Getting out of the hustle and bustle of everyday life, even just for the weekend, is one of my favourite things to do. I enjoy exploring new places, cities and surroundings with my family.
This time Barcelona was calling my name and I couldn’t resist delving into the gothic architecture, experiencing the food, the history and of course, the fashion.
We stayed in the old part of the city, in the Gothic quarter, best placed for everything I wanted to explore. The Mercer Hotel was ace, a real gem in the city.
The hotel we stayed in was restored beautifully, so elegant and chic. If you’re similar to me and suffer with food intolerances, the hotel was more than happy to cater for you. They were able to provide almond milk for my breakfast, and as a double bonus, the rooftop bar was the perfect place to catch some rays and enjoy a cheeky gin and tonic!
If you do one thing whilst in Barcelona, it has to be the open top bus ride. We were able to see the whole city in two and a half hours with the added bonus of being able to jump on and off the route at any point and explore some of the hidden treasures at our own pace.
When looking for something to eat in the area, the Boca Grande and Toto restaurants are two you can’t afford to miss. They were about 15 minutes by taxi from our hotel and were absolutely delicious!
When in need of some Spanish tapas, Bar Mut had to be the best place to go. Such a rustic find that’s cool yet traditional. Ideal for a Sunday lunchtime pick me up! The lobster cooked in Champagne was truly unique. Tapas at its best.
The streets of the Gothic Quarter were just paradise. The stone lined, narrow streets felt like a maze with its selection of cathedrals, pretty squares, and outdoor eateries offering plenty of tapas and drinks. There was even some tasteful graffiti donning the doorways and walled streets, great musings for my future abstract art pieces.
And let’s not forget Barcelona isn’t just home to delicious food and incredible culture. While we were away we took my son Zac to watch Barcelona football club with a set of surprise tickets. It was a great chance to create another amazing family memory.
