Barcelona: The Ultimate Mother-Daughter Adventure!
Experience Barcelona in Just Three Days? Absolutely Manageable.
Conquer Barcelona in 3 Days? Absolutely!
Alexa, play “Strut” by the Cheetah Girls! Guess what? I had the chance to go on the trip of a lifetime to Spain this summer. And let me tell you, the 10-year-old me who dreamed of being the fifth Cheetah amiga? Totally freaking out! I finally got to live out my dream of visiting Barcelona—the stunning and historic capital of Spain’s Catalonia region—and I even convinced my mom to come along for the ride (hi Mom!). And let me just say, it was everything I had hoped for and more.
So, my mom and I embarked on a full mother-and-daughter European adventure, and we spent three incredible days in the beautiful city of Barcelona. And let me tell you, it wasn’t nearly enough time (who would want to leave?), but we were determined to make the absolute most of it. We were on a mission to experience all the must-sees, must-eats, and must-dos while still having time to breathe and truly enjoy ourselves. From tapas to dancing, culture to history, art to no sleep—we had it all in our travel itinerary. And now, I’m going to share it with you, dear readers, in case you want to copy it in the future. So, buckle up and get ready for the fabulous ride. Here’s how to do Barcelona in just three days, according to moi.
(P.S. The writer received a free stay, meals, and activities in order to research this trip.)
Stay at The One Barcelona
The One Barcelona: Elegant, sophisticated, and modern are the three words I’d use to describe The One Barcelona, where my mom and I set up camp for the long weekend. This luxury hotel is located in the heart of Barcelona, just a few blocks away from some of the most famous historical sites. With two incredible restaurants, a high-end spa, 88 stunning rooms, a rooftop pool, and an outdoor shower with a view overlooking the city, this hotel exudes pure luxury. Needless to say, my mom and I wanted to move in permanently. And let me tell you, the hotel staff were not only stunningly gorgeous but also warm and personable. They answered all of our questions, gave us endless recommendations, and even hailed cabs for our adventures. They made us feel like the queens of Barcelona. It was the perfect home away from home.
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Eat your heart out
Baluard Barcelona: Picture this: you’ve just landed in Barcelona, feeling a little jet-lagged and in desperate need of coffee. Well, my mom and I found the perfect spot to satisfy our caffeine cravings. Baluard Barcelona was full of locals and had a rotating selection of fresh, homemade pastries that would make your heart skip a beat. And the cappuccino? Let’s just say it took me to another level of caffeine-induced bliss. And don’t even get me started on the sandwiches—they were out of this world! Simple yet incredibly tasty. Mission accomplished for our first meal in Barcelona.The Mood Rooftop Bar: Now, let me introduce you to a rooftop restaurant that will take your breath away—The Mood Rooftop Bar. Located inside The One Barcelona, this place not only offers a panoramic terrace with incredible views of the city but also serves mouthwatering food. My mom and I were in desperate need of an Aperol fix, so we ordered their famous Red One cocktail (Aperol with strawberries, Cointreau, grapefruit juice, and tonic) as we soaked in the sights. And then it happened—we devoured everything in sight, from the avocado roll to the tomato salad, chicken skewers, scarlet shrimp, and grilled veggies. It was a true feast fit for queens! And to top it all off, the staff surprised us with some free dessert. Talk about stealing our hearts! If you’re a chocolate fiend like me, you absolutely must try the Ferraro de Avellanas. It’s pure chocolate bliss, my friends. And here’s a pro tip: visit the rooftop in the afternoon for a relaxed tapas and cocktail experience by the pool. Trust me, it’s perfection.
The Somni Restaurant: Let me paint a picture for you. Imagine being greeted with a giant pastry basket and fresh-squeezed juice. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, that dream comes true at The Somni Restaurant, the fine dining gem at The One Barcelona. This restaurant serves a complimentary breakfast to all guests, and let me tell you, it’s no ordinary breakfast. The menu offers a wide variety of delicious options, including traditional Spanish breakfast items. Every day, my mom and I tried something new and exciting (we absolutely loved the Spanish omelette), but we always made sure to order a side of fresh fruit and a giant chocolate pastry. It was the perfect fuel to start our day of exploring Barcelona.
