If you’re visiting Seville, one place you absolutely can’t miss is the stunning Plaza de España. Located in the lush María Luisa Park, this iconic landmark feels like stepping into a fairytale.

A Bit of History

Plaza de España was built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, a world’s fair showcasing Spain’s ties to Latin America.

The architect, Aníbal González, designed the plaza in a grand neo-Moorish style with intricate tile work and sweeping arches, blending elements of Renaissance and Spanish Revival architecture. It’s shaped like a massive half-circle, symbolizing Spain’s embrace of its former colonies.

What to Expect

The plaza is surrounded by a canal, and you can rent rowboats to enjoy a relaxing ride, giving it the nickname “Venice of Seville.” Each of Spain’s provinces is represented with colorful tile alcoves lining the base of the building. It’s the perfect spot to wander, admire the craftsmanship, and snap some unforgettable photos!

In the afternoons, the plaza comes alive with local vendors selling handmade crafts and souvenirs. You can often catch live music too—Spanish guitar or flamenco rhythms filling the air—adding to the vibrant atmosphere.

Practical Tips

• Opening Hours: Plaza de España is open 24/7, and best of all, it’s free to visit!
• Best Time to Visit: Arrive early in the morning for fewer crowds and sunset for magical lighting.
• Photo Tip: For truly stunning photos, consider booking an Airbnb Experience with a local photographer. They’ll know all the best angles and hidden spots to capture the plaza at its most beautiful.

Renting Row Boats

It’s a fun way to relax and experience the plaza from a different angle, especially with the picturesque bridges and tile work reflecting in the water.

Although I must admit, the tourists are often comically bad at rowing (myself included!) so we all had a good laugh about being on little bumper boats unable to navigate around the canal.

• Cash only
• 6 euros for 35 min (although they aren’t strict on timing!)
• 10am-8pm in winter & 10am-10pm in summer
• You’ll see people lining up on the dock, just join the line and give your cash to the attendant right before you get in your boat

Whether you’re taking a leisurely stroll, enjoying a boat ride, or simply soaking in the vibrant energy, Plaza de España is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip to Seville!

For more on Seville, Spain:

Guide To Plaza de España

The post A Guide To Plaza de España in Seville: A Must-Visit Gem appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

Seville Spain

Seville, Spain Mini Guide:
Tips For Your First Visit

After basing myself out of Barcelona for the last few years of my travels, I finally made the quick flight down to see the Spanish city of Seville.

While I was there for a short weekend, I completely fell in love with this southern city of Spain. The culture, the food…

In the future, I will definitely be hosting a Wanderlust Group Trip here. But for now, here are a few tips from my first visit!

1. If you’re coming to Spain, don’t skip Seville!

While there are a lot of beautiful cities in Spain, Seville is definitely my personal favorite. It just has such a different feeling than Madrid or Barcelona.

2. Rent row boats for cheap to explore Plaza de España

3. Seville is considered the birthplace of flamenco dance

4. Definitely see at least one Flamenco show. We went to a less touristy one with a small audience for 25€ that included a drink and we LOVED it.

5. Check out the “underground” flamenco scene: La Carboneria – a free flamenco show in a bar with cheap drinks and snacks, great vibes! Go early to get a spot. The dancers, guitarist and vocalists are fire.

6. Climb up the largest wooden sculpture in the world: Metropol Parasol – also be sure to check it out at night when it’s lit up!

7. Enjoy a hotel rooftop view of the structure Hotel Palace Sevilla

8. Go early to Plaza España to avoid crowds and the heat. Seville heat is no joke.

9. My favorite restaurant: Bar Postiguillo Tapas.

This restaurant really gives the feeling of being in Seville. And the tuna-tartar is insane!!

10. Calle Betis for nightlife, bar hopping, tapas and socializing

11. Use the Fork app for up to 50% off at select restaurants with code: 827BBC50

12. The Flamenco Dance Museum is interactive and also does great shows.

13. Take a free tour of Seville with Rick Steves’ Audio Europe App.

Just select one of the Seville tours, pop in your headphones and the app will walk you through an entire guided tour. You can start and stop at anytime. It also includes clear and easy to follow directions as you walk through Europe’s most fascinating cities. And it’s totally FREE.

Check it out here.

