#explore - Janel Has Wings

Havana, Cuba Tips

by janelhaswings | Feb 27, 2020 | Uncategorized

One of the most challenging parts of trip planning is figuring out where to stay and also what to eat. I mean, everyone needs a good meal and place to lay their head down at night. Am I right? This list is to help take some of the headaches out of organizing your trip to Havana. I’ve created a list of places to dine, the best way to find accommodation, your not so average souvenir shop and a tip on Cuban currency because it can be confusing for anyone who goes to Cuba for the first time. There are tons of restaurants and bars to check out in Havana, but these are my top choices from my most recent trip. As they say in Cuba, ¡Salud! (Cheers!)

Where to eat

Breakfast

El Dandy: A cute hipster café that has big portions, reasonable prices and serves up great café con leche.

Location: Teniente Rey, La Habana

Lunch/Dinner:

Azucar Bar & Lounge: A great place to try the “famous” Cuban sandwich. Their sandwiches are big and worth the price. It has a very chill vibe and is a great spot for a coffee or a cocktail. The terrace provides great views and an awesome spot to take a photo of Plaza Vieja. It is located on the second floor above Café Escorial.

Location: Mercaderes 315 Teniente Rey & Vieja., Muralla, La Habana, Cuba

Antojos: Traditional Cuban food that stands out above the rest. By far the best meal that I had in Habana this time was at Antojos. It was so good that when I go back to Havana, it is the first place I’m going for a meal. I suggest getting their ropa vieja. It is a traditional Cuban dish and their take on it is nothing less than delicious. Their portions are large and their prices are extremely reasonable.

Located: Callejón Espada e Cuarteles y Chacon in Habana Vieja.

Rooftop Restaurant/Bar:

Jesús María 20: Thanks to my friend and best guide of Cuba, Marissa, for introducing me to this amazing rooftop spot in Habana Vieja. The restaurant has a first floor and two rooftop terraces, the first being the main terrace. It has a very hidden vibe about it, but it is well known amongst locals. The graffiti that decorates the main walls of the terrace give it the cool, hipster vibe that most people seem to go for these days. Besides the great aesthetic and delicious cocktails, the food is really good. I tried their fish fillet and sweet potato puree and was impressed. My friend had their ropa vieja and said it was wonderful.

Location: Jesús María, La Habana

El Malecón 663: My friend and I just so happened to come across this spot while walking El Malecón at night. It a boutique hotel and restaurant that has a rooftop bar that provides a gorgeous view of El Malecón. The inside is filled with artwork and has a very eclectic vibe. It’s a great place to have a late-night drink or a day time sangria to cool down from walking El Malecón.

Location: 663 Malecon, La Habana, Cuba

Coffee:

Cuba is known for its strong coffee so fair warning. If you have never had Cuban coffee before, stick with one and done otherwise you will be awake all night and probably attached to the toilet for a good amount of time. Yes, it is that strong. If you don’t believe me, well, you’ve been warned.

Café El Escorial: A traditional style café that offers tons of a vast variety of coffee drinks all the way from classics like café con leche, cortaditos, to modern-day frappes.

Where to shop:

Clandestina: They are Cuba’s first independent fashion brand. It is a great spot to find a cute shirt or bag and the best part is that you are supporting local entrepreneurs and it isn’t your typical souvenir.

Location: 403 Villegas, La Habana

Obispo: This isn’t a specific place, but Obispo is one of the main streets in Old Havana and it is filled with shops. It is one of the busiest streets in Habana Vieja and if you visit El Floridita for a daiquiri, then you are already standing on the corner of Obispo. If you continue walking down Obispo you will see open artist markets and shops with plenty of souvenirs.

Where to stay: Skip overpriced hotels and stay at a “casa particular” (Airbnb) in Vedado.

Most people want to stay in Habana Vieja because it is located near all of the tourist locations, but Habana Vieja at night is a ghost town. The best area to stay in Havana is Vedado. During the day it is a calm, pretty neighborhood and at night it has the best bars and clubs. On this trip, I stayed in Vedado at a super cute Airbnb. The only downside to Airbnb’s and hotels in Cuba is that the Wi-Fi is hardly ever free, the signal is awful, and in most places you have to buy internet cards if you want to use it. Airbnb’s charge 2 CUCs (2 USD) for a card, but you can buy cards at ETECSA (Cuba’s internet provider) for 1 CUC (1 USD) per card and use them at the Airbnb.

