Essential Barcelona for a Quick Trip

Alyssa Hollingsworth | October 16, 2015

While I was studying abroad in England, one of my friends invited me to join her on a weekend trip to Barcelona, where (rumor had it) the sun still shined. I decided to come along at the absolute last minute.

We flew in on a budget plane (RyanAir) Saturday morning, spent one night in the city, and were back to London by Sunday evening. Below is my list of essential things to see and do, no matter how short your visit.

Sagrada Família

When I first heard of Sagrada Família, an unfinished basilica started in 1883, I wasn’t that interested. Modern? Bleh. But boy, was I wrong.

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I stepped inside, and gaped. There is a feeling unique to cathedrals, where you’re suddenly small and yet your heart lifts and your chest swells. It’s a bit like looking at the night sky. When you see as many cathedrals as I have, it gets harder and harder to feel this. But walking into Sagrada Família was entirely different from anything I’ve experienced.

Because the architect Antoni Gaudí wanted his design centered around nature, it’s rather like discovering a forest of marble and white. The stained glass windows are pure color instead of pictures, and where they are complete everything is coated in vivid hues. It’s amazing.

If you are in Barcelona, do not miss this!

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