Barcelona welcomed me back
For over 4 years, I had the privilege of “having” to go to Barcelona for work every other week. During this time, I spread my time between Lisbon, Madrid and Barcelona – something I am incredibly grateful for, and despite tiring, was in fact, incredible. Could you pick 3 better places?
This adventure ended in 2007 (when I traded the 2 Spanish cities for Istanbul just for fun) and I had not returned to Barcelona since. Why? I honestly don’t know. The memories I have from this place are fantastic – fell in love with this place, made amazing friends which I keep to this day and do not get me started on the food.. and shopping!
My birthday was approaching and, with the help of my friend Trudi (my travel partner in crime, together with Mr O and her husband), after a couple of drinks one night, we made a decision – we would go to Barcelona for my birthday (and don’t ask, a lady never tells).
Staying faithful to my motto – if you leave home, it has to be better – there was only one place to stay – the fabulous W Barcelona. Flights booked with British Airways (of course, is there another way?), and we were ready to go!
With a few weeks to spare, a little preparation was required – should I try new places.. or should I go back down memory lane? It must be my age – I decided to go with the latter.
Friday Night
Dinner at Tragaluz was a staple, and I couldn’t not go back. Some changes took place (for the better), but the place remained trendy and the food, creative and delicious. It would be wrong not to try one of my favourite local wines - Priorat is very close to Barcelona and home to one of my favourite winemaking regions in the world.
We checked-in at the hotel (quite late, but of course not a problem for a hotel whose concierge service it’s called “Whatever Whenever”) and boy, were we surprised!
Cool as any W, the Barcelona property isn’t black.. it is red. Fiery like the Spanish, yet warm and inviting. It would be the understatement of the year to say that our room was comfortable. A cool corner suite (thank you!), and views to die for. It was dark.. but we still found the mini bar. Is this the real thing of what?
Nonethess, no rest for the wicked and time to check out Eclipse, the cool roof top bar. Want stunning views and like cocktails? This is the place to come.
Saturday
A little light-headed (those watermelon martinis were delicious), what better way to get rid of any pain other than a brisk walk? I took Mr. O and friends to one of my favourite places in Barcelona. Yes it is touristy, but there is something special about it -we started our (late) morning at the Boqueria or St. Josep market.
The rest of the morning was spent shopping (where to start.. humm… Portal de L’Angel, followed by Passeig de Grácia) and all of a sudden, it was time for lunch!
Barcelona equals fish and seafood to me.. so we had to go to Agua not far from the Olympic port, where we toasted the birthday girl with some nice Cava.
We needed to burn some calories, so decided to walk by the seafront towards the hotel. My friends, aka the tourists couldn’t resist taking photo after photo of this new landmark.
We then spent a lazy afternoon at the hotel – so many things to do, and it would be a shame not to enjoy the views from as many windows as possible!
Dinner took place at La Barceloneta, which was a short walk from the hotel. Give me gambas, ibérico and a good glass of wine and I’m a happy girl.
Throw in a tasty dessert and you pretty much have me. Who said life isn’t easy and simple?
The evening ended with yet another delicious cocktail, this time at the W Bar over a competitive game of knots and crosses. Who knew how addictive this could be?
Sunday
Sunday in Spain means no shopping, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. We started the day with this view.. I was a year older after all, and with age comes the appreciation of small things… orange juice (which, like gin & tonics always taste better in Spain).. and the beach.
I have actually never been to the beach in Barcelona, but *could* be persuaded to come back and try the new beach club the W is opening once the summer season starts… this could be the ideal weekend break!
Time for (yet) another meal and meet some very special local friends. You know you have something special going on when despite not seeing them for 5 years, you hug and it is as if you were never gone. The difference is that now they are both mothers – and I have Mr. O 
amazing or what?
And what was the last meal? Paella, arroz negro and fideuá at el Merendero de la Mari at Palau de Mar. I can’t choose one, so had to persuade everyone to order the 3.
Good things come to an end, as they say, and it was time to go. But I may be back before the year ends.. who knows?
Like my friends, I felt that Barcelona never forgot me and certainly made me feel welcome. So welcome, I could stay forever.
Gracies for the best birthday ever!
