By now, it’s no shock to anyone how much I fell for Barcelona after professing my love for this special city a couple days ago and on our first morning there as we started exploring the city, it was clear right away that the love we had for it was immediate. Upon leaving our hotel next to Sagrada Familia, we headed a few blocks down the street to grab the orange L4 Metro line at Verdaguer. We took the Metro to the Barconeleta stop, near the Parc du Ciutadella, but before heading to the park, our first stop was necessary at Can Paixano (La Xampanyeria), a tiny little hole in the wall spot about a five minute walk from the Park. This place was a recommendation from an Instagram friend who studied in the city, that I had saved long ago and wow, did it not disappoint. A standing room only spot, huge damon and queso breakfast sandwiches and completed with filled to the brim glasses of cava, our morning started off oh so Spanish.
After being blown away by our first breakfast in Spain, we wandered to the Parc du Ciutadella for a casual morning stroll. With locals and tourists alike, we explored the gardens, the palm tree lined walkways, and the buildings that are scattered throughout. The sun was shining, the wind slightly blowing and we fell more and more in love with Barcelona as we wandered. Next, we headed on foot towards the El Born and Gothic Quarters of the city. We wandered through alleyways, ancient cobblestone streets and the buildings in impeccable order that must have been hundreds of years old. Without much trash on the roads or buildings in disrepair, we were blown away by how Spain in general is kept up, a huge commendation to the country for keeping their history alive and repaired.
Our wandering ended as we came onto La Rambla and La Bouqueria Market, but that’s a topic for another day (no need to wait long, that will be tomorrow’s post). But needless to say in all our exploring of Barcelona, El Born and the Gothic Quarter were my favorite spots; neighborhoods filled with history but also brimming with cheerful locals, windy cobblestone roads that lead to more windy cobblestone streets, small cafes here and there, old churches thrown in the mix throughout. It was the perfect first day in Barcelona, the perfect first day to get our feet wet in everything Spanish.
Don’t Miss in El Born and Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter
-Can Paixano (La Xampanyeria) for breakfast
-Strolling through Parc du Ciutadella
-Spending an hour getting lost in El Born’s alleyways
-Photos of the many covered walkways in the Gothic Quarter between buildings
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Andrea says
Reading this I;m surprised too that it’s so well kept! I know that France is quite the opposite in terms of maintenance and trash. Either way I feel like Barcelona and its Gothic Quarter is somewhere you could spend weeks exploring and still not get bored!
Casey says
It’s so well kept! We were really surprised at how clean and well kept the places in Spain we saw were!
Kayla @ Kayla's Adventures says
Did you drink cava at El Xampanyet?? I just couldn’t get enough of that place!
Casey says
No we didn’t, but we’ll have to add it to the list for next time! 🙂
Kristin says
Gorgeous photos! I loved the Gothic Quarter and wish I had more time to spend wandering around El Born! Oh, and I totally LOVE your scarf. That color!!
Casey says
Thank you! I love that scarf… I bought it last year when we went to India and I wear it all the time!
Stacey says
I’ve honestly not had Barcelona very high on my travel wish list. I always figured I get there one day but I just didn’t seem to be one of those cities that I ‘had’ to see. Your photos and posts about it are definitely changing that! Those alleys look just perfect for strolling- especially the one with the big tree casting shadows on the building. I think I could quite happily find a bench (if there is one right there) and spend hours watching the world go by.
Casey says
Ahh I’m so glad you feel that way! I so agree… it’s the perfect city to do that, just grab a seat and enjoy the surroundings!
Courtney @ Adelante says
Barcelona is a hard city not to love! With so many things to do and see, and plenty of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered, I feel like Barcelona is one of those cities I could keep coming back to and never get tired of. Even after two separate trips there, I feel the need to explore more!
Casey says
Totally! It’s a place you can see with fresh eyes each time I’m sure!
Julia says
Writing down all of these tips onto a growing iPhone bucket list! Thank you so much, and I can’t wait to head over to Can Paixano for some yummy breakfast food on my first morning as well 😀
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Casey says
Perfect!!!! 🙂