After several adventures shared on Alex’s Travels, I’m off to a new destination: Barcelona, the vibrant Catalan capital. This trip, which I embarked on from Montreal, offered me a wonderful dose of sunshine, culture, gastronomy… and even a getaway to Ibiza! Here is the full account of this 10-day experience.
🛫 Flight from Montreal to Barcelona with Air Transat
It was my first time flying with Air Transat, and I opted for a direct night flight, leaving Montreal at 11:45 p.m. The airport experience (YUL) went smoothly, despite one minor disappointment: the lounge closed at 10 p.m., too early to fully enjoy it.
On board, I had a regular seat, nothing fancy, but enough to sleep for a few hours and arrive in Barcelona feeling rested. The service was excellent, and I was able to make the most of my first day there.
Upon arrival at El Prat Airport (BCN), everything went quickly: baggage claim, security check, and passport control. A useful tip: when you are asked “French?”, they are referring to your citizenship, not the language!
🚇 Getting around Barcelona
Barcelona offers a multitude of means of transport: metro, bus, taxi, Uber… I’ve tried almost everything! Note: Uber is often cheaper than taxis in Barcelona.
I used the T-mobilitat card, which is very convenient and can be shared with my wife. Once you have obtained the physical card at a metro station, you can top it up via the mobile app. The TMBApp is an excellent tool for planning your journeys in real time.
A few tips:
- You can pay directly with your credit card on the bus, but please note: no transfers are included.
- With transport cards, a single tap at the entrance is sufficient (no tap at the exit).
- Self-service scooters are not very accessible to tourists because helmets are mandatory.
- Bikeshare bikes are more flexible, with no helmet requirement (but recommended).
In short, I recommend taking an Uber to and from the airport, the bus/subway for getting around during your stay, and bike sharing if you feel like it.
🏠 Accommodation in the El Born district
I stayed in an apartment on the fourth floor in the El Born neighborhood, with a breathtaking view of the city and even the Mediterranean Sea. Thanks to HomeExchange (I’ll tell you more about it in a future article), I was able to enjoy a fully equipped apartment: washing machine, comfortable bed, refrigerator… everything you need to feel at home.
There was little interaction with the neighbors, but we were joined by friends, so we were never really alone.
🌆 Barcelona’s must-see attractions: between sea, art, and spirituality
Barcelona is a city that reveals itself through its contrasts: between modernism and history, between sea and mountains, between celebration and contemplation. Here are the iconic places I had the chance to visit, each with its own unique atmosphere:
🏛️ Sagrada Família
It’s impossible to miss this unfinished masterpiece by Gaudí. Even if you’ve already seen it in photos, the grandeur and complexity of the architecture are striking as soon as you lay eyes on it. The play of light inside, thanks to the colorful stained glass windows, creates an almost mystical atmosphere. A word of advice: book your tickets in advance to avoid long lines.
🏞️ Güell Park
Another creation by Gaudí, this park is a veritable artistic playground. The colorful mosaics, organic shapes, and panoramic views of the city make it a place that is both relaxing and inspiring. I spent several hours there simply strolling around and admiring the details.
🏰 Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Tibidabo)
Located on the heights of Barcelona, this temple offers one of the most beautiful views of the city. Accessible by funicular railway, it combines spirituality and panoramic views. The contrast between the neo-Gothic basilica and the amusement park right next door is striking but typically Barcelona.
🌊 Port Vell
The old port is a pleasant place to stroll, especially at the end of the day. You’ll see luxury boats, fishermen, tourists, and locals. It’s also a good starting point for exploring Barceloneta or simply sitting and watching the sun set over the Mediterranean.
🏠 Casa Batlló & La Pedrera
Two gems of Catalan modernism designed by Gaudí. Casa Batlló, with its undulating façade and mask-shaped balconies, looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. La Pedrera, more austere but equally fascinating, impresses with its curved shapes and surrealist roof.
💦 Magic Fountain of Montjuïc
A nighttime show not to be missed. Music, lights, and synchronized water jets create a festive and romantic atmosphere. It’s free and very popular, so it’s best to arrive early to get a good spot.
🐦 Plaça de les Armes (Ciutadella Park)
A peaceful place where you can watch parrots flying freely, relax in the shade of the trees, or admire the gargoyles decorating the fountains. It’s also a great spot for a picnic or simply to take a break between visits.
🚉 Estació de França
Even though I didn’t take the train, this station is worth a visit. Its elegant architecture and large glass roofs make it a photogenic place steeped in history.
🚢 Getaway to Ibiza: a day of sea, parties, and heritage
During my stay in Barcelona, I decided to add a touch of adventure by spending a day in Ibiza, the legendary Balearic island. To get there, we opted for an overnight ferry crossing: departure at 10 p.m., arrival at 6:30 a.m., just in time to watch the sun rise over the port of Eivissa. It was a magical arrival, with golden light caressing the white facades of the old town.
🏙️ Discover Eivissa on foot
Arriving by the port, we explored Ibiza on foot, which allowed us to fully experience the local atmosphere. The old town (Dalt Vila), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a veritable labyrinth of cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and ramparts offering spectacular views of the sea. It is a place steeped in history, far removed from the party image often associated with the island.
🎉 Boat party and swimming
In the afternoon, we changed scenery and boarded a boat for a typical Ibiza boat party. On the agenda: live DJ, open bar, music, a swim stop in a turquoise cove, and even paella served on board. It was a festive but well-organized experience that allowed us to enjoy the sea while having fun.
🍽️ Dinner and return flight
After a busy day, we ended with dinner at a local restaurant before taking a low-cost flight back to Barcelona. The return flight gave us the opportunity to explore Ibiza airport and compare the two modes of transport. Note: taxis are cheaper than Uber on the island, unlike in Barcelona.
🏖️ What about the beaches?
Surprise: despite Ibiza’s reputation, I found Barcelona’s beaches to be more beautiful and accessible. That said, Ibiza offers a wilder and more unspoiled atmosphere, ideal for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
🍽️ Local cuisine
Barcelona is a paradise for food lovers, and I let myself be swept away by the tapas culture that is omnipresent in the city. I tasted an impressive amount of tapas in lively bars, traditional restaurants, and even small neighborhood taverns.
Every meal was a culinary discovery: patatas bravas, croquetas, jamón ibérico, pan con tomate, fried calamari, pimientos de padrón… and much more. The pleasure of tapas is sharing, tasting everything, and taking your time over a glass of cava.
My favorite place to eat: Los Caracoles, a real institution founded in 1835 and still run by the same family. I tried caracoles (snails), a typical and tasty dish, and had the chance to meet the owner, who was warm and passionate.
Even though I didn’t do much shopping, I noticed that there is a wide variety of local products, and the markets are full of Catalan specialties. Prices are similar to those in Canada, but the selection is different, which makes each visit unique.
🎒 Travel review
What I liked most? The city’s diversity, its history, and its vitality.
What would I do differently? Choose my shoes better! They didn’t survive the long walks.
My advice: learn a few words in Catalan or Spanish. This shows your interest in the local culture and helps you integrate better.
And you, is Barcelona calling your name? Between the sea, tapas, and architectural masterpieces, this city has everything to seduce. I hope my story inspires you to live your own Catalan adventure!