Currency: Cuba has two types of currency. CUC Cuban Convertible Peso and Cuban Pesos. 1 CUC is about 25 Cuban pesos. Most places accept CUC as a form of payment, especially from tourists. When you arrive to Cuba exchange your dollars for CUCs because there are very few places that accept U.S. dollars. The current exchange rate for dollars to CUC on the street is 1 USD for 1 CUC. Find someone who will exchange your dollars for you at this rate. You can ask the person running your Airbnb to help exchange your currency for you and they will find you the best price they can. If you exchange your money at a money exchange place they will charge you a ridiculous fee.

Although these tips are meant to help anyone traveling to Havana out, I also suggest roaming the streets and checking out any place that looks interesting to you. Some of the best experiences that I’ve had while traveling is walking into a place that looks like a hole-in-the-wall and discovering that it’s actually a hidden gem. If it looks interesting, there is a 100% chance that it is. Check it out!

6 Things to Do in Havana

by janelhaswings | Feb 20, 2020 | #travel, tips, Uncategorized

Havana seems to be on the tip of every traveler’s tongue these days and with good reason. Havana is a place that ignites warmth within the coldest of hearts as it is one of the sexiest cities you can visit. Havana is intoxicating to the senses. There are gorgeous men and women everywhere, and the rum is some of the strongest your lips will ever touch, and the music in the streets will make you sway your hips even if you have no rhythm.

The other part that appeals to travelers is that many people say going to Cuba is like traveling back into the ’50s. The old cars, dilapidated buildings, and lack of modernization, it’s as if Cuba never caught up with the rest of the world. If you are from the U.S. and you are wondering if traveling to Cuba is still a possibility, the answer is yes. Although travel has been restricted, again, it is still possible. As long as you apply for a visa through one of the visa programs that the U.S. allows, you are still able to travel to Cuba.

If you want to find what all of the hype is about Havana, the best way is to go and check it out for yourself. The following are my tips on what to do if it is your first time in Havana.

1. Walk El Malecon

First and foremost, you didn’t go to Havana if you don’t have a photo sitting on El Malecon. El Malecon is the causeway that separates the city from the sea. When you see pictures of old cars driving against the shoreline, they are driving next to El Malecon. The best time to walk it (in my opinion) is right before sunset. Sunsets in Havana are out of this world and especially at El Malecon because you have the sea and the city as a backdrop.

2. Drink a mojito at La Bodeguita del Medio

Even though this is a tourist trap, it is a must for anyone who is in Habana for the first time. It is the birthplace of the original mojito and has seen a fair share of famous faces since it opened in the 1940s. It is always guaranteed to have a large crowd of tourists, so I suggest going mentally prepared to wait for your mojito. You might as well order two to make dealing with the crowd work it.

3. Visit La Fabrica de Arte Cubano (FAC):

Located in Vedado, La Fabrica de Arte Cubano is a contemporary art collective that allows modern Cuban artists of all types to share a common space which just so happens to be an old oil mill that they converted into their home. You can expect to see all different types of art on display here, between musicians, dancers, painters, photographers, designers, etc. They are only open Thursday until Sunday from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m. They are also home to some of the best local concerts you can find. If you are interested in the arts, this is a must-see.

4. Ride in an old convertible

One of the biggest attractions in Cuba is riding around Havana in an old car. Even if you don’t have much background knowledge on automobiles, the old cars that filled the streets of Cuba are amazingly well maintained, considering that most of them are over 60 years old. A popular thing to do in Havana is a ride in a convertible alongside el Malecón as the driver or guide points on different buildings and historic locations in the city. The cost can range anywhere from 40 to 60 CUC.

5. Go to El Cañonazo

Each night at 9 p.m., a cannon is shot off at San Carlos de la Cabana. It is a tradition that goes back to the colonial times, and back then, it indicated the closing of the harbor for the night, today it is done for tradition. The guards wear traditional colonial outfits and fire off the cannon at precisely 9 p.m. The fee to see El Cañonazo is 8 CUC, which equals around 8 USD. If you don’t want to pay the entrance fee, you can also hear El Cañonazo for free if you walk El Malecón at night.