@thewanderlustrose

This app gives amazing, free walking tours in Europe! #traveleurope #ricksteveseurope #ricksteves #walkingtour #traveltips

♬ original sound – The Wanderlust Rose

14. Eat when the locals do! Many restaurants won’t open for dinner until 8:30pm

I hope this quick mini-guide helps you on our first visit! In the future, I’ll most certainly be doing a more detailed, in-depth guide.

For more on Spain:

• BARCELONA 3 DAY ITINERARY ON A BUDGET
• CALÇOTADA: SPAIN’S BUCKET LIST FOODIE EXPERIENCE

The post Seville, Spain Guide: 14 Tips For Your First Visit appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

Calçotada: Spain’s Bucket List Foodie Experience

In the region surrounding Barcelona, there is a special foodie experience that occurs each winter when the spring onions known as ‘calçots‘ are harvested and ready to be devoured in a heaping pile.

Sweet char-grilled then doused in sauce, these onions are as massively popular as they are messy. Eaten with a bib and plastic gloves provided by the restaurant, this feast is not the time to wear your new white top. It’s pretty much a guarantee that dripping sauce and black charred onion shells will be flung every which way. Not to mention the hearty portion of red wine usually paired the meal!

In addition to the onions, the meal is typically served with a huge pile of grilled meats and sausages.

I was fortunate enough to be brought to a beautiful calçotada location in the countryside by one of my local Catalan friends who grew up coming here as a kid.

This calçotada was off the usual tourist path and we heard no English being spoken like you might in Barcelona. The experience was totally unforgettable and I never would have found it on my own. Thanks Jordi!

Restaurant Can Borrell

“The beautiful Can Borrell farmhouse is surrounded by a landscape of woodland and fields that help us to rediscover nature and gives the impression of being far away from the city, although it’s just 20 minutes from Barcelona.“

Check out this great article about this amazing Catalan tradition.

Calçotadas: Each January until April

It’s hard to miss the calçotadas happening all over Barcelona each winter. They are extremely popular. But if you get the chance, I recommend getting out of the city and experiencing one in the country.

How To Get To Restaurant Can Borrell From Barcelona

•  By car along the Velòdrom d’Horta road, BV-1415 (30 min), until al Km-3.
•  By public transport take the FGC trains to Sant Cugat station, from here you can walk to Pl.Rotary and then take the B06 forest track to the restaurant, passing by Pi d’en Xandri.
•  From San Cugat you can go by foot or bike from Pl.Rotary.
•  From Cerdanyola del Vallès it’s a 15 minute drive along the Cerdanyola en Horta road, followed by a track that takes you to the restaurant.

The restaurant is a little tricky to find but I suggest taking the train then following Google Maps along the paved walking path. The walk is beautiful and the experience is truly worthwhile.

When you arrive, you’ll be served your own heaping plate of onions but at most calçotada spots, it’s unlimited.

So if you have the room, don’t be shy and order another plate!

With one hand, you’ll pick up the onion at the top. With your other hand, you’ll grip the bottom and yank the charred black outside of the onion off and toss it in the communal bucket on the table. They are delicious!

You can see more photos of how the calçotada is prepared in their video below:

Participating in my first Calçotada back in March 2020!

Looking for a great 3 day itinerary for Barcelona?

Packing Cubes

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Two Piece Set

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The post Calçotada: Spain’s Bucket List Foodie Experience appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

Barcelona Wine Tasting

Barcelona Wine Tasting with Stoke Travel :
Wine Not

My fall travels around Europe led me from Germany to Italy and back again to beautiful Barcelona. I’ve visited the city several times in the past and with each new visit, I fall more in love with it.

My latest Barcelona discovery has been the wine tastings now offered with Stoke Travel.

I was invited to attend recently and aside from the delicious food, great wine and good company, I was totally blown away by the views over Barcelona.

This fun, laid-back wine tasting occurs on a stunning terrace with perfect views overlooking Sagrada Família.

Best of all, the tasting starts at golden hour and ends with spectacular sunset views.

Honestly, the terrace alone makes this tasting unique and worthwhile.

Book your wine tasting with Stoke Travel here.
*For an extra glass of cava, book with promo code: thewanderlustrose

Pack your camera and prepare for a view over Barcelona you can’t get from the streets! I had a great time photographing the other guests from the terrace.

The wine tasting itself includes delicious wine from the surrounding region and great light bites.

The food is prepared by a chef in the kitchen onsight. The ceviche was my personal favorite!

With the amount of wine offered, we all left in high spirits and quite buzzed! Overall, it was a great value for the price.

