Barcelona is where the trip changed shape. My mom and I flew in from Nice, and our friends met us there for the next part of the summer.
Getting there and where we stayed
The Vueling flight from Nice was about an hour and 25 minutes, and $47 one way. That base fare included only one small under-seat bag, so check the bag rules before you book. We stayed at Uma House by Yurbban Trafalgar, a boutique hotel with a pool in the center of the city.
What we did
- Sagrada Família and Park Güell (book ahead)
- The Gothic Quarter and El Born on foot
- A beach afternoon at Barceloneta
- The Arc de Triomf and the walk to Ciutadella Park
Bike tip: the red Bicing bikes all over the city are for residents only. Visitors need a bike rental shop or another app.
What we ate
Tapas nights, a big plate of pasta, and the best crema catalana of the trip.
What I’d skip
Eating on La Rambla itself. It’s busy, pricey, and the most pickpocketed street in the city. Walk a few blocks in any direction and the food gets better.