6. Drink a daiquiri at El Floridita

Cocktail connoisseurs know that El Floridita is the birthplace to the daiquiri, the lovely frozen rum drink that is sure to give you two things, brain freeze, and a buzz. It is also one of Ernest Hemmingway’s favorite spots in Havana. He was such a frequent patron that there is a statue of Hemmingway standing at the end of the bar. Just like La Bodeguita del Medio, it is a tourist trap and is almost always crowded, but since it is the birthplace of the daiquiri, it is a must-see.

2019 Reflections

by janelhaswings | Dec 26, 2019 | Life Experiences, Uncategorized

2019 started like any other year, filled with hope, happiness, and exciting plans to put into action. The only difference to the start of my 2019 ways that I rang it in by jumping on a hotel bed in Nepal with one of my best friends. I said exactly what most of us declare for the New Year, “This is going to be my year.” Flash forward to December of 2019, and as I reflect on this year, I could easily say that 2019 beat me down and dragged me down the curb a few times over, but the honest truth is, 2019 was a year that I needed to experience and the reminder that life is precious, make the most of it.

When I reflect on this year and think of the best words to use to describe it, the only two that come to mind are growth and transformation, and to be honest, growth and transformation are rarely a pretty process. They are both pretty ugly, and none of us want to experience them, but life makes sure that we do when we need it the most.

Almost two weeks after saying that 2019 was mine for the taking, I got bit by a street dog in Colombia, which at first was just a few puncture wounds, no big deal. Or so I thought. Quickly it escalated to cellulitis of the hand. Next thing that I know, I’m in the E.R. in Cartagena being told that what they said was the rabies injection that I thought they had given to me the day of the bite, was actually a tetanus shot. There I sat, in an E.R. in Colombia, being told that I need to get a double dose of the rabies vaccine ASAP. Also that if the antibiotics that they prescribed to me didn’t get rid of the infection in my arm, then there was literally nothing that anyone could do. I felt defeated, but the show must go on, so I continued on my merry way while taking antibiotics both orally and injected and prayed that I didn’t have rabies. Thankfully, I did not contract rabies. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be writing this right now because I would be dead.

Colombia thankfully was only a small scare, but looking back on it now, it was just a precursor to what would be the rest of my year. Two weeks after my Colombian street dog adventure, I was back in the U.S. visiting my family and friends and taking a course to become a certified medical interpreter. Since I was in town, I made plans with my stepdad to go out to eat with him and his mom (my grandmother) and catch up. The day we were supposed to meet up, a polar vortex hit our city, and there was no way in the world that he or I were going to leave our houses because we both despise cold weather. We canceled our original plans and decided I would visit him at his home two days later.

When I went to his house, we talked for a few hours about everything that had happened since the last time we saw each other. I told him about my motorcycle accident on my 30th birthday in Colombia, having raging food poisoning on the streets of India, and my most recent adventure, my brush in with a Colombian street dog. In typical dad fashion, he shook his head in disbelief and dismay. He told me to start being more careful and to quit going on these crazy trips because something always happens to me. (There is nothing but the truth in what he said.)

After hearing my crazy stories, he asked me when would I move back home because he missed me, and he wanted me back home. He said he thought the best thing for me was to go home for a while and be with my family and spend time with everyone. I told him that I was going to try to get my interpreter certification so I could come back home and work as an interpreter for a bit and then head back to Panamá, and if everything went according to plan, I would move back around March. I told him that when I moved back, we would start going on walks together and hanging out to make up for the missed time. When we got around to saying our goodbyes, I promised him that I would be back sooner than he knew. He told me to give him a hug, and as I did, he squeezed me extremely tight like he always did, and then told me that he loved me. He started crying, and I said, “I love you too, dad. Why are you crying?” He said, “I just love you so much. I love you so much.” He gave me a kiss on the forehead and another tight hug, and I was on my way. Little did I know, I would never be able to take another walk with him or visit with him again. My dad died a day and a half later of a heart attack in his sleep. I was the last person to see him alive and to talk to him.

My dad’s death triggered a downward spiral in my life. I had forgotten what it felt like to lose someone that you love and how your heart feels like it is shattering into a million pieces when you hear that someone who you love is no longer here. I am not a stranger to loss or grief. When I was in high school, I lost two grandparents and my father the morning after my high school graduation. Loss and grief and I had already met face to face when I was younger, but now what I was 30 and hadn’t felt that pain in my many years, I had forgotten how absolutely horrible it is.

