Short Trip to Barcelona
- savoryroads
- Apr 30
- 4 min read
5 Days of Sunshine, Flavor, Vibes & Unexpected Joys
Our tips for a city break in Barcelona
Barcelona. The city where Gaudí and tapas meet, where life happens out in the open, and where you’ll want to snack all day long.
We spent five days there – long enough to truly taste and explore the city.
In this post, we’re sharing our favorite eats, sights, and spontaneous little moments that made this trip one to remember.
Our Home in the City: A Cozy Airbnb with Everything We Needed
We stayed in a comfy Airbnb in the Sant Antoni neighborhood – peaceful yet perfectly located for walking or hopping on the metro. Check out out Airbnb here.
What we loved:
A compact apartment with plenty of space for four
A small kitchen, for those in a cooking mood (spoiler: we weren’t 😅)
A small terrace to enjoy the last rays of evening sun
Sant Antoni turned out to be the ideal choice: less hectic than the city center, full of cozy breakfast spots, and with an authentic local vibe.
The perfect mix of energy and calm.
Where We Ate (A Lot, and Really Well)
We wouldn’t be Savory Roads without a flavor-filled food trail. And lucky us – Barcelona is basically a foodie’s playground, drenched in sunshine. Here are our top picks:
Breakfast & Brunch
Molinet Cafè Antic – Our go-to spot. Think: creamy cappuccinos, crispy avocado or salmon toast, homemade sweets, and the kind of cozy vibe that makes your morning better. We came back almost every day. That says it all.
Manso’s Café – After two mornings at Molinet, we tried a switch-up. Tasty food, friendly service – but honestly? Molinet still wins.
Federal Café Sant Antoni – Our last stop before heading home. Fast, tasty, and perfect for wrapping up your trip with a strong coffee, a hearty breakfast, and laid-back vibes.
Molinet Cafè Antic
Dinner
Restaurante Mano Rota – We kicked off our first evening with a creative tasting menu and amazing service. A brilliant start!
We sat in a private room behind the bar – it felt like we were part of a secret foodie club.
BENZiNA – Italian food in Spain? Absolutely. This spot is stylish, with industrial-chic interiors, bold plates, and authentic flavors. A perfect blend of design and comfort food.
Lascar 74 – An evening of ceviche and bright, fresh flavors – beautifully balanced and delightfully surprising.
Fun fact: Larissa is a ceviche fan.
La Selva – Mixed feelings here. The food was decent, but the crowd (and the noise) killed the vibe a little. That said, the interior is stunning – if you’re here for looks, you’ll love it.
Micu Maku – Paella time! Near La Sagrada Familia, we found a cozy spot with traditional paella. Tasty, but not unforgettable enough for a return visit.
Snack Stops
Mercat de la Boqueria – Come for the colors, stay for the tapas, juices, and sweet temptations.
Les Quinze Nits – A classic: tapas with a view of Plaça Reial, while people wander under palm trees. Vibes: 100%.
Anita Gelato – Our favorite gelato of the trip. Super fresh, full of flavor, and totally Instagram-worthy.
What We Did: Culture, Chill, and Card Games on a Park Bench
We love creating our own walking routes – no rigid plan, just intuitive wandering with room for detours, photos, ice cream, and spontaneous stops.
Our highlights:
Park Güell – Gaudí at his most magical. We played a card game on a picnic bench, chip in hand, city view included.
La Sagrada Familia – What. A. Building. We even climbed one of the towers. Worth it? Not a must, but still fun.
Casa Vicens, Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau, La Monumental – stunning architectural gems. We chose Casa Vicens over Mila or Batlló – it's one of Gaudí’s earliest and lesser-known works. Definitely worth it.
Pont del Bisbe, Barri Gòtic, Plaça Reial – walking through history, with tapas always nearby.
Parc de la Ciutadella, Arc de Triomf – peaceful spots for a stroll (and an ice cream, of course).
Mercat de la Boqueria, La Rambla, Plaça Catalunya, Columbus Monument – yes, touristy, but still fun and full of energy.
The Photo Mission: Love at La Sagrada
As usual, we traveled with Larissa’s cousin and her partner. But this trip had a bonus mission:a photo of them together in front of La Sagrada Familia.
Why? They’re getting married in summer 2024, and their wedding theme is travel. So Barcelona had to make the album.
Spoiler: mission accomplished – sunshine included, zero tourists in the background. (How? No clue. But we nailed it.)
Our Tips for Your Trip to Barcelona
Stay at least 4–5 days – you’ll want time to soak it all in.
Pick a base like Sant Antoni – local charm, great food, and easy access to everything.
Walk a lot, take the metro now and then – perfect combo.
Don’t overplan. Leave space for spontaneous finds – the best things are never on the list.
Eat local, but mix it up – pair classic tapas with global flavors. You'll be surprised.
Would We Recommend Barcelona?
100% yes.
If you love culture, good food, sunshine on your face, and a city that lives out loud – Barcelona is a dream.
We’re definitely going back – even if it’s just for that Molinet toast or an evening walk through the Gothic Quarter.
Do you have a Barcelona tip we shouldn’t miss? Drop it in the comments – we’re always hungry for more cities and more stories.
Hasta la próxima!
– Savory Roads
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