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THIS IS YOUR SIGN TO SOLO TRAVEL TO BARCELONA

If even the idea of solo traveling has caught your attention or something about these posts makes you a little curious, and you just aren’t sure where you would even go: BARCELONA. This would be the first place I would recommend for first time solo traveling.

Aside from the stunning architecture and delicious cuisine in the setting of cobblestone streets and a warm beach, Barcelona is full of young people. The city has so much to offer and is very friendly to travelers. Many many people are solo traveling, studying abroad, or doing internships which makes this place so diverse and also a great spot for a first solo travel due to the easy opportunities. It also is sooo accessible in walking. I never needed a car or used public transport and felt that I saw everything I wanted to.

Quick notes for the females: Also I felt extremely safe here. I walked around everywhere and everyone was friendly. I did have some men come up to me a few times but most were respectful, not persistent or aggressive. I would be cautious walking around at night, I usually walked with at least one other person, but I had no bad experiences. I also think it is extremely important to never admit you are solo when talking to strangers, I would usually say I was meeting up with friends or something along those lines.

QUICK DETAILS:

Language: Spanish (Spain version) and Catalan, but English is spoken very easily here

Notable food items: I should probably just label this ~ Buy the Wine ~ it’s SPAIN, you got to try the wine.

  • Cava. Prosecco dupe. Only better. It’s technically a sparkling wine, but honestly tastes more like champagne. It is like €3 most places, highly recommend trying.
  • Sangria. Ladies and lads, try it. Try the variety. Go to the sangria bars. Definitely don’t wear white and prepare for the hangover.
  • FOR THE GIRLIES AND GAYS, charcuterie heaven. Your cheeses, wines, crackers. Go to a local market and buy supplies and have a little picnic in a park. It is the dream.
  • Again, being a veggie, can’t recommend, but word on the street is the seafood is great here.

Weather: Mostly mild, again by the coast so usually 70s (20°C) with lows usually in the 50s (13°C) and highs in the 80s (28°C)

WHERE I STAYED:

I stayed in the Eixample. I loved the location. It felt safe and was so close to everything. You can walk absolutely everywhere. I love this about Barcelona, strap those walking shoes on.

I actually stayed in an Airbnb here, but to be honest it was more of a hostel disguised as Airbnb. The cost was also the same as a hostel. I had a small private room with a casement window that overlooked the street. It felt like a European movie scene, one with city lights and smoking a cigarette out the window.

The Airbnb shared a kitchen and other living spaces, but it was actually really quiet since most people were working during the day. I did end up meeting people, but again, had to get out of my comfort zone. ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS, the Airbnb had a two shared terraces that overlooked Barcelona that were stunning. Overall, I highly highly recommend, send me an email for the link.

Another option, Hostel One Barcelona. I stayed at one in Porto, but have friends who highly highly recommend this one. Again, more opportunity to meet people and go out for activities and at night drinking.

Check your reviews, but I know there is probably plenty of great options for hostels. This city is full of young people exploring so I know there is no shortage of options and opportunities to meet abroad friends.

I seriously lucked out since I knew friends who are native to Barcelona and gave great recommendations AND could tell me the history and how the city has changed.

WHAT TO DO:

  • Casa Batlló: This is a building designed by the famous Antoni Gaudí. It’s really cool structure to walk by and look at.
  • La Sagrada Familia: MUST. You should buy tickets online in advance and it comes with an audio self-guided tour. DON’T MISS THIS.
  • Barceloneta beach: Gets pretty crowded by the city and not the cleanest, but there are some really nice ones if you are willing to drive a bit. FYI being semi nude is a thing, perfect if you are into no tan lines.
  • Plaza Nova: Lots of historical streets with beautiful churches to stroll through.
  • La concepció market: Indoor market (check the hours before going!) with food stalls, fresh products, flowers. Personally love a good market.
  • Diagonal avenue: This is the main street in Barcelona and is a great marker of where you are. It is filled with bars, restaurants, and shopping.
  • Cathedral of Barcelona: Beautiful cathedral, but the hidden gem is that you can pay a couple euros to go to the rooftop and have stunning views of Barcelona with little to no crowds.
  • Castell de Montjuïc: Fortress from the 11th century that is nice to walk around and tour if you enjoy history. If not, it is nice to walk around the gardens nearby.
    • Salts Montjuïc: Restaurant nearby the fort that is absolutely gorgeous. I ended up here which I originally thought was a hole in the wall and then realized it was a fancy restaurant with white tablecloths that offers multiple courses. I decided this was my “treat me” meal and it was in the best way. The restaurant has gorgeous views of Barcelona and the staff was so friendly and ended up giving me a couple courses for free.
  • Park Montjuïc/The paths to Fundació Joan Miró: There are multiple routes in Montjuïc that are stunning to walk through. I spent hours getting lost around here in the park and it is so beautiful. So many gems throughout these gardens.
    • Fundació Teatre Lliure: A theatre with cool architecture that is interesting to look at. I would recommend stopping by after the gardens.
    • Jardi de la Fundació Joan Miró: I can’t find the exact location, but nearby the Palau de les Arts Grafiques and Museum of Archaeology of Catalonia, there is a beautiful garden with lots of flowers and views of the architecture of the city. The Place de les cascades is also very pretty to walk around.
  • Paddle boarding (DO IT at golden hour/sunset): Honestly was one of my favorites things. This was one of the only activities that we drove to a beach a bit away from the city. The water was so calm, so it wasn’t hard to paddle board in the ocean and with the sun setting, pure bliss.
  • Las Ramblas: The famous Barcelona promenade: Explore the famous walkway with lots of street vendors and then head to Barceloneta beach to walk along the boardwalk.
  • Paradiso: Speakeasy/cocktail bar vibes. Indulge a bit with fun cocktails and an unique experience.
  • El born Centre: Ruins from historical Barcelona and also a great place to walk around. There is lots to see with great restaurants and bars nearby.
  • Panoramic Terrace on top of Hotel Colón: Panoramic view of Barcelona cathedral with a rooftop bar. Say less.
  • Terraza Alaire: Another rooftop terrace with great views of Gaudí’s pieces. Huge fan.
  • Baldomero: Restaurant in Eixample with Mediterranean dishes. The food was SO good and even the locals eat here.
  • Mirablau: Another Mediterranean restaurant WITH stunning views of the city (especially at night!) A bit out of the way and definitely make a reservation, but you won’t be disappointed.

So yep, basically I drank great wine and explored the city and parks absorbed in history and art. I think this is a great recipe for a first solo travel, not to mention the opportunities to meet a lot of people who make doing other activities a lot easier. Especially going out-there is a great scene for this if you are interested and meet other people who are as well. Okay so plug for my other post on WHY YOU SHOULD SOLO TRAVEL and now you’ve got a place to head to, this is your sign, book the ticket.

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