My dad (stepdad) was in my life since I was four years old, and he was what I believed to be the best dad. The day that he married my mom, he got down on one knee with two rings in his hand and asked my sister and me if we would be his family. From that day forward, we were his daughters. I never questioned if my stepdad loved us because he demonstrated it to us daily. His actions spoke louder than words, and where I felt a lack of love from my biological father, my stepdad would try to make up for it by always telling me how proud he was of me and how much he loved me. I always knew that I could count on him for anything I needed, and he would always be there for me. He helped get me through some of the toughest moments in my life when my grandfather and my father passed away. He pushed me to move forward, and he was always one of my biggest fans. When he passed away this year, my world felt like it fell apart. I lost someone who loved me no matter what, who always had my back even when I messed up and who would remind me of how great I could be even when I couldn’t see it. My soul felt crushed after I found out that he had passed away.

He passed away February 2nd, and the months following his passing were filled with numbness, sadness, and pain. I couldn’t understand why my stepdad passed away right before I was planning to move back home. We had made plans to hang out together and see each other, and now it was all gone. I didn’t know why it happened, and I knew I was never going to get the answer. Someone who I loved dearly was taken away from me without any warning. I was mad at the world.

After I moved back home in March, I went through months of not understanding, being depressed, and just feeling as if I was never going to get back to feeling like “myself” again. It wasn’t until July, the month of both of our birthdays, that I started to feel true happiness again. I was traveling around my state and other cities nearby, spending time in nature and taking photographs of butterflies and flowers. As I started to feel better and think about what it is I want out of life, I realized that I wanted to finally do something that I had been talking about for years. I wanted to start a blog and discuss travel and tell all of my crazy stories to the world. I kept going back and forth on if I should or if I shouldn’t, and if I started it, what should I name it? From a little help from my friend’s mother and a sign from my stepdad (a butterfly), I came up with the name Janel Has Wings, and then I got online and researched how to start a blog. The rest is history.

I am not the same person that I was starting in 2019, and I know that I will never be. I moved back home, which was something that I never truly wanted to do, I lost my stepdad, two grandparents, and a friend, and I was working a job that I didn’t enjoy which is something that I said I would never do again. All of this combined reminded me that life is fleeting, and we should make the most of it while we can. Life will never be perfect, and there will be problems and loss, but there will also be those really incredible moments that make it worth it. If anything I’ve learned in 2019, it is to allow myself to feel “negative” emotions but never give up. It took feeling like I had lost it all to find myself again. I’m thankful for 2019 and the life lessons that accompanied it, no matter how hard they were. I know that walking into 2020, I am a totally different person than I was at the beginning of 2019, and I know that 2020 will push me to continue to grow and transform myself into the person I am meant to be.

P.S. Thanks, Dad, for the wings! 💖

“May the tears you have cried in 2019 water the seeds that you are planting for 2020.” -Steve Maraboli

Top 5 Luxury Destinations for 2020

by janelhaswings | Dec 12, 2019 | #travel, tips, Uncategorized

Although I know how to stretch a dollar when it comes to traveling, I also know when to indulge on pricier destinations. I’m no foreigner to the concept of “making it rain” when the amount of money that I plan to spend is worth the experience I plan to have. When it comes to traveling, it is essential to know when to break your piggy bank and when to leave it alone. These 5 destinations are all destinations that I have traveled to myself that were worth every single dollar, even though they are more expensive than your typical destination.

The following are My Top 5 Luxury Destinations for 2020 that are worth every last dime, part of your 401k, and your tax return.

1.The Maldives- Paradise on earth. Seriously, there is a reason why people obsess over these islands. The lavish water bungalows, the impeccable hospitality, and the turquoise color waters of the Maldives leave an outstanding impression on anyone. Maldives is a paradise because there is an option for everyone. One of my favorite things about the Maldives wasn’t the fantastic bungalow over the water, that’s obvious, but it was swimming with sharks. I had no clue that the reef sharks there would get extremely close to you while you were in the water. Reef sharks are not aggressive, and for the most part, they are generally pretty small, so there is no need to worry about Jaws attacking you in the middle of a paradisiac island but prepare yourself to see one or two fins swimming by.

Why is it expensive? Considering the Maldives is made of 26 atolls that are all spread out, getting from one island to another can only be done by boat or charter plane. Also, it is in the middle of the Indian ocean, so everything must be brought in from other countries. Combine these factors along with the luxurious hotels, and you’ve got a recipe for one of the more expensive destinations to visit.