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Go on a food tour: Let’s talk tapas on tapas on tapas! When it comes to getting to know a new place, my favorite way is through a food tour. And boy, did Paella Cooking Experience deliver! We walked through famous areas of Barcelona, soaked up the history, and indulged in delicious food and drinks at four different restaurants. I have to say, the homemade sangria and patatas bravas were absolutely to die for. It was a culinary adventure that left our taste buds dancing with joy.See a Flamenco show: No trip to Barcelona is complete without experiencing the passion and intensity of a Flamenco show. And let me tell you, Tablao Flamenco Cordobes is the place to go. It’s as authentic and mesmerizing as it gets. With your ticket, you get one hour of world-class performers dancing, singing, and making beautiful music, all while enjoying free-flowing sangria. It’s the perfect way to spend a magical night in Barcelona. And the theater itself, located on the famous La Ramblas street, adds an extra touch of Victorian-era charm with its velvet curtains and ornate chandeliers. By the end of the show, I was ready to jump up on stage and join the dancers—it was that captivating!Take a cooking class: Are you ready to channel your inner Gordon Ramsay? I sure was! We booked a cooking class with Barcelona Cooking, and let me just say, it was a gastronomic adventure like no other. Armed with bottomless glasses of wine and surrounded by people from all over the world, my mom and I learned Spanish culinary techniques using fresh ingredients from the incredible Mercat de la Boqueria (which, by the way, is a must-visit!). We whipped up some mouthwatering dishes, including strawberry gazpacho, Spanish potato omelettes, seafood paella, and crema catalana dessert. I diced and sliced like a pro, and Gordon Ramsay would have been proud. Plus, we left with full bellies, amazing memories, and a bunch of new friends. It was the perfect blend of fun, food, and friendship.Book a walking tour: If you’re visiting Barcelona, there are two historical sites that you simply cannot miss—Park Güell and Sagrada Familia. And the easiest way to explore both of them is with a walking tour. Trust me, it’s worth it. Look for a tour that’s not too long and includes skip-the-line access to the attractions. We opted for a four-hour tour with Barcelona Local Experiences, and it was fantastic. We skipped the long lines and got to immerse ourselves in the magic of Park Güell and Sagrada Familia. These iconic landmarks truly lived up to their reputation. It was like stepping into a fairytale.Appreciate the city’s rich history: Barcelona is bursting with history, and we made sure to explore some of its most famous landmarks. Our adventure took us to the stunning Arc De Triomf, a monument originally built as an access gate for the 1888 Barcelona World Fair. Next, we visited Casa Milá, a former private home (designed by the one and only Gaudi!) that has been transformed into a museum showcasing Catalan modernist art. And let me tell you, it’s a masterpiece. Finally, we ventured up Montjuïc, a famous hill, where we rode cable cars and soaked in the most incredible view of Barcelona. At the top, we explored the magnificent Montjuïc Castle, which has a fascinating history as a military fortress. It felt like stepping into Bowser’s Castle—majestic and awe-inspiring.Treat yourself to a spa day: After days of non-stop sightseeing, my mom and I were in desperate need of some R&R. And the Despacio Spa at The One Barcelona delivered the ultimate pampering experience. We relaxed in the sauna, dipped in the hot tub, and indulged in rejuvenating massages, body treatments, and facials. Everything was fully customizable, from the pressure of the massage to the room aroma and music. I requested a relaxing yet deep tissue massage, and let me tell you, it was pure bliss. I was so relaxed that I almost fell asleep on the massage table. It was the perfect way to unwind and end our fabulous adventure in Barcelona.
Your Barcelona Packing List
###### SNDYS Tahlia Dress $85 at Revolve
###### Bottega Veneta New Entry Cat Eye Sunglasses $430 at ShopBop
###### House Of CB Phedra Tangerine Shirred Sundress $225 at houseofcb.com
###### Madewell The Small Transport Crossbody: Straw Edition Now 15% Off $66 at Madewell
###### Birkenstock Milano Exquisite Chunky Sandal $220 at Revolve
###### Eleven Ace the Day Face Lotion SPF 30 $38 at Credo Beauty
Now that you have the ultimate guide to experiencing Barcelona in just three days, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, grab your mom or your best friend, and get ready for a fabulous adventure in the gorgeous city of Barcelona. Trust me, the memories you’ll make, the sights you’ll see, and the incredible food you’ll devour will make it a trip of a lifetime. So go ahead, book your tickets and get ready to strut your stuff in Barcelona!
Have you been to Barcelona? Share your favorite experiences and recommendations in the comments below. And if you haven’t been, let us know what you’re most excited to see and do! Happy travels!