Book your wine tasting with Stoke Travel here.
*For an extra glass of cava, book with promo code: thewanderlustrose

If you book, be sure to tag me in your social media stories or posts so I can reshare you on my page!

More on Barcelona:

• BARCELONA 3 DAY ITINERARY ON A BUDGET
• THE BEST ROOFTOP BAR IN BARCELONA- JUST LOOK AT THIS VIEW!
• BARCELONA: THE BEST SPOTS FOR SUNRISE & SUNSET (AND HOW TO GET THERE)

USE HALARA PROMO CODE: EMILY9 FOR 20% OFF!!

Barcelona Wine Tasting

The post Barcelona Wine Tasting with Stoke Travel : Wine Not appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

Barcelona 3 Day Itinerary
On A Budget

Barcelona is a city steeped in history, culture and architectural beauty!

Like any European city, there are ways to easily make this destination budget-friendly.

So here’s my top tips for 3 days in Barcelona on a budget!

Budget Tips

Museums Free on Sunday

If you want to visit the museems, plan your trip to include a Sunday!

All-day on the first Sunday of each month, and every Sunday between 3-8 pm, the majority of the city-operated museums are totally FREE. What a steal!

Public Transit

Skip the taxis and take the metro! The trains are fast and the city has a strong metro network. Almost all tourist attractions are within walking distance of a metro station.

Free Walking Tours

Free walking tours are a great way to get introduced to a city. Just be prepared to tip your guide at the end!

Find free walking tours here.

Beware of Pickpockets

Unfortunately, Barcelona has an incredibly high rate of pickpocketing and petty theft crimes. And these non-violent crimes are usually aimed at tourists. If you are traveling on a budget, it will be a big set back to have your phone and cash stolen.

• Don’t carry anything in your back pocket
• Never leave your belonging out of sight
• Only take as much money as you need for the day
• Try to appear confident, people who look lost are more easily targeted
• If someone approaches you on the street, don’t blindly trust them
• Carry a bag that someone cannot open without you noticing
• Get travel insurance that covers theft with World Nomads

Rick Steve’s Audio Guide Europe

Looking for a great tour that is totally free? Download the Rick Steve’s Audio Guide Europe for access to fantastic (and FREE!) tours around Barcelona.

Not only are these tours well done but it makes it easy to do a tour on your own time. And you can pause or restart as needed. The instructions/directions are simple and easy to follow as well.

Day 1

• Explore Las Ramblas
• Visit the infamous Sagrada Familia
• Rooftop bar with views of Sagrada Familia: AYRE HOTEL ROSELLÓN
• Hike to Tibidabo
• Drinks in the Gothic Quarter

Hike to Tibidabo

Tibidabo makes for a beautiful hike on a sunny day. It will most likely take you a little over an hour. Bring water on a hot day, it is a steep hike!

When you reach the top, you’ll find an amusement park, restaurant and stunning old cathedral.

For just a few euros, you can take the elevator to the top of the cathedral for a marvelous view over the city.

Rooftop bar with views of Sagrada Familia: AYRE HOTEL ROSELLÓN

ADDRESS: CARRER DEL ROSSELLÓ, 390, 08025 BARCELONA, SPAIN

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 11AM – 7 PM

You don’t have to be staying at the hotel to take advantage of this great space. It’s open to anyone from 11am-7pm but after that it’s only open to hotel guests.

If you’d like to enjoy the views at sunset or in the evening, then I suggest booking a room at the hotel. Then the terrace is open until 11pm!

GET THERE RIGHT WHEN IT OPENS TO GUARANTEE A SPOT

This spot is relatively popular and the hotel only allows up a select number of public guests to it’s rooftop.

I tried coming 3 times before I was finally let up to the top.

The trick? Show up right at 11am when it opens. When I tried to go on the weekend or during happy hour, the hotel staff wouldn’t let us up, stating it was too full.

Drinks in the Gothic Quarter

Gothic Quarter is easily my favorite neighborhood in Barcelona. You will find so many unique, local restaurants and bars.

Plan to spend more than one night dining out and exploring this area.

Read: THE BEST BARS IN BARCELONA’S GOTHIC QUARTER

Day 2

• Sunrise at Park Güell
• Eat Calçotada at LA BARCA D’ADRIÀ (January until late March only)
• Picnic at the beach
• Sunset at the Bunkers

Sunrise at Park Güell

During the day, this park is awash with tourists. The steps will be crowded and the bench pictured below will be a popular spot for photographers. However at sunrise, we had the place mostly to ourselves. We brought a picnic and saw only a handful of other people. It. Was. Perfect.