The average daily cost of food and accommodation: Food will depending on the resort menu prices which can range from $20 all the way $100 a day; A night in a 4-star resort will range anywhere from $250-$1,500 + depending on the type of room and the resort.

2. Sydney, Australia- Ah! The Land Down Under. Let’s be honest, most of us have a burning desire to go to Australia just so we can see a crocodile and let our inner Steve Irwin (R.I.P.) shine as we yell, “By crikey, it’s a crocodile!” Ok, maybe that is just me, but Australia is appealing to any traveler because it is typically on the opposite side of the globe. When you think of an exotic destination that is far away, more than likely, you are going to think of Australia. Sydney isn’t Australia’s capital, but it is the most popular destination. When we see images of Australia the first one that typically pops up is the Sydney Opera House being plastered all over postcards and Instagram pages not only show the beauty of the city, but it appeals to all travelers.

Why is it expensive? The first part is how far it is for most people. Apart from the distance, it is secluded, so it makes goods more expensive. It is also a massive continent, so if you want to see as much as possible on a 14-day trip, be prepared to fly from one destination to another. Australia isn’t quite as big as the U.S., but it is still enormous. The best transportation mode if you are crunched on time and want to see the most is flying, therefore, be prepared to buy plane tickets from one destination to the other.

The average daily cost of food and accommodation: Food will cost you between $30-$50. A 4-start hotel in Sydney will set you back between $150-$300 USD per night.

The Sydney Harbor and Sydney Opera House.

3. Lausanne, Switzerland- Welcome to the land of divine chocolates and cheeses. Oh, and don’t forget a landscape that is something Monet could only dream of replicating. Pictures of Switzerland just don’t do it justice. It is a country that you have to experience for yourself to understand the true beauty of it. I have yet to see a video or photograph that clearly embodies how stunning it is. Lausanne, in particular, is a breathtaking city because it is on the shores of Lake Genova, which ensures not only spectacular views but all of the Instagram opportunities that you can imagine. An hour away from Lausanne is the cute town where one of the most renown cheese brands is located, Gruyères. If cheese isn’t your thing and you prefer more of an adventure, a three-hour drive east of Lausanne will land you right in the middle of the Swiss Alps. I hear people talk about how expensive it is all the time, and it is true, but if you have the finances to afford a trip to Lausanne, Switzerland, book it now.

Why is it expensive? It is well known amongst travelers that Switzerland is a destination that requires spending a lot. Why? They use a different currency than members of the European Union. The Swiss Franc is overvalued, and therefore prices are higher. Is there a sticker shock when you first arrive? Yes, but once you see the Swiss Alps with your own eyes, you no longer care about food prices.

The average daily cost of food and accommodation: Food will cost you between $50-$80. A 4-star hotel in Lausanne will run you between $150 – $250 dollars a night.

4. Reykjavík, Iceland- If you haven’t heard of Iceland by now, then your internet services are probably limited where you live. Ten years ago, a patron at the bar that I worked at told me that he was from Iceland and was working in the U.S. temporarily. First, I was shocked that someone from Iceland was in Louisville, KY, but once the shock factor wore off, we began talking about the tourist attractions that Iceland has to offer. As soon as he mentioned the Northern Lights, I was sold, but I was also curious to know why I hadn’t heard much about Iceland before. Flash forward a few years, and everyone and half of their families are planning trips to Iceland. Why? The possibility of seeing the Northern Lights while visiting is good, and with tours that allow you to climb glaciers, why wouldn’t you want to go? Plus, let’s not forget the famous Blue Lagoon that floods Instagram feeds because it is such a popular spot. Iceland is an adventure-lovers dream, and if you don’t like to live on the wild side, but you enjoy nature, then you have no problem finding something to do while you are there.

Why is it expensive? Iceland is another secluded island that has to import most of its goods. Being secluded and the cost of living combine to make higher prices than the average country.

The average daily cost of food and accommodation: A nice meal in a restaurant in Reykjavík will set you back around $40-$60 per person, not including drinks, and a 4-star hotel will cost between $150 -$250 USD.

Letting my inner figure skater shine through on top of a glacier in Iceland.

