Everyday Leisure: The Unforgettable City : Barcelona (Day One)

It was April 2012. My first visit to Barcelona. I fell in love with the city - the streets, architectures, food (tapas!), people, and the laid back lifestyle. Barcelona is a magical city that I can never forget. My hubby and I spent 5 days in Barcelona and it was absolutely amazing! We had the most incredible time during our visit and I couldn't wait to share my journey with you guys.

We took an evening flight from the JFK airport to our destination, connecting one stop at Paris (yeah!). During our connection at Paris, we had a chance to pick some bakery goodies from Paul Bakery for breakfast.

We stayed at Hotel Olivia Plaza, which was right across from Plaza Catalunya. After we checked into our hotel, we began our day in La Boqueria, Barcelona's most famous market.

La Boqueria is right on Las Ramblas. Las Ramblas is the heart of Barcelona. Walking down Las Ramblas, you will see a wonderful array of petite flower stands, colorful street performers and eclectic souvenir stores.

La Boqueria is probably Barcelona's best-known market, just off from Las Rambla. I enjoy going to local food markets when I travel to foreign cities. In La Boqueria, you can basically find EVERYTHING! The food sold ranges from ready-made fruits and fresh juices, to cured meats and live seafood.

La Boqueria's entrance

One of the fruit stands in La Boqueria

By the way, I have never seen a market so clean, well-organized and generously stocked!

Spain's famous Jamon! Only if I could bring the whole Jamon back to New York... sigh

Ugly tomatoes looked fresh and delicious!

Our first food stop was Bar Boqueria. This was a small tapas stand located in the middle of the market. The biggest challenge of dining at a tapas bar in Barcelona is finding seats for yourself. Here no one will bring you to the table. It was quite difficult to seat ourselves at first but we have "gotten used to" the unique system afterward.

Beer in the morning anyone? Clara con Limón is a popular beverage in Spain. It is a blend of beer and lemon soda. It tasted so GOOD and REFRESHING after a long overnight flight :)

What did we order? Navajes (razor clams), Pulpo Gallego (grilled octopus) and Jamón ibérico (spanish hams.)

La Boqueria is definitely a pure foodie paradise! No one can resist the sweet-smelling chocolates and colorful candies in every variety.

Accordion player inside La Boqueria

Dried salt fish

Sweet chocolate paradise

Seafood stall inside La Boqueria

After our first meal at Barcelona, we went to the famous handmade espadrilles store, La Manual Alpargatera. La Manual Alpargatera is opened since the early 1940s. They carry the largest selection of Catalonia's classic sandals at an affordable price.

I bought my first pair of espadrilles in red. They were very comfortable to wear. I think they were only 15 euros. I often received compliments from strangers walking down the streets in New York City. The only place to get real espadrilles at cheap price - you have to go to Spain!

A great way to spend an afternoon is wandering the streets in Barcelona. We passed by Plaza Real, in Barcelona's Gothic area. There are a large number of restaurant on the square.

Little art stand on Plaça del pi

We couldn't resist and we bought some gelato from Carte d'Or.

Walking down the streets in Barcelona, it is not hard to find cool local street art.

We passed by Palace of Catalan Music (Palau de la Musica Catalana) and it was absolutely gorgeous! No wonder why it is designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The exterior of the building was spectacular. The attention to detail was remarkable.

We went to Sauc for dinner on the first day of our trip. Restaurant Sauc is OhLa Hotel's Gastronomic Restaurant. This Michelin one-star restaurant served traditional Catalan cuisine with a modern twist.