Mrs.O
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Beautiful! I really miss cycling around Barceloneta! Like you say, it’s a city that’s so easy to enjoy without necessarily having to be doing something in particular. You can just find a good spot and enjoy the vibe.
I made a video at Barceloneta and with some other spots around the city but have yet to try the W hotel. Looks great though!
Here’s the Barcelona travel video I made…I would love to know what you think. gettingcloseto.com/blog/episode-3-barcelona-spain.
Thanks for sharing
Ok, now I REALLLY want to go back to Barcelona!!!! I also fell in love with the city when I was there for a month in 2005. I mean, I need to see the W hotel, right?! Thanks for sharing
Absolutely, the W is a must! Thanks for stopping by, Melody!
I’ll be there on Monday! can’t wait. Thanks for the tips!
pointsandtravel recently posted..Even better: PHX-DEN $96!!
Have fun!!
Gorgeous pics! Only been to Barcelona once- would love to go back x
whatkatedoesnext recently posted..Marrying Mr Dentist
I love it too
worth planning a second visit!
nice presentation of sun city barcelona , I come here in 2002 and be still around here , make my art and let me inspired from the city, greetings manfred artist
Thank you. BCN is indeed a very special place
Hi,
Thanks for the blog, I did enjoy reading it. I have spent some time myself in Barcelona and I feel very nostalgiac reading posts like these. I’m just always a little disappointed that people go to Barcelona (and you’ve been quite a bit it seems) and completely seem to miss out or ignore the Catalan issue like Barcelona is just another *Spanish* city. La Palau de la Música, Passeig de Gràcia, La Sagrada Família, Dalí, Miró! All Catalan treasures and never credited as such! I hope you get the chance to return, learn a bit of Catalan, and see it from the actual local’s perspective because it is much more rewarding!
Hi Zach, thank you so much for stopping by and for your comments. Totally agree with you – the interesting thing is those places are indeed part of the visions of Barcelona I have when I close my eyes. I worked on Passeig de Gracia, almost opposite Casa Battló, and walked past la Pedrera every day. Maybe I should have mentioned them as they may not be obvious to all!
I’ve dreamt of living in Barcelona since forever, and finally last year my dream came true. Once having lived in Barcelona I don’t think you can ever forget it or love it less! It’s a special city. I loved your descriptions & photos.
Probably you know about the series: A perfect day in BCN. I contributed to it as well, as BCN is perfect any day for me: http://www.homagetobcn.com/monicas-bcn-day/.
Great to have found your blog, will read you more.
Monica recently posted..Anímate a usar la web para tu beneficio ~ Dare to use the web to your benefit
Hi Monica, thank you for stopping by and for your kind words. Barcelona is indeed a very special place. Will check out your post!
Wow, what an amazing birthday weekend. I love staying at the W! The one in Chicago is pretty ridiculous too. Happy belated!
Kieu ~ GQ trippin recently posted..Sushi to Dai For
Oh which one? I stayed at the City Centre but next time will be Lakeshore
I often wondered if the W fit in there in Barcelona… I never visited the property… it always seems strange to me to be on a beach in Barcelona as I often prefer its gothic cobblestone mazes looking for tapas and wine, but one look at that view and I may just be sold… thanks for sharing.
stay adventurous, Craig
Craig Zabransky recently posted..Sunset Sunday – Sunset on the Streets of Quebec City
Barcelona “embraced” the sea following the 1992 Olympics and all the development that took place. Still find the beach part strange, but love the sea, and the smell. The humidity not so much, but can’t be perfect!
ahh this all looks amazing! serious spanish envy happening.
the lazy travelers recently posted..operation: explore astoria
I think Barcelona would make me happy, too
Thank you for sharing your birthday, your favorite spots and your photos. And omg paella! I so need to get to Spain!
Francesca recently posted..Michigan’s Lakeshore Harvest Country
looks like a fun and delicious time. I have a difficult time whenever I go back to places I know well in terms of choosing whether or not to try something new or to go back to an old favorite.
John recently posted..Work and Vacation – How to Travel Beyond Your Allotted PTO
I know, a tough one! But here it was even worse as it was a place I kind of lived in!! Happy with the decision though
The views… and the chocolate dessert… Very nice!
You know, Barcelona didn’t wow me as much as it does many visitors. It took me a few days to warm up to it, perhaps because I got the after the amazing Andalusia. I do have good memories though and perhaps another visit is in order one day.