5. Dubai, U.A.E.- Whoever says that everything is better in Texas, clearly, has never been to Dubai. Do you want to see the tallest building in the world? The Burj Khalifa can be found in Dubai. You can also see the world’s biggest water fountain from above when you visit the Burj Khalifa. The truth is, whatever already exists in the world, Dubai has said, “We will make it bigger and better.” Not only have they delivered on their idea, but they have quickly become a popular destination amongst travelers. Dubai is appealing to travelers because although it is located in the middle of a desert, there is so much to see in the city. Want to visit the world’s largest aquarium? Take a ride over to the Dubai Mall, and while you are there, make sure you check out the indoor ski slopes, as well. If you work up a sweat from all of the shopping that you do while in Dubai, then you can head over to the beach and cool down. If you are looking more for an adventure, then I suggest going on a desert safari. It ended up being the one thing that I enjoyed the most while in U.A.E. Riding in a Jeep and feeling like it was going to flip at any moment was precisely the thrill rush that I needed.

Why is it so expensive? Dubai is located right in the middle of the desert, and although it’s location factors into the expense, it is also a city built off of oil money. If you factor that in along with the number of billionaires who call Dubai home, and you can figure out why it is expensive.

The average daily cost of food and accommodation: Food will run you between $30 – $50 USD and 4-star hotel accommodations will cost between $250 – $350.

Sitting in the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.

And there you have it. These are my Top 5 Luxury Destinations for 2020. What better way to bring in the New Year than booking a trip to a luxurious foreign land with priceless views.

The Perfect Day in Barcelona

by janelhaswings | Nov 7, 2019 | Uncategorized

My favorite European city is usually at the top of most people’s bucket lists and for a good reason. Barcelona is home to amazing Guadí architecture, Mediterranean views, and of course, fantastic tapas (small plates) and cervezas. It’s a city that takes you in and wraps you with warmth, culture, and gastronomy that is out of this world. I’ve been to Barcelona on several different occasions, and each time I fall more in love with it than the previous visit and I can safely say that it is my favorite European city so far. Having been to Barcelona several times I’ve come up with a way to spend the perfect day in Barcelona whether you plan to stay there for a week or just a twenty-four layover, I’ve got you covered.

The first thing that you need to know if you are visiting this magnificent city is that its official language is not Spanish. The official language of Barcelona is Catalan, and it is the primary language that you see written on the metro stops and buildings. No need to worry though, they have their Spanish and many times English translation below. The official coin is the euro since they are still currently part of the European Union. Although Barcelona is still technically part of Spain, they voted to separate from Spain, and it is still a sore subject for many people around Spain. It’s not something I would discuss with just anyone that you meet because conversations about it can get tense, and it doesn’t matter if they are for it or against it, it will spark emotions either way. Although the future of the city is still unknown one thing remains certain, it is a must see!

Barcelona is a very sprawling city, and considering the length of your stay and your itinerary, I suggest using the metro. The metro is a quick and easy way to get from one area of Barcelona to another without having to spend a lot of uber/taxi fares. The metro is also conveniently located throughout the city, so it makes it extremely convenient. My biggest suggestion to travelers while riding a subway anywhere in the world is to watch your belongings. Barcelona, just like Paris, New York, and any other major metropolitan city falls victim to pickpocketers, and there is nothing that will ruin your vacation or trip quicker than someone taking your money, credit cards or passport. Be aware of your surroundings and put your backpacks or purses in front of you, not behind you. If you are a seasoned traveler, then you already know the deal, but for many people who haven’t traveled on the metro systems before, this is all new knowledge. You can get a metro card at any of the stations and refill it as you go. Once you have the metro card, it’s time to hit the streets.

My first stop in Barcelona always is and probably always will be La Sagrada Familia. La Sagrada Familia is a cathedral that was designed by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. It is the second most visited cathedral in the world, and in my personal opinion, it is the most beautiful cathedral in the world. Sorry to the Vatican, but La Sagrada Familia wins for me.

La Sagrada Familia has tons of stained glass windows that change the colors inside of the cathedral, depending on the time of day and the light that shines through. It truly is a magical experience to see the colors inside of the cathedral differ between morning, afternoon, and evening. If you can swing going at different times of day during your trip, then I suggest it even though that means paying the entrance fee more than once. The cathedral is still currently under construction, and it has been that way for many years. Although La Sagrada Familia is still currently under construction, visitors are allowed to go inside and tour it and experience the beauty of the cathedral for themselves. While booking the tour, I suggest choosing the entrance + tower option. The reason why I say this is because it allows you to walk up one of the four towers and get some incredible views of Barcelona from above. It is definitely worth the additional cost. I suggest spending at least an hour at La Sagrada Familia. Although you purchase your tickets ahead of time on the internet, the queue is long, so try to arrive before your entrance time, and if you can opt for the earliest entrance, which is 9 a.m., then choose that one. Most people don’t like to wake up early while they are on vacation or traveling, so you beat the masses by arriving early.

