Arriving in Barcelona
We sailed into Barcelona from our Transatlantic cruise like a couple of Cajun Explorers chasing sunshine instead of swamp mist, trading bayou breezes for Mediterranean salt air. And cher, let me tell you—this city don’t just welcome you, it grabs you by the soul and says, “Laissez les bon temps rouler… but make it Spanish.”… Ok, enough with the Cajun accent. We’ve lived in Texas more years now than those we spent growing up in Louisiana. However, I always say you can take Cajuns out of Louisiana, but you can never take Louisiana out of Cajuns. Our Cajun accent returns as soon as we cross state line back into Louisiana.
A few years ago we posted about our previous visit, A Summer in France: Barcelona. This trip we are happy to share three days in Barcelona with Tom & Cary who’ve never been. Here are a few pictures from our ship as we arrived in port.
La Sagrada Família
Our first stop was the breathtaking Sagrada Família, one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. Designed by the visionary architect Antoni Gaudí, the basilica is unlike any other. The structure features intricate façades and towering spires filled with symbolic detail, and builders have continued construction since 1882—making it one of the longest-running architectural projects in history. However, they do expect to finally complete it within the next 8–10 years. As of February 2026, the Sagrada Família is the tallest church in the world, with its central tower reaching a final height of 172.5 meters (566 ft). When Gaudí died in 1926 after 43 years of work on the Sagrada, the basilica was only 15-25 percent complete.
Inside the church, the atmosphere is just as impressive. Sunlight filters through colorful stained glass, casting vibrant patterns across the interior and creating a calm, almost surreal space. This is definitely your “must see” site when you visit. But do book well in advance for a private tour as there are crowds and it’s sometimes sold out.
Antoni Gaudi
We continued to see the influence of Gaudí across the city. His unique style—defined by organic shapes, bold colors, and imaginative design—has become a defining feature of Barcelona’s identity. His influence is everywhere—sometimes subtle, often breathtaking, and always unforgettable.
Then there’s Casa Batlló (1904-1906), a building that looks like it belongs in a dream. Its rolling façade, skeletal balconies, and shimmering tiles evoke the sea and marine life, reflecting his inspiration from nature.
Just down the street, Casa Milà (1906-1910) continues this theme with its wave-like stone exterior and surreal rooftop chimneys that resemble abstract sculptures.
A final example of his architecture that we saw is Casa Vicens (1883-1885). It’s considered to be his first major project and entirely in his Orientalist phase.
What makes Gaudí’s impact so profound is not just the visual uniqueness of his work, but the philosophy behind it. He rejected rigid lines and embraced organic forms, drawing from the curves of plants and the geometry of crystals. Millions of travelers visit each year. His works have become UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Gaudí designed and worked on over 90 projects throughout his career, though many were never built.
In the end, Gaudí didn’t just leave behind buildings—he gave Barcelona its soul.
Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
While strolling around town, we stumbled upon this church and decided to peek inside. Originally a convent for nuns, this is a 13th-15th century Gothic church. In 1870 it was relocated, dismantled stone by stone to its current location. It is known for one of the city’s largest cloisters (14th century).
The Gothic Quarter
We also wandered through the historic Gothic Quarter. This picturesque area is named because of its Roman origins. It’s a maze of narrow streets, hidden squares, and centuries-old buildings. Walking here feels like stepping back in time. You’ll explore it best without a strict plan—just walk and discover small cafés, local shops, boutiques, and quiet corners along the way.
Barcelona Cathedral
Located In the Gothic quarter is the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, also known as Barcelona Cathedral. Constructed between the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries, the cathedral stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of its time. The present cathedral began in 1298 on the foundations of the previous churches.
Bishop’s Bridge
El Pont del Bisbe, commonly referred to as the Bishop’s Bridge, is one of the most photographed landmarks in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. Despite its ancient appearance, builders constructed this marble bridge in 1929 for the Barcelona International Exposition. The architect incorporated an eerie skull and dagger motif on its underside, hoping to curse anyone who walked under it. There are even rumors that the skull isn’t just a stone carving, but a genuine human relic.
Ancient ruins—a hidden gem
The Romans built the Temple of Augustus over 2,000 years ago, and the remaining columns now stand hidden in this quarter. The original 120-foot-long building, constructed in the 1st century BC, once contained numerous 30-foot-tall columns. However, only four of these columns remain standing today. Over time, the ruins gradually blended into the surrounding houses and residential buildings, concealing them from view. The columns were rediscovered in 1835. If you’re interested in ancient ruins, visit this hidden gem in the Gothic Quarter.
Sangria, Tapas & More
We also explored the city through its food and beverages. Tapas are a central part of Barcelona’s culinary culture—small, shareable dishes that encourage variety and conversation. From marinated olives, salads, veggies, cheese to fresh seafood and cured meats, every bite offered something new. I must admit to sampling many bottles of Rioja, Tempranillo, and Crianza to ensure we truly enjoyed them all. Naturally, the ubiquitous Sangria had to be tried. It’s widely available, and everyone seems to have their own secret recipe. A Guinness at a charming Irish pub was also an irresistible choice. Don’t forget to save room for the great street food like dipped doughnuts, stuffed churros, gelato and empanadas. YUM!
Boqueria Market
Speaking of tapas and cheese, you can build your own tapas or a complete meal with everything you need at Boqueria Market. Dating back to the 13th century, this vibrant market stands as the city’s largest, boasting over 300 stalls renowned for their exceptional produce. From succulent meats and crisp vegetables to delectable cold cuts, sweet treats, and fresh seafood, this market offers a feast for the senses.
Final Thoughts
Barcelona stands out for its balance of old and new. From the unfinished masterpiece of the Sagrada Família to the ancient streets of the Gothic Quarter, the city offers a rich and layered experience. Combined with its food culture and coastal setting, it’s a destination that appeals to a wide range of travelers. Once again, Barcelona revealed itself to us as a place where history, art, and everyday life blend seamlessly.
We enjoyed 3 epic days in Barcelona—from Sangria to Sagrada. Three days is enough to see just a few of Barcelona’s highlights, but the city leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to discover.
Join us next time as we are boarding the train for Nice, the capital of the French Riviera.
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