Not only is this a glorious place for sunrise, if you go before the park technically opens, you can avoid paying the entrance fee! Which if you’re doing Barcelona on a budget, it’s an added perk.

A worker had opened the gate allowing us inside but they don’t start charging admission until later in the morning. It’s a well-known secret of Barcelona that the park is free before sunrise. The early bird gets the worm!

Eat Calçotada at LA BARCA D’ADRIÀ
(January until late March only)

Calçotada is an annual event in Spain celebrating the harvest of calçots.

These mild green onions are grilled over a hot fire, wrapped up in newspaper, served on terracotta tiles. They are then eaten after peeling with bare hands, by dipping them one by one in the most delicious salvitxada sauce.

Top it off with some red wine and bread for the best meal you’ll have in Barcelona!

It’s truly one-of-a-kind and a foodie experience totally unique to this area of Spain.

LA BARCA D’ADRIÀ

Address: Parc de la Pau, s/n,
08930 Sant Adrià de Besòs, Barcelona, Barcelona

My local friends who took me here for my first Calçotada experience and can’t recommend it highly enough!

Sunset at the Bunkers

Welcome to uninterrupted 360° panoramic views over Barcelona!

This is the absolute ideal place to watch sunset and one of my favorite spots in the entire city.

This location known as “the Bunkers” was actually anti aircraft warfare installed during the Spanish Civil War at the top of the hill, Turó de la Rovira. Once upon a time, it housed massive artillery to help protect the city of Barcelona.

But in 1938, the guns were taken out. An empty shell remained with the best views of the city. During the extreme poverty of the 40’s and 50’s, the Bunkers were used as a shantytown. But when the city hosted the Olympics, the shantytowns were cleared out. Again, the Bunkers sat empty.

Eventually people realized they could have the best views over Barcelona. You can see everything- the coast, the mountains, la Sagrada Familia.. etc. And it became a popular spot, especially at sunset.

You can visit anytime since it’s just an open space with no fees, no gate and no hours. But sunset is when you’ll get the best views!

GO UP EARLY TO ENJOY THE ATMOSPHERE.

The Bunkers has a very chill vibe at sunset with lots of people hanging out, having picnics, playing music or drinking a beer. There isn’t anything to do up top (like at Tibidabo) except enjoy a cold beverage, listen to music and kick back with friends.

Read: BARCELONA: THE BEST SPOTS FOR SUNRISE & SUNSET (AND HOW TO GET THERE)

Day 3

• Montserrat
• Dinner in the Gothic Quarter
• Drinks at L’ascensor

Montserrat

Montserrat is a mountain top monastery in Catalonia just one hour by train outside of Barcelona.

 From Plaça Espanya in Barcelona, take the R5 line to Monistrol de Montserrat. A ticket is only €5.25 one way.

Dinner in the Gothic Quarter

One night in the Gothic Quarter won’t be enough.

With so many winding, beautiful streets and tasty cuisine, you’ll want to go back for a second night. Enjoy!

Drinks at L’ascensor

The name of this tiny, gorgeous cocktail bar refers to the rickety, old lift you must ride to the top in order to enter the bar. Already, I love it. Get everyone to squeeze inside and begin the ascent because the drinks are flowing upstairs!

Buzzing with a young, party-going crowd- you will not be disappointed once you step off the lift and into the atmosphere at this Gothic Quarter hidden gem.

Most tourists don’t know about this spot. So expect plenty of locals, a great cocktail menu and the best (cheap!) house red wine anywhere! What’s not to love?!

Address: Carrer de Bellafila, 3, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

Looking for a great hotel option?

More European cities on a budget:

• PARIS ON A BUDGET: 3 DAYS FOR JUST €100
• HOW TO VISIT ORVIETO, ITALY ON A BUDGET
• HOW TO DO MUNICH’S OKTOBERFEST ON A BUDGET

USE HALARA PROMO CODE: EMILY9 FOR 20% OFF!!

The post Barcelona 3 Day Itinerary On A Budget appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

The Best Bars in Gothic Quarter

Looking to have a drink in the winding, historic Gothic Quarter of Barcelona? With so many twisting alleyways and nooks, it can be hard to locate the right place. And some of the best bars in Gothic Quarter are totally unknown to tourists and difficult to stumble upon unless someone has told you.

