Beyond the Beaches: Discover the Surprising Charm of Barcelona
- Theresa Myers
- Nov 4
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 13
A traveler’s guide to the unexpected beauty, beaches, and colors of Barcelona.
When I landed in Barcelona, I expected something tight, bustling, and city-dense—more like Rome or New York City. Instead, I found a different kind of energy: one that’s open, breezy, and full of colour. From the moment I arrived at the airport, my expectations flipped in the best way possible.
Easy Arrival & First Impressions
It was a relief to see clear signage at the airport, guiding me effortlessly toward taxis and ride-services. That removed a lot stress for me as I was worried about how to get public transportation. The short transfer to downtown made the arrival smooth and stress-free. The fact that the airport is so near the city centre gave me a sense of immediate access and ease.
And then there were the palm trees and beaches—I hadn’t expected them. In the heart of Barcelona, you’ll find palm-lined promenades, sand, sun, and sea. That blend of “city+coast” caught me off guard—in a good way. The urban palette here is bright: colourful façades, lively façades, open boulevards, and a more expansive feel than many European capitals. It reminded me a little of Porto, Portugal—but in Barcelona’s case, the scale felt grander, more metropolitan, yet still relaxed.
What struck me most was the feeling of the place: not cramped, not overwhelmingly hectic, but comfortable and vibrant. If you’re coming with expectations of chaos, traffic jams, and pushing through crowds, I’m here to tell you: Barcelona surprises in all the right ways.
Top 3 Things to See in Barcelona
Here are my must-see picks during your stay in this wonderful city based off n reviews from TripAdvisor as well as my own experience.
1. Sagrada Familia
Arguably Barcelona’s most iconic landmark, the Sagrada Familia captures the spirit of the city’s architectural ambition. Designed by Antoni Gaudí, it has become a symbol of the city’s blend of art, faith and urban life. I hear it’s worth seeing both inside and out—its soaring columns, intricate façades, and light-filled interior will leave a lasting impression. Unfortunately, I did not buy a ticket in advance so I only observed the outside but it was so impressive.
2. Park Güell (and Gaudí’s other works)
Another of Gaudí’s masterpieces, Park Güell offers mosaic-covered benches, sweeping views of the city and a whimsical environment that’s both artistic and relaxing.
It’s perfect for an afternoon when you want to soak in the colours of Barcelona and enjoy the open feeling you hinted at.
3. The Beaches & Palm-Lined Promenades
This is the element that surprised me most. A major European city with beaches and palm trees right in the mix. The coastal vibe softens the city-urban edge and gives Barcelona an unexpectedly laid-back edge. From strolling along the promenade, taking in the Mediterranean breeze, to sand & sun between sightseeing—this combination is special.
When you arrive and see palm trees and beaches alongside colourful architecture, you’ll know exactly why I was pleasantly surprised. I visited in late September and the temps were in the high 60’s sunny and pleasant. Eating dinner at the beachside restaurant was my favorite part of the trip. Be sure to visit the rooftop bar located inside the Westin for gorgeous sunset views.
Top 3 Tapas Restaurants (and When to Dine)
No visit to Barcelona is complete without tapas. Here are three strong picks, plus when to plan dinner like a local according to Barcelona Food Experience.
Tapas Spot 1: Bar Canyí
A relaxed yet high-quality tapas bar, Bar Canyí in the Sant Antoni area serves Catalan and Castilian dishes in a friendly, welcoming space.
Recommendation: arrive early if you can—spots fill up.
Tapas Spot 2: Bar La Plata
A true local classic—since 1945, serving just a handful of tapas but doing them extremely well. Located in the Gothic Quarter (Carrer de la Mercè).
Go here for an authentic, no-fuss tapas experience.
Tapas Spot 3: Cervecería Catalana
For a bit more zing and wider selection, Cervecería Catalana (in the Eixample neighbourhood) is recommended by locals and visitors alike. My friends and I had a great experience here, asking the waiter to just keep bringing tapas that he likes! That was a very fun way to dine. P.S. don't forget about the delicious wine! This bottle was very good. I tried to find it in duty-free but was not successful!
Customary Dinner Time
In Barcelona you’ll want to adjust your schedule to match the locals. Dinner (“la cena”) typically starts around 9:00 pm or later. Restaurants open around 8:00 pm earliest, and many locals dine closer to 10:00 pm. If you prefer a slightly earlier dinner, aim for around 8:30 pm—but know that the true “buzz” begins after 9. In my usual form, I went to dinner at 6 pm and had no issue being seated and ordered dinner before the 9pm rush! Don't forget the gelato at Lucciano's which offers a wide-array of gelato flavors, you won't be able to easily choose. The line is long, so be prepared to wait.. but it's worth it.
Final Thoughts
Staying at the Meliá Sky Barcelona enhanced the experience, putting you right in the centre of this vibrant city. Whether you’re stepping out to stroll the beach at sunset, catching the view of colorful rooftops under palm trees, or sampling tapas long after the typical dinner hour back home—Barcelona invites you to relax into its rhythm. If you stay here, be sure to request the concierge level where you have unlimited access 24/7 to drinks and snacks with a view of the city.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Barcelona
Barcelona is a city of contrasts: ancient and modern, coastal and cosmopolitan, relaxed yet alive. Its charm lies in how effortlessly it welcomes travelers — easy airport access, bilingual signage, and a cultural rhythm that’s joyful yet unhurried.
From Gaudí’s surreal creations like Sagrada Familia, to its beaches framed by palm trees, Barcelona feels expansive and radiant — a perfect blend of beauty and balance. Like Porto, it’s colorful and inviting, but on a grander scale.
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