Pola (@jettingaround) recently posted..Photo of the Week: Zócalo in Puebla, Mexico
Hi Pola, now that is interesting! It depends on how busy it is and what mood you were in. I suppose I was lucky and had many visits almost on a weekly basis to make me feel into a BCN mood. Andalucia, yes – stunning! Whereabouts?
Wow, I really need to get back there! It’s been 20yrs and your recommendations sound so good, especially the W! Maybe we can meet in person there !
Raul (ilivetotravel in Twitter) recently posted..Hope, Bones and Natural Beauty in Puno, Peru
Raul, just say when!
Watermelon martinis? Count me in! Sounds like you had an incredible birthday and what better city to celebrate in? I know where I want to go for my next birthday
What time of the year is it? We could meet up
This hotel junkie is supremely jealous. The W in Barca ranks very high on my hotel bucket list:)
D.J. – The World of Deej recently posted..Check Out Time – The Week in Travel
And worth every dollar
i cannot wait to return to Barcelona. it is one of my favorite European cities and you have given me some FAB destinations not to miss. i LOVE all the photos. especially the one with all the juices and straws that DO look like birthday candles
lola recently posted..i spy eye candy! Rome
And.. they were delicious
lola will like them for sure!
What a great way to spend your 25th birthday. I am guessing here because you look around 30 years old in your newer posts. Looks like a fabulous time in Barcelona.
Traveling Ted recently posted..Perfect yellow building in Puebla, Mexico
Heehehe, I am in my early thirties
but remember when I turned 25! As it turns out.. it actually was in Barcelona!
I remember going to most of these restaurants with you!! how cool were those days! I am glad you came back to Spain!!
Many kisses Ana. Love your blog!
Hola Paula
I know, I am delighted I decided to revisit them all this time wrong. Life works in mysterious ways and turns out I am back in BCN for a day in a couple weeks – I now need to go to Madrid so we can catch up after all these years 
thank you for stopping by!
Thanks for posting this. That view from the W Barcelona is amazing!
and the food looks so good too.
now I just have to wait till my trip to Barcelona this August!
Hi Katharine, so glad you liked it and found it useful
I can highly recommend every place I went!
What fantastic photos! I’ve lived in Barcelona for a year now and the photos people take here never fail to amaze me. Was in the Eclipse bar for the first time a few weeks ago, and it does epitomise cool. Glad the city welcomed you back:)
Hi Julie, thank you so much for your kind words! It was an amazing feeling and have a hunch that I will be back before long
I love that you went to Barcelona for your birthday and walked down memory lane. It’s neat that you were able to show “your” Barcelona to others. I hope you show it to me one day soon, too.
That would be a pleasure, Madam
Thanks for the post! I miss Barcelona so much and the iberico looks so good, I want to eat my computer screen!
Amazing Clicks and description !
Thanks
Looks liek you had a great time in Barcelona – great pics too,, makes me want to go back:)
And you have only just been!!
Thanks, Fiona!
Looks life you had a fabulous birthday Ana! Great pics too – makes me want to go back to Barcelona now!:)
So many good memories, great food, “nice” wine (!) beach and City (a rare combination) and of course some shopping for Mrs O, oh and of course what a hotel. Loved the mini bar!
Would have been fab. Seriously looks good, and the juices!
so healthy! you’d have loved them!
What a great article Mrs O! My god the photos are stunning. I think I know where I am staying when I get to BCN again. What an amazing hotel!
Yes, you simply can’t stay anywhere else. Quite something
would have loved if you had joined us.. next time, maybe?
Wow, the W looks phenomenal. The Eclipse is a place I’d love to hang out at! Thanks for posting!
Pleasure, loved going there and can certainly recommend it
What a wonderful birthday weekend! The blog so well written. It brought back my mories of my day (one day) in Barcelona while on a Med. cruise. We took a taxi to the most fantastic long sandy beach dotted with bars…..had the most memorable seafood lunch there, we shopped in the old town, visited Picasso Museum, wondered through narrow streets….Thanks for the memories
Oh Mira, my pleasure. Thank you for your kind words, as always! Much appreciated
Love it. And not just because it includes W Barcelona. Hope to see you back soon.
Thank you
can’t wait to go back 