Well you’re in luck because thanks to my friends who live in the city, I had my own private tour guides with all the best insider knowledge. For two weeks, they showed me around the city, taking me to all the hidden gems and lesser known spots before the coronavirus outbreak cut my time short.

And now I’m here to share that information with you!

So in no particular order, here are the 5 best bars in Gothic Quarter. Each one is enchanting, full of locals and totally affordable for any budget, enjoy!

Sub Rosa

Dubbed “an absolute gem hidden in the Gothic Quarter” and “a perfect reflection of the Gothic Quarter”, Sub Rosa should be your first stop when you arrive in the neighbor looking for a drink. Moody, brash decorations and a small venue give it a cozy, local vibe from the moment you enter! You might not be able to find a seat right away but chairs will open up so just hang tight.

Get ready for an excellent array of cocktails. Plus mojitos are only €2.90 everyday from 6-10pm!

Another favorite: order the “Gothic Forest” which comes with half an avocado and truthfully, I don’t know what kind of alcohol! But it’s delicious and only costs €4 during happy hour. So order it anyway and enjoy!

Address: Carrer d’en Rauric, 23, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

Tasca El Corral

Know as “Leche” to the locals, this rustic tapas bar is a real hidden gem and favorite. Those who live in the city adore it but you won’t find many tourists inside this tiny cave-like bar. It’s small so tuck in and find a seat!

Get ready to try the speciality “Leche de Pantera“, an alcoholic milk, made by the staff on-site. With a fluctuating recipe, every batch comes out a little different so you never know quite how strong yours might be! You can get an entire bottle of this tasty alcoholic concoction for just €10. Pour it out among your friends, sprinkle a little cinnamon on top and shoot it back. Delicious, cheap and potentially very strong. Warning: One bottle to yourself and you’ll be feeling good. Two bottles and you might not be able to stand anymore.

Looking to try a local standard, your next drink should be the bottle of vermouth for only €7.

I know we are talking drinks here but do yourself a favor and order the flaming chorizo and the blue cheese as well!

You’re going to love this unique Gothic Quarter bar- definitely one of the best in Barcelona! And certainly easy on the wallet if you’re looking for an inexpensive night out.

Address: Carrer de la Mercè, 17, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

Pipa Club (the secret bar)

Locals are familiar with this Sherlock Holmes-themed secret bar but you’ll be hard pressed to find any tourists inside. Housed on the third floor of a flat, you would never guess there was a favorite of the Barcelona bar scene tucked inside.

You’ll need to ring the bell and without a word, you’ll be buzzed inside to ascend the stairs and find yourself in the Pipa Club.

This late-night, mixed crowd and boozy after hours atmosphere is best attended on a night when you can sleep in. Very few who enter leave early or sober.

It’s conveniently located right near our first bar on the list- Sub Rosa. So you can start your night with mojitos at Sub Rosa then end your night at Pipa Club. But shhhhh, remember it’s a secret.

Address: Plaça Reial, 3, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

Milk Bar & Bistro

Not only is it a cocktail bar but it’s also a fantastic brunch place. There is no shortage of raving reviews about the brunch at MB&B! This is a Sunday brunch favorite and not to be missed.

But if we are talking drinks here, they have a full bar, friendly staff and you should definitely order the “Pornstar Martini” or the “Espresso Martini“.

Check out their site here.

Address: Carrer d’en Gignàs, 21, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

L’Ascensor

The name of this tiny, gorgeous cocktail bar refers to the rickety, old lift you must ride to the top in order to enter the bar. Already, I love it. Get everyone to squeeze inside and begin the ascent because the drinks are flowing upstairs! Buzzing with a young, party-going crowd- you will not be disappointed once you step off the lift and into the atmosphere at this Gothic Quarter hidden gem.

As with the previous bars, most tourists don’t know about this spot. So expect plenty of locals, a great cocktail menu and the best (cheap!) house red wine anywhere! What’s not to love?!

Address: Carrer de Bellafila, 3, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

If you make it to any of these spots, be sure to tag me in your Instagram post or stories so I can reshare you on my page!

Looking for more great things to do in Barcelona? Check out the best rooftop bar here! And don’t miss my favorite spots for sunrise and sunset!

Traveling Europe on a budget and looking to party?
Be sure to check out Stoke Travel for great festivals, concerts and epic trips.

USE HALARA PROMO CODE: EMILY9 FOR 20% OFF!!

