing the Basilica and take it all in.
Enjoy views from the cable car
At Montjuic, you can enjoy a walk and views over the harbour, a visit to the 1992 Olympic stadium, a bite t eat at one of the many cafes and restaurants, and you can enjoy a journey on the cable car which takes you down to beachfront. We love a cable car and, as well as the hop-on, hop-off bus, it is something we will always seek out and jumo on wherever we are.
Enjoy hot chocolate on the beach as the sun goes down
One of the things that makes Barcelona such an enjoyable city is its location with beaches just a short distance from the main centre. With cafes and bars lining the beach front, this makes a lovely spot to enjoy a hot chocolate, listen to the waves, and watch the sun set.
