Barcelona in a Day: Gaudí’s Colors & Coastal Views
Taking in Barcelona from above at the Jardins del Mirador del Alcalde — a peaceful spot with sweeping views of the city and sea.
By Sea & City Series
📍 Barcelona, Spain | 📅 September 8, 2024
🛏 Scarlet Lady (Virgin Voyages) — Embarkation Day
After an overnight flight, I landed in Barcelona on the morning of September 8, 2024 — a little sleepy, but excited. With only a few hours before boarding the Scarlet Lady for my first solo cruise, I wanted to make the most of the layover between sky and sea.
That’s where Barcelona Day Tours came in. My driver-guide, Fabio, met me at the airport, luggage in tow, and we set off on a private half-day tour of the city’s highlights. He was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, sharing history and local insight in a way that made the city come alive. For me, it was the perfect balance: a taste of Barcelona’s treasures without the pressure of figuring out transit or storage on my own.
We began with sweeping views from Montjuïc (the most famous hill in Barcelona), stopping at the Estadi Olímpic (which hosted the 1992 Olympics and is now FC Barcelona’s temporary home) and the peaceful Jardins del Mirador del Alcalde, where fountains and lookout points framed the city below. From there, we drove into the heart of the Gothic Quarter to see Santa Maria del Mar, a historic Catalan Gothic church tucked between narrow streets.
Back on the main avenues, we cruised along the elegant Passeig de Gràcia, lined with famous Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí-designed buildings and modernist facades that hinted at the city’s creative spirit.
The highlight for me was stepping into Park Güell — a complex of parks and gardens designed by Gaudí and commissioned by Eusebi Güell. With a Skip-the-Line ticket, I had time to wander the mosaics, columns, and curving benches, fully living my best Cheetah Girls 2 life without feeling rushed. The colors were what struck me most — vivid blues, greens, and golds that shimmered in the sunlight after the on-and-off rain, making the whole park feel alive. It was like walking through a mosaic dreamscape, full of movement and artistry.
Our final stop was the iconic La Sagrada Familia — another Gaudí design, and the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world. I walked around the outside of the basilica, circling its soaring spires and intricate facades. Even without going inside, it was breathtaking — a reminder of how architecture can tell a story across centuries.
Walking around the outside of La Sagrada Familia, Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece, still breathtaking even on a rainy day.
By early afternoon, the tour wrapped up at the cruise port right on time for boarding. It was seamless — a few hours of exploration that left me with snapshots of Barcelona’s spirit and just enough curiosity to want to come back someday, this time to wander more slowly.
🌊 It was a short visit, but just enough to set the tone for what lay ahead — days of travel that were both planned and open to surprise, beginning with this first solo cruise.
Thanks for reading! You can find more moments, memories, and adventure over on Instagram: @_GracefullyWandering