The post The Best Bars in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter (According to Locals) appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

Welcome to Barcelona!

I absolutely adore this city. From the charming Gothic Quarter, to the incredible art history to the trendy, metropolitan vibes- Barcelona has it all. If you’re planning a trip to Spain, you’ve got to come to Barcelona. And if you’re coming to Barcelona, you won’t want to miss a glorious sunrise and sunset here.

Best Sunrise: Park Güell

During the day, this park is awash with tourists. The steps will be crowded and the bench pictured below will be a popular spot for photographers. However at sunrise, we had the place mostly to ourselves. We brought a picnic and saw only a handful of other people. It. Was. Perfect.

Not only is this a glorious place for sunrise, if you go before the park technically opens, you can avoid paying the entrance fee! Which if you’re doing Barcelona on a budget, it’s an added perk.

A worker had opened the gate allowing us inside but they don’t start charging admission until later in the morning. It’s a well-known secret of Barcelona that the park is free before sunrise. The early bird gets the worm!

Best Sunset: Bunkers del Camel aka “The Bunkers”

Welcome to uninterrupted 360° panoramic views over Barcelona!

This is the absolute ideal place to watch sunset and one of my favorite spots in the entire city.

This location known as “the Bunkers” was actually anti aircraft warfare installed during the Spanish Civil War at the top of the hill, Turó de la Rovira. Once upon a time, it housed massive artillery to help protect the city of Barcelona.

But in 1938, the guns were taken out. An empty shell remained with the best views of the city. During the extreme poverty of the 40’s and 50’s, the Bunkers were used as a shantytown. But when the city hosted the Olympics, the shantytowns were cleared out. Again, the Bunkers sat empty.

Eventually people realized they could have the best views over Barcelona. You can see everything- the coast, the mountains, la Sagrada Familia.. etc. And it became a popular spot, especially at sunset.

You can visit anytime since it’s just an open space with no fees, no gate and no hours. But sunset is when you’ll get the best views!

Go up early to enjoy the atmosphere.

The Bunkers has a very chill vibe at sunset with lots of people hanging out, having picnics, playing music or drinking a beer. There isn’t anything to do up top (like at Tibidabo) except enjoy a cold beverage, listen to music and kick back with friends.

How To Get There

Type “Bunkers del Camel” into Google Maps and you’ll be able to find it!

It’s about a steep 30 minute climb to the top. (Depending how long you stop to take pictures!)

Follow up the footpath, you’ll see lots of graffiti as you go. Some reads “Tourists go home” but don’t let that deter you, the majority of Barcelona is very tourist friendly and there will be many other tourists at the top for sunset. Some graffiti has even been rewritten over to say “Tourists welcome!”

As you go up the steps, the path will sometimes split in two. Don’t worry, it’s virtually impossible to get lost as the paths rejoin eventually.

As you walk, you’ll likely hear the crowds up top, follow the sounds of laughter and music.

You’ll come to a large metal bridge that looks like a train track, go across that and continue following the path up. You’re almost there!

Keep in mind, these are old war bunkers so there are no facilities up there. No shops, no bathrooms, no visitors center or anything.

So if you want a drink and a snack, bring it with you! However if you are walking to the Bunkers, there are several supermarkets on the way right around the Alfons X metro stop.

I hope you enjoy chasing sunset and sunrise at these epic spots in Barcelona! If you go, tag me in your Instagram post or story so I can reshare it on my account

More on Barcelona: THE BEST ROOFTOP BAR IN BARCELONA- JUST LOOK AT THIS VIEW! & THE BEST BARS IN BARCELONA’S GOTHIC QUARTER (ACCORDING TO LOCALS)

Looking to travel Europe? Check out TourRadar’s discounted Europe trips!

The post Barcelona: The Best Spots For Sunrise & Sunset (And How To Get There) appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

Looking for the best rooftop bar in Barcelona?

If you’re headed to Barcelona, there is one rooftop bar you can’t miss!

And Barcelona has no shortage of amazing rooftop bars. (Check out some of the other runner ups for “best rooftop bar in Barcelona” here. )

But one rooftop bar jumps to the top of my list due it’s spectacular views, affordable drink menu and accessibility to the public, even if you aren’t staying at the hotel!