Find your tickets here.

https://sagradafamilia.org/en/

After basking in the fantastic views at La Sagrada Familia, I suggest heading to Passeig de Gràcia. Passeig de Gràcia is a main avenue in Barcelona, and it is bustling with cafés, shops, and restaurants. It is also home to several Guadí architectural artworks, including Casa Milá, also known as La Pedrera and Casa Batlló.

Just like Sagrada Familia, Casa Milà and Casa Batlló are two top tourist destinations, so you will want to buy your tickets before visiting; otherwise, the lines are long and frequently sold out. I have been to both, and I enjoy them both the same, but you can look at photos online to determine if you prefer to do one over the other. They both have rooftops that you can walk on and take pictures of Barcelona from above. When purchasing tickets for La Sagrada Familia, there is the option to buy entrance tickets to either Casa Milà or Casa Batlló or both. It is more cost-effective and convenient to purchase them all prior, but if you aren’t sure about when to go to each, then I would buy them separately online. The tour in each house is around an hour, and they provide interesting background into the life and works of Gaudí, Barcelona’s most famous architect. If you love history, architecture, or just experiencing something different than what you are used to, then I highly suggest checking both of them out. Once you have finished visiting Casa Batlló and Casa Milà, then it’s time to head to Plaça de Catalunya.

Find your tickets to Casa Batlló and Casa Milà here:

https://www.casabatllo.es/en/

Casa Mila Tickets Free Tours

Plaça de Catalunya isn’t only a massive plaza in the middle of Barcelona, and it is considered to be the city center. It is so centrally located that it is the standard meeting place for catching up with someone. As you can imagine, the metro stop there is bustling and full of people. Mentally prepare yourself for a crowd when arriving at Plaça de Catalunya. One of the reasons why Plaça de Catalunya is so popular is also because it is the head of the most famous pedestrian walkway in Barcelona, Las Ramblas.

Las Ramblas is a massive pedestrian street that stretches from Plaça de Catalunya to Port Vell. The street is filled with vendors. They sell anything from souvenirs and clothing to quick bites to eat. Las Ramblas is an experience all on its own. Although it isn’t an actual building, it is a main point of interest. You can grab some souvenirs or do a lot of people watching. Las Ramblas is busy at all times of day, and some people who do not like crowds try to avoid it, but everyone should experience it at least once. Just as I suggested being aware of your belongings on the metro, I have the same suggestion for Las Ramblas. Any place that draws big crowds of tourists or people is a playground for pickpocketers. Just make sure you are aware of this, and you will be fine. It should never deter you from going there.

While walking Las Ramblas, you cannot help but notice Mercado de La Boqueria. It is a massive food market located on Las Ramblas, and it is a must-see. Besides, by this time, you are probably hungry and what better way to check out the local food scene than a local food market. The food scene in Barcelona is top-notch, in my opinion, and the view of most of the top gastronomers in the world. Something to try while visiting would be jamón serrano. It is a dry-cured ham, and it is delectable. If you don’t eat meat or pork, then I suggest trying patatas bravas. They are the Spanish version of fries that are to die for. They are potato wedges with hot sauce and aioli (mayonnaise seasoned with garlic) on top of them. My mouth is watering while I write this. Although I suggest trying these two typical food items, there are so many others to check out in La Boquería that I recommend walking around and checking out whatever calls out to you. You cannot go wrong in La Boquería.

After you’ve tasted some of the local treats, then you can walk off some of the calories by heading over to Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. The Gothic Quarter is located off of Las Ramblas, and it is also a popular point of interest. Barcelona’s gothic quarter was the old city center, and it remains a bustling part of Barcelona. It is compiled of small shops, plazas and it is home to some of Barcelona’s best nightlife. During the day you can take advantage and walk around and admire the gothic architecture and the Gothic Cathedral, which is one of the main attractions in the quarter. The Gothic Quarter is also filled with tons of street musicians and artists that give it a unique local flare as well. It’s fun just to walk around and get lost in the quarter for a few hours.

