spain

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is probably my favorite city in the world. Take my bias into account, or better yet, go and decide it's also your new favorite city.

Barcelona Tips: 

  • Barcelona is incredibly walkable, so be sure to pack your appropriate shoes

  • Catalan is the main language here, not Spanish, so don't be surprised when you see and hear it being used. Basically everyone speaks both Catalan and Spanish but there is a lot of tension between Catalonia and the rest of Spain

  • There is a super convenient shuttle to and from the airport called the A2 I would highly recommend

Adventures & Ales Top Barcelona Recommendations: 

  • Abirradero: A brewery popular with locals, sit outside and enjoy a flight (I also highly recommend their cheese plate obviously)

  • Casa Batllo: My favorite of the Gaudi works, check out this gorgeous house 

  • Barcelona Beer Co: Definitely catering to American tourists, but they make delicious beer so it is worth your time

  • Barceloneta: Time to hit the beach! Marvel at the yachts in the harbor, wade into the sea, then grab a drink at Arenal Bar right on the sand. Preferably cava sangria [yes you read that right. sangria made with champagne]

  • El Born neighborhood: the more "hipster" neighborhood full of bars and restaurants 

  • Eixample neighborhood: home to some of the Gaudi works and a slew of restaurants 

  • Palau de la Musica: See a show in this gorgeous music hall, tickets can actually be reasonably priced

Barceloneta

Top Tourist Spots in Barcelona Actually Worth Visiting: 

  • La Sagrada Familia: The infamous church that may never be finished. It's exterior facade is one of the most intriguing things I've ever seen

  • Park Guell: The classic Gaudi park in the north of the city. They limit the number of people that can enter per hour, so book your tickets ahead of time and try to choose an off-peak time

  • Cathedral of Barcelona: Absolutely stunning

  • La Boqueria: Food market right off Las Ramblas

Park Guell

Park Guell

Other Things to do in Barcelona:​

  • Take a peek at the Arc de Triomf. Pro Tip: Go early before there are too many people passing through

  • Maestro Brewery: Centrally located and solid beers

  • Casa Mila: The least exciting of the Gaudi works, but still much more interesting than your average building

  • Garage Beer Co: Average brewery with some interesting collaboration beers

  • Guell Palace: Worth a quick look while you're meandering the city

Besalu, Spain

Besalu

Day Trips from Barcelona: 

  • Get into the Pyrenees Mountains! 

    • I went with Explore Cataluyna and we went to the medieval village of Besalu, then took the curviest road up a mountain to the tiny town of Rupit, then ventured to Tavertet after stopping on the mountain side to gaze at the view

Skip: 

  • Las Ramblas: Sure you might be thinking "but I have to see Las Ramblas while in Barcelona!" Okay fine, but make it brief. This famous street is extremely far from the "real" Barcelona. Do not eat or drink anything while near this area unless you just like wasting money

  • Montjuic: This castle and park is pretty overrated and the funicular ride up to it is a short but expensive ride

  • Picasso Museum: If you're a big art fan, go for it. If you're an average art fan like I am, I found the museum less than worth the relatively high price and extremely long line to enter

Zaragoza, Spain

Zaragoza is Spain's fifth largest city with a gorgeous cathedral and small town vibes

Zaragoza Tips: 

  • Zaragoza is small enough to see everything you want to see in 24 hours, don't plan on spending much more than that 

  • The train station, Delicias, is open air so it is very hot or very cold depending on what the temperature is outside, be prepared

Adventures & Ales Top Zaragoza Recommendations: 

  • Catedral del Salvador: The most amazing church I have ever seen (including the Vatican)

  • El Tubo neighborhood: Windy streets full of bars and restaurants bursting with locals and tourists alike

The Classic Tourist Spots in Zaragoza Actually Worth Visiting: 

  • Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar: In the main square with the cathedral, you can't miss it!

  • Go to the Piedra Stone Bridge to see the Cathedral from another angle 

Catedral del Salvador

Other Things To Do in Zaragoza:​

  • Aljaferia Palace: Medieval Islamic palace, slightly outside the center of the city

  • Museo del Teatro de Caesaraugusta: An ancient Roman theater that makes you question what country you're really in

San Sebastian, Spain

San Sebastian is a super cute little beach town in northeast Spain

San Sebastian Tips: 

  • There are two different train stations for this small city so that can be relatively confusing. Make sure you are going to the correct one for your train!

  • It gets PACKED on La Concha during peak beach going weekends, so try to hit it up during the week or in the off-season

Adventures & Ales Top San Sebastian Recommendations: 

  • La Concha: The ever-so-popular crescent shaped beach is the hub of energy. Hit the beach, lounge in the park, grab a drink at one of the neighboring bars, or even take it in from the carousel 

  • Sakona Coffee Roasters: Fantastic coffee and breakfast spot

  • Monte Igueldo: Hike or take the funicular up the left mountain overlooking the bay, city, and surrounding mountains

The Classic Tourist Spots Actually Worth Visiting: 

  • Constitution Square: Check out the old bullfight seat numbers above the restaurants!

  • San Telmo Museum: A museum of the Basque Country

San Sebastian, Spain

Other Things to Do in San Sebastian: ​

  • The East side neighborhood is full of delicious restaurants! My favorite one closed down, but there are a plethora to choose from!

  • Playa Zurriola: Check out the surfers on the less popular beach catching the wicked waves that come in

  • Miramar Palace: Bavarian style building and park. A quick stop on your way to Monte Igueldo