Barcelona, Girona & Figueres Spain
Travel Day One - 14 April 2024 - Leaving Nashville
Departed from Nashville and landed at Dulles. After landing, accidentally headed the wrong way down the concourse towards the D gates. Realizing the mistake, turned around and walked in the opposite direction until a water bottle refill station appeared. After filling up, made my way to the C gate and waited until boarding began. Soon after, on the way to Barcelona.
Day One - 15 April - Barcelona - Arrival
Landed in Barcelona early in the morning and smoothly navigated through passport control before hopping on the Aerobus headed for Plaça de Espanya. Checked into the Ofelias Hotel early, and since the room was almost ready, waited for it to be available.
Once settled in, planned the day’s adventures and headed to the Plaça de Espanya Metro Station. The T-Usual Metro Card made more sense than the Hola Barcelona card, since the latter is only valid for 72 hours and a return to Barcelona was planned for next week.
First stop was the bustling Plaça de Catalunya. From there, wandering through the Gothic Quarter, soaking in its historic charm. Notable sites included El Pont de Bisbe, Plaça de Sant Jaume, the Monument als Castellers, the Jewish Quarter, the Cathedral of Barcelona, and the Palau de la Música Catalana. While "The World Comes to Life With Each Kiss" proved too crowded for comfort, the rest of the quarter was a delight.
Later, the Metro to Sant Pau Art Nouveau, a stunning example of modernist architecture by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, who also designed the Palau de la Música Catalana. After marveling at the art nouveau elements of the former hospital, back to the hotel.
Dinner plans were thwarted when the restaurant originally in mind had closed or relocated. Instead, a cozy café called Sandwichez nearby, with a tasty sandwich and a refreshing frozen lemon smoothie—a welcome meal after a long day of exploration. Back in the room, unwinding with some snacks before calling it a night.
Day Two - 16 April - Barcelona - Sagrada Familia
This morning started with breakfast in the hotel dining area before heading to the Sagrada Familia for a pre-booked timed entry visit. The basilica is just as breathtaking inside as it is outside, with only one or two towers remaining incomplete. After exploring, a stop by the gift shop, then a walk over to the nearby Sagrada Bistro for lunch. A creamy mushroom dish with salad; decent.
Post-lunch, back to the Sagrada Familia area and a stroll through the parks in front of and behind the basilica, taking the opportunity to snap more photos. Next on the itinerary was Casa Milà-La Pedrera. The architecture and rooftop terrace were incredible, and the gift shop got a browse too. Then a small, albeit overpriced, two-scoop ice cream at the café attached to Casa Milà.
Final stop of the day was Casa Batlló. Exploring the casa's rooms and rooftop terrace, taking in the unique designs and intricate details. Afterward, the gift shop before catching the metro back to the hotel, reflecting on a day well spent amid Barcelona's architectural marvels.
Day Three - 17 April - Barcelona - Park Güell
Like the previous day, the morning started with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before heading out. First stop was Park Güell, accessible via the metro. This remarkable park, originally intended to be a residential neighborhood envisioned by Gaudi, now stands as a stunning testament to his architectural genius. The park's open spaces and the Hypostyle Room, with its breathtaking ceiling and column work, were particularly captivating.
After soaking in the sights at Park Güell, a stroll down to the Lesseps metro station. A pause on a park bench to plan out lunch. The choice? Bodega Quimet, with some delicious tapas and a tortilla dessert—both perfectly complementing the bodega's vibrant atmosphere.
Later, feeling nostalgic, a revisit to Casa Batlló to pick up a magnet from the gift shop spotted but not bought the day before. With the new souvenir in hand, on to the Picasso Museum. It was still a bit early for the scheduled visit, so the surrounding neighborhood got some exploration. The museum itself was a treasure trove, showcasing an impressive array of Picasso's works, including his remarkable ceramics.
The day concluded with a visit to the Joan Miró Foundation art gallery on Montjuïc, then back to the hotel. For dinner, something simple yet satisfying—a Margherita pizza at a nearby pizzeria, a pleasant walk from the hotel rather than a longer metro journey. The day was a delightful blend of art, architecture, and culinary delights.
Day Four - 18 April - Girona
Checked out of the Ofelias Hotel and navigated through the underground labyrinth to catch the L3 metro line to the Sants Train Station. Once there, a pause to gather bearings before heading to the Renfe AVE train area, passing through security and waiting for the platform announcement. When the train arrived, boarded and on the way to Girona.
Emerging from the station via a series of escalators, Google Maps provided directions to the next hotel. En route, a pause on the Pont de Sant Feliu to snap some photos over the Onyar River, capturing the picturesque views of Girona. Soon reached the Hotel Museu Llegendes de Girona, where the friendly receptionist kindly allowed luggage storage. While checking in, she also assisted another group with local dining and sightseeing recommendations, generously marking them on maps for everyone.
Ventured to the Plaça de la Independencia, soaking in the lively atmosphere before wandering down Passeig José Canalejas and crossing the Pont de les Peixateries Velles, a bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel in 1876. Inspired by the hotel receptionist's suggestions, lunch at Sideria Txots—Patatas con Cheddar y virutas de jamón Ibérico and La Fresca salad, which featured a medley of lettuce, green asparagus, tomatoes, carrots, beetroot, radishes, and onions. The meal topped off with a delightful cheesecake crowned with candy floss.
Post-lunch, the Girona Cathedral, marveling at its stunning architecture, stained glass, and statuary. After soaking in the cathedral's splendor, checked into the hotel and shortly after ventured out to find the entrance to the Basilica de Sant Feliu. Another round of awe-inspiring religious architecture followed, then meandering through Girona's streets with a delicious scoop of strawberry and vanilla ice cream from a local gelateria. Content with a day well spent, back to the hotel for the evening.