If you’ve had enough of the Gothic Quarter and looking for a change of scenery then head back to Las Ramblas and walk towards Port Vell, the tale tells sign that you have reached Port Vell is the famous Christopher Colombus statue at the end of Las Ramblas. Port Vell is a great spot to capture beautiful photographs of boats on the Mediterranean. It is also a great way to walk from Las Ramblas to La Barceloneta.

La Barceloneta is the most popular beach area of Barcelona that provides excellent views of the Mediterranean during the day and a crazy nightlife scene during the summer. It is also the best area to check out another traditional Spanish dish called paella (a rice dish containing seafood). During summer, it’s nice to walk along the beach during the day and catch some sun rays or spend the actual day there soaking up the sun. It is a place that cannot be passed up while visiting Barcelona, but if it isn’t summertime, walking along it is still fun.

After checking out La Barceloneta, I suggest making your way to Parque Güell. It is not close to the city center, BUT it is the spot for some of the most magical Barcelona sunsets, in my opinion. Parque Güell is another beautiful Guadí masterpiece, and it is my second favorite to La Sagrada Familia. I love nature and art, and when you combine both, I’m in Heaven on Earth. Parque Güell is a trendy tourist destination; therefore, prepare yourself for the typical crowds and long lines and buy your entrance tickets online prior. The entrance to the park is sold out a lot of times, so if you do not purchase your tickets prior, you will more than likely be disappointed when you arrive. Either they have tickets available for a few hours later, or it’s sold out.

Parque Güell is not something that you want to miss or skip out. Even if nature isn’t your idea of a good time, the views of Barcelona from Parque Güell are hard to beat. Most bloggers would suggest going as early as possible to get photos with the least amount of people possible, and this is true. There is a big crowd, and getting the perfect Instagram shot is nearly impossible if you don’t go early, but the best time to visit is right before sunset, aka the golden hour. It is crowded in the afternoon and evening, but the sunsets that I’ve witnessed from Parque Güell are to this date the best sunsets I’ve ever seen in Barcelona. You may not get the best Instagram shot, but you do get some of the best mental photos you can imagine. I try to get to Parque Güell no later than 4 p.m. so that I can walk around and enjoy the gorgeous Guadí architecture and find a spot to sit to enjoy the view. The park closes at 6:15 p.m., so if you are like me and arrive at 4 p.m., you at least get a couple of hours to check it out before you have to leave.

Purchase your tickets here:

https://www.parkguelltickets.org/

After taking in an incredible sunset at Parque Güell, I typically backtrack to Las Ramblas, and there is a good reason why. Food and nightlife. As I mentioned before, Plaça de Catalunya in the center of the city and the surrounding areas are the best to find food and drinks, and this is especially true in the evening in the Gothic Quarter. Some of the best nightlife in Barcelona is in the Gothic Quarter. One of my favorite places to grab a drink is at El Bosc de Les Fades (The Forest of the Fairies). The reason why it is such a popular bar to check out is that it is like being inside of a hidden forest. Hence the name. Of course, I am drawn to a fairy forest because I love nature and fairies, but I have yet to meet someone that has said that they hated visiting El Bosc de Les Fades. It is like being transported to a whole different place. Outside you have the hustle and bustle of a huge city, and inside you have the calm, tranquil forest-like vibes. It is a great place to grab a small glass of beer (caña) or my favorite traditional Spanish wine drink, sangría. It’s a great place to hang out and meet both tourists and locals and find out the best place to party. Barcelona’s nightlife is ever-changing, and every time I visit, there is a new place to check out or another place that has become more popular. I always like to ask locals in my age group, where they recommend and determine which place sounds bests and head there.

Check out El Bosc de Les Fades below:

http://www.museocerabcn.com/en/bosc.html

My typical perfect day in Barcelona includes all of the aforementioned stops and places of interest. This itinerary is great for those who are limited on time and/or those who are like me and want to see as much as possible in a day. This itinerary can also give you a blueprint of how you would like to plan out your visit to Barcelona. It is a massive city with lots of fun things to check out and do, but in my opinion, everything that I’ve mentioned in this blog is a must-see. I love Barcelona because of its food, architecture, culture, and friendly vibe. It’s a great city for any age group and a fabulous place to make your first visit to Europe.