Sercotel Hotel Rosellon

Address: Carrer del Rosselló, 390, 08025 Barcelona, Spain

“Sercotel Hotel Rosellon is a four-star hotel in Barcelona, ​​with an urban and cosmopolitan design, is located in a privileged area in the nerve, commercial and tourist center of the city, in the heart of Eixample. Less than 200 meters from the majestic Basilica of the Sagrada Familia, the hotel enjoys a unique and exclusive view from the panoramic terrace or from some rooms on the not yet completed temple of Antoni Gaudí.”

Perfect views of the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia

Affordable drinks

For one glass of wine and one beer, we paid €7.50. Considering the prime location and view, we were expecting to pay a lot more!

Open, spacious rooftop

The terrace is fantastically open with a totally unobstructed view of the Sagrada Familia.

Choose from tables, bar stools or even lounge on the day beds to soak up the sun here!

Open to the public 11am – 7 pm

You don’t have to be staying at the hotel to take advantage of this great space. It’s open to anyone from 11am-7pm but after that it’s only open to hotel guests.

If you’d like to enjoy the views at sunset or in the evening, then I suggest booking a room at the hotel. Then the terrace is open until 11pm!

Get there right when it opens to guarantee a spot

This spot is relatively popular and the hotel only allows up a select number of public guests to it’s rooftop. I tried coming 3 times before I was finally let up to the top.

The trick? Show up right at 11am when it opens. When I tried to go on the weekend or during happy hour, the hotel staff wouldn’t let us up, stating it was too full.

Between the spectacular view, lounging daybeds, affordable drinks and great location- it’s easy to see why I picked this hotel as the best rooftop bar in Barcelona! Enjoy!

Enjoy Barcelona!

The post The Best Rooftop Bar in Barcelona- Just Look At This View! appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.

If you’ve been following along on my Instagram, you might have noticed I’ve been in Spain for the last 2 weeks. We spent most of our time in Barcelona chasing sunrises at  Park Güell, wandering the streets of the Gothic Quarter and sampling tapas by the Basílica de la Sagrada Família. All while the incoming threat and worry surrounding coronavirus grew. In the back of my mind, I wasn’t sure how long my time in my Spain would last.

First it was the cancelled festivals. We had made plans to attend St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland and the massive street festival Las Fallas in Valencia, Spain. Both were cancelled on the same day. I felt extremely uneasy. Valencia alone would lose $700 million by cancelling Las Fallas. They wouldn’t do it without reason right? Yet we still only saw a few people wearing masks. Everyone went about their day as usual. Those who had colds weren’t rushing to get tested. But colleges had begun calling all the study abroad students home from Europe. Meanwhile, the travel companies I work for began to receive a cascade of cancelled bookings.

Denied Entry into Andorra

But then things started changing rapidly in Spain. The number of confirmed cases escalated. The number of deaths rose. Spain was starting to catch up to Italy, where the virus outbreak was the worst behind China itself. And then, the weekend came where we were headed to the tiny European country of Andorra for a ski trip with Stoke Travel. As we drove from Barcelona and were nearing the border, we received word that Andorra was closing all hotels and ski lodges. And if we entered, it was likely the border would be closed and we would be unable to leave the following day. Our bus was forced to turn around.

Feeling slightly panicked, our group booked a large Airbnb just outside Barcelona in the small town of Vilanova i la Geltrú where we could spend the weekend. Upon arriving, we found the groceries stores picked over and the streets eerily quiet. We stocked up on food for the weekend ahead.

The following afternoon when we returned to buy some forgotten supplies and food, the grocery store had started implementing stricter rules. They were monitoring the total number of people in the store. Two could come in when two came out. Plastic gloves were given to wear while shopping.

Barcelona Entering Lockdown

While making dinner in our Airbnb, we began to receive word that Barcelona would be entering a lockdown starting Monday morning at 8am. And my flight back to the USA on Thursday was one of the thousands that were cancelled . So I promptly rescheduled it to the available Tuesday flight. Would that be soon enough?

As the night progressed, more information trickled out but the situation was changing rapidly. We learned no one would be allowed outside in Barcelona unless absolutely necessary. Police would patrol the streets ensuring everyone complied. The border would be closed. Trump imposed a ban on all non-USA citizens traveling to America from the EU. Would I still be able to get back?

Americans “scrambling” to get out

With confusion over the regulations regarding lockdown and Trump’s ban, I began to search for a new flight. Twice I had gotten to the final confirmation booking page to be informed the flight I was trying to get on had sold out. Finally I was able to find a seat in first class for a hefty price. (As a budget traveler, I never usually fly first class!) But my card was denied, apparently the purchase looked fraudulent. We would have to wait for our bank to open in the States to validate the purchase, which would only be a few hours before the flight the next day.

