Barcelona

Spain

By Lauren di Matteo

WRITTEN BY NICOLE BRAVO

After gawking at the architecture in Italy and France, I ignorantly did not believe Barcelona would have much to offer. But after walking through the streets for just a few minutes, I couldn't help but fall in love with the architecture. There was such diversity between Gaudi’s masterpieces, L’Eixample, the Gothic District, and the beachy feel of La Barceloneta; what richness, all in one city!

We kept to our routine of having a pastry every morning and Barcelona did not disappoint in prices nor in quality. Lauren has confirmed her decision multiple times since our return that the best pastries in Western Europe are definitely found in Barcelona. One afternoon we found our way to La Rambla, but not for the usual shopping experience. We had our eyes set on a local public market dating back to the 13th century—Mercado de La Boqueria. Packed full of people buying and selling fruits and vegetables, specialty items, and beloved butchers with their magnificent meats, it was an overwhelming delight to the senses that lasted a little over an hour before we had to exit for some fresh air.