Share some of our favorite Barcelona adventures.
Hello friends! how are you? I hope your week has a great start! We enjoy gorgeous views, shopping, delicious food, some tourists here in Sevilla. It was the perfect combination of activity and cold times. I hope your summer is going well so far.
In today’s post, I wanted to share Barcelona Adventure+ if you’re planning on booking a trip. I was able to spend a few nights before and after the Disney cruise and fell in love with Barcelona. Of course, there is a gorgeous mix of architecture, from Gaudi’s iconic designs to more modern styles, Gothic cathedrals and Roman ruins. It also has the feel of a huge city (it’s just one lol). We could have easily spent a few weeks there, and here are some of the highlights of our trip.
Barcelona Adventure
Dining in Barcelona
Barcelona food is 100%. I put it there with Rome and was blown away by many restaurants we tried. They use many fresh ingredients and produce, it is seasoned well, some are perfect (especially if you like sharing), and allergens are often clearly marked.
Prado de Flores
This was our first meal in Barcelona and definitely put us on our right foot. I was craving a Veranotinto (red wine along with citrus spritzer like sangria) and a Spanish tortilla. The girl and I shared quite a few different things, including chicken skewers, Greek salad, sardines, tortillas and more. P also had a burger and was perfect.
Gluten Free Food Tour
I have an entire post about this experience, but I had the opportunity to try six different spots with lots of gluten-free options. I didn’t have a croissant full of GF Nutella, so it set the freeeee of my soul. This was probably on the list of the top 10 best I’ve ever had. Barcelona offers plenty of gluten-free options and dedicated gluten-free kitchens. Our guide says that if you have celiac or are gluten sensitive/enterable, it is one of the best places to travel and live.
Blueme by Sasha
This is a completely gluten-free brunch spot with pancakes, avocado toast, bowls and pastries, using organic and fresh ingredients. If we live in Barcelona, I eat here every week. They have several locations so if you are planning a visit, I recommend checking out.
Localver
This was near our hotel and had great reviews and Spanish tortillas on the menu. I had a mission to find the best haha - we went overnight and shared lots of tapas. The tortillas featured truffle oil (Ommmggg) and the cheese platter was exquisite.
Roots & Rolls
One of the highlights of our trip was meeting my friend Sarah! We used to teach together at Canyon Ranch and remained in touch despite the movements around the country. Friends of OG Blog readers will recognize her from Soli Beat videos, blog workout videos, and summer shapes! She is absolutely amazing. He’s one of the most positive people I know and I love the opportunity to catch up.
We met with her and her husband for amazing vegan sushi, gluten-free options, ramen, pad thai and more. The food was great and the company was the best part.
If you live or visit Barcelona, she owns the first support stretch studio in Spain: Stretch Eden.
Barcelona hotel recommendations
We stayed in two different hotels in Barcelona: Royal Ramblas before our cruise and our roommate Cara after the cruise.
(I had a hotel gym for myself)
It was adorable as it was the girl and myself, so we ended up having our own little bed in each place. Here it is worth mentioning that using credit card points almost always book a hotel for free. I use Amex Platinum for everything. It offers many perks, including lounge access, shopping credits, points for everyday purchases, Fine Hotel Collection credits, and Uber credits. If you’re interested in getting it, Here’s my introduction link And I’m happy to help with any questions! Details on how to use points for your trips in this post.
Activities
Barcelona is home to a wide variety of tours and places to visit, including the famous Bocat de Mercaria, La Sagrada Familia, numerous museums and luxurious beaches. I wanted to spend the museum day, but the kids toasted after the cruise. (We’re a bit mad that we missed the Sagrada Familia tour, but we’ll definitely be back!) We went shopping, visited several different markets and explored the look of the Sagrada Familia,
And then we went to the White Rabbit Museum, which was a huge hit.
Is Barcelona safe?
Our taxi driver warned us about pickpockets and told us which areas to avoid, but it was not safe while we were there. I felt much safer than I do in many parts of the US, and I think anything the same is, knowing your surroundings and staying where others are. Stay in a bright, rather populated area, know where you are heading and keep your belongings close to you. (I’m wearing this A handy Amazon bag This whole trip. )
The goals of this expedition trip we’ve been to
After a rather tough start to 2025, we went on this trip with the intention of spending quality time with the kids, seeing new places and taking some time to fully recharge. I felt that it might become clear in *one perfect spot* and Barcelona was the closest thing. There are big cities we love (lots of shopping, convenience, so many gluten-free options and great food), but the pockets of the charming neighborhood are smaller. We especially liked the neighborhood of Gracia. I’m not sure if we’ll actually do more from Tucson, but we’re looking at different options and opening our eyes. 🙂
Have you ever been to Barcelona? What is your favorite place to travel in the summer?
xoxo
Gina
success! Check your email for free 30-day meals and fitness cheat sheets
