How much of Barcelona sites can we cram into one day ?

Our motorhome, Paloma wheels are still still, still occupying the same pitch with a lovely view out over the terraces of the site.

One of the many special things about the city, is that at the entrance gate is a Stop for the E16 MonBus directly into Barcelona.

So armed with our bus timetable we caught the 9.15 bus for the hour and quarter ride into the city, it’s very reasonably priced at €5.25 each way.

10:45 ~ Instagram Immersion

You can walk directly from Barcelona’s bus drop off point to the heart of the old town in no time at all. For an instant

“Wow, we’re in Barcelona!” moment,

then take a leisurely stroll up and down the iconic boulevard of Las Ramblas.

All the stalls were beginning to come to life with flower traders flouncing, ice-cream parlours gleaming and street performers prepping.

First stop was for photos in the hedonistic playground of Plaça Reial and don’t miss the ornate street lamps which are famous for being Gaudi’s first commissioned design project.

You have arrived !!

Welcome to Barcelona!!

11:15 ~ Market Moments at La Boqueria

Long time readers will know how much we love a good market.

For a full sensory assault, elbow your way into the legendary Boqueria food market (located on Las Ramblas), where the city’s chefs come to stock up on fat olives, fresh meat and fish, crawling crustaceans, fruit & veg and all the frills.

12:30 ~ Get Lost in the Gothic Quarter

Sneak down one of the many streets that splinter off Las Ramblas and allow yourself to get lost in the rabbit warren of the Gothic Quarter.

Here you’ll discover all sorts of independent fashion boutiques, retailers and time-transcending courtyards.

1:30 ~ Indulge in the Born Barrio

Cross the road of Via Laietana and find yourself in the chic Born barrio, where you’ll discover all sorts of vintage fashion boutiques, as well as stylish cafe terraces, bars and restaurants.

Don’t miss the sunny Plaça de Santa Maria, where you can enjoy the awe-inspiring views of the 14th century Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar.

Entrance is free, but remember to cover your shoulders!

At this time of year, the inner garden is set out in a live nativity with Chickens – yep in the church !

2:15 ~ Discover the Best ‘little old bars’

My favourite time of day!

At around this time the locals will head out to meet friends for a sociable lunch and nothing sums up the Spanish way of life better than the tapas, hopping from one tapas bar to the next whilst nibbling on heavenly bite-sized delights as you go.

Not sure what to choose then play it safe with delightfully patatas bravas (spicy potatoes)

And a Copa De Cava …. of course.

3.30 ~ Discover the Best of Gaudi and Barcelona’s Modernist Architecture

Make your way over to Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona’s most regal boulevard, and snap a few photos outside of Gaudi’s iconic La Pedrera and Casa Batlló, as well as many more of Barcelona’s most famous architectural gems.

4:30 ~ La Sagrada Familia

The “Moment You’ve Been Waiting For”

Arguably one of most iconic sights in Europe, La Sagrada Familia is Antoni Gaudi’s colossal and famously unfinished church.

You probably won’t have time to go inside, when we arrived the next available tickets were two hours away, so its a definitely book online in advance !

But the intricately detailed facades are simply breathtaking and you won’t want to put your camera down !

Hop back on the bus, which drops you directly back at Camping Vilanova Park….

Michele used her Strava today to see how far we walked, well amazingly we clocked up just over 10 miles.

I guess we will need to reschedule a proper city break and come here again at some point as it was fascinating and we both really fancied seeing the night life, but not with an hour bus ride afterwards !

Paul.