Day Five - 19 April - Girona
This morning, woke up early and treated myself to a delightful breakfast—pain au chocolat, a croissant, a donut, and a slice of tortilla de patatas. After a satisfying start, a brief nap before heading out to explore the Museu d'Història dels Jueus on Carrer de la Força, which was truly excellent.
From there, on to the Banys Àrabs to admire the ancient Roman bath house. The journey then took me along the Passeig de la Reina Joana, inadvertently walking past the entrance to Girona's historic city wall. Doubling back, found the entrance and enjoyed a scenic walk from the Torre Girona to the Jardins de la Francesa.
Later, wandering through Girona's charming streets and across the Eiffel Bridge to Rocambolesc Bikineria, where an Iberica ham and mozzarella sandwich hit the spot. Next, a delicious ice cream with strawberry and caramel toppings at the Rocambolesc Gelateria—another fantastic treat.
The day concluded with a leisurely stroll down Passeig José Canalejas, through Plaça de la Independencia, and across the Pont d'en Gomez. Back to the hotel to relax for the remainder of the day, content with all the sights and flavors Girona had offered.
Day Six - 20 April - Figueres - The Salvador Dali Museum and Theater
Woke up a bit later than intended—forgot to set the alarm—but still managed to start just an hour behind schedule. After getting dressed, headed to the hotel's breakfast area for a quick meal. Once done, gathered everything and walked to the train station in Girona to catch the AVE train to Figueres. The journey was impressively quick, taking just 14 minutes thanks to the high-speed train.
Upon arriving, the train station was slightly outside the town center, but still within walking distance. A stroll into Figueres and straight to the Dalí Museum. The museum was fascinating but quite crowded with tour groups in the morning. For those visiting solo, booking a later time to avoid the crowds is recommended. It's also wise to check tour sizes if you prefer a guided experience, as large groups might be restricted from some rooms.
After exploring Dalí's stunning artworks, the gift shop for some fridge magnets, then resting in the quaint courtyard outside. With time to spare before lunch, wandering around town, eventually making my way to the bustling Ramblas. Some time there, sitting on a bench, sorting through trip photos.
Around noon, headed to the restaurant that had been calling my name. After a satisfying lunch, back to the Ramblas to relax a bit more before catching the train back to Girona. Once back, straight to the Bakery Casamoner for two delectable Xuixos—one torró flavored and one with chocolate. Satisfied with the culinary adventure, back to the hotel to enjoy the treats.
Day Seven - 21 April - Girona - Rambles around the city add the City Wall
Today, no alarm set but still woke up early. After getting ready for the day, down to the breakfast area. Post-breakfast, back to the room for a short rest, then later a stroll through the bustling city streets, carefully navigating around enthusiastic bicyclists.
The walk led to the Pont de Pedra, and from there, on to Carrer de la Força, where a charming souvenir shop called Recorda-te’n Souvenirs yielded a fridge magnet. Then revisiting the Torre de Girona and walking along the ancient city walls towards the General Peralta Tower before exiting. Feeling slightly under the weather, lunch got skipped in favor of returning to the hotel for some rest, hanging the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door.
After some much-needed downtime, feeling rejuvenated enough to visit Casamoner for two chocolate and two Torró Xuixos, which were just as delicious as yesterday’s. Satisfied with the treats, the remainder of the evening spent recuperating at the hotel.
Day Eight - 22 April - Back to Barcelona
This morning, woke up early, energized and ready to make my way to the train station later in the day. Downstairs for the usual breakfast, then back to the room to double-check packing. Waited until closer to the train departure, then checked out and strolled on the walkway underneath the raised rail tracks, now repurposed into a charming bike and walkway, to the train station.
The train departed Girona, and true to the punctuality of the railways, pulled into Barcelona Sants on time. After arriving, made my way to the hotel where, to my pleasant surprise, the room was ready for an early check-in. Once settled, ventured across the street to Out of India and savored a delicious Shahi paneer dish.
Later, a leisurely walk down Carrer de Tarragona to time the morning commute to Plaça Espanya, where the Aerobus would be caught. With all preparations complete, back to the hotel room to relax and recharge for another day of travel tomorrow.
Day Nine - 23 April - Travel Day
Woke up early, ready to tackle the travel day ahead. After a brief moment of stillness, prepared and repacked bags. Checked out of the hotel and made my way to the Aerobus stop at Plaça Espanya. The bus journey to the airport was quick, about thirty minutes, and soon after, maneuvering through security. Managing belongings and hoping my pants wouldn't betray me as the belt came off, quickly putting myself back together post-security.
Found a seat and rested a bit before moving closer to the gate, which required boarding a bus to reach the plane. Boarding was efficient, as the small groups merged quickly, and we took off for Dulles International Airport (IAD), landing there on schedule.
Upon arrival, the new Global Entry kiosks that use facial recognition sped up the entry process without needing a passport scan. After confirming nothing to declare, on to the TSA Pre-Check. Notably, at IAD, the Pre-Check is conveniently located in front of the check-in counters on the main level.
The Capital One Lounge was at capacity, so opted out and took the AeroTrain to gates C and D. The walk to the gate seemed endless, but staying hydrated using the water refill stations, following the advice to avoid the drinking faucets.
The flight landed in Nashville on time. Smooth flight, despite some turbulence, and the sparse booking afforded an entire row to myself. After landing, a beeline for the restrooms and then the lengthy walk to the Ride Share area at Nashville International Airport (BNA). The Lyft ride was promptly arranged, and soon on the way home.
Using points from my Capital One Venture X card managed to offset some travel-related expenses, which significantly reduced the overall cost of the trip.