Barcelona: An Eerie Ghost Town

As we made the journey back to Barcelona, the streets were quiet. Empty. Hardly any cars. As we took the public transit back through the city, we only encountered a handful of people. And the usually crowded metro cars of Barcelona were now empty. We kept looking around at one another in disbelief. Absolutely shocked at how quickly the city had changed.

Upon arriving back, I received confirmation my flight was thankfully booked. But the girls I was traveling with had their flight for that evening cancelled last minute. So in a frenzy, they booked a new last minute flight to London. Meaning we had to get to the airport NOW. Frantically grabbing our things, we made a mad dash to the airport. Chucking my things in my suitcase and grabbing any last minute things around the house and dumping them in a plastic bag- we raced to the airport feeling scattered and a little frightened.

Delays, Masks and Keeping Distance at the Barcelona Airport

Upon arriving at the airport, we found the situation to be tense. Signs were everywhere reminding people to keep their distance from one another. Nearly everyone was wearing masks. Gate agents and workers had their areas roped off so passengers couldn’t get too close. All the restaurants and shops were closed. All the public seating areas were roped off to avoid people spreading the virus on tabletops. Announcements kept playing over the speakers reminding people to keep their distance from one another.

I didn’t have a proper mask so I hastily tossed on my face mask from a sandboarding adventure in Australia that was still in my bag. When the fabric tickled my nose causing me to sneeze, a man whipped around and started yelling at me. “WHY WHY WHY!” He repeated as he grabbed his wife and together, they ran away from me. I stood there in disbelief. Rooted to the spot in a crowd of people feeling scared and embarrassed for being called out in such a way. I had no symptoms. But the man’s reaction had frightened me.

An Empty Flight Home

My flight was delayed by two hours. Then another hour. As I stood in front of the announcement screen watching the flights get cancelled, I wondered if I would be allowed to fly out at all.

Finally, I board my flight. But despite the airline saying the flight was full online, the plane was almost entirely empty. Due to all the travel bans and President Trump’s restrictions- many people could not leave and simply missed their flight. Or if they were American citizens, they had already flown home earlier this weekend. Apparently, I had waited until the last possible second. So just me and a handful of other people onboard a massive international jet, began the flight back to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.

Ideally I would have flown straight home to Minnesota but if you were traveling from Europe, you could only fly back to certain airports that had a system in place to check people for coronavirus.

Mandatory Temperature Checks at the New York Airport

The flight landed and immediately we had to turn in a health declaration form revealing where we had traveled recently and what symptoms, if any, we were experiencing. Again, Spain was high on the list of countries with the greatest number of outbreaks, only behind Italy and China.

As we disembarked the flight, we formed two lines to hand in our forms and go through a mandatory temperature check. So long as we didn’t have a fever, we were given a card with information about coronavirus and allowed into the country. I passed. But those of us on the flight were told we needed to self quarantine for the next 14 days to make sure we didn’t have the virus.

Self Quarantined For 2 Weeks

Self Quarantine. So what does that mean?

My father picked me up at the airport and I came straight home. He had stocked up on food and supplies so the two of us could isolate for the next two weeks. He’s even spending his birthday with me here at the house. However, until I am sure I don’t have it- I am maintaining distance from him around the house and wearing a mask if we are in the same room.

Rules for Self Quarantine According to Live Science.

This time is weird and scary but the best thing we can do now is quarantine and pracitive social distancing to protect any of our wonderful grandparents, elderly, or high-risk individuals. It’s of the utmost importance.

I hope you take time over the coming weeks to disconnect, relax and finally read that book or write that song or learn that new skill. Sometimes slowing down isn’t such a bad thing

In the words of Kitty Meara:

Stay tuned on my Instagram this week as I share adventures I never got around to posting so we can all travel virtually together! Stay safe out there. And please, wash your hands!

More related to coronavirus:

• BACKYARD CAMPING- MY WAY OF TRAVELING DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
• THESE HILARIOUS RECREATIONS WILL PROVE YOU REALLY CAN “TRAVEL” DURING LOCKDOWN
• EAT, PRAY, LOVE: THE DRINKING GAME FOR TRAVEL GIRLS DURING LOCKDOWN

The post Coronavirus update: Traveling home from Spain during the height of the pandemic appeared first on The Wanderlust Rose.