Simple Itinerary Guide to 3 Days in Barcelona, Spain

25 Comments

We actually went for 4 days in Barcelona, however the 4th day, is just taking our flight back to Paris. Hence this is our itinerary guide to 3 days in Barcelona.

We have always wanted to visit Spain as well as Barcelona. The only thing we know about Barcelona is the beautiful Cathedral, Sagrada Familia and of course the Football Club that Lionel Messi is in, FC Barcelona and Camp Nou. 

And this is also the first time we took a flight to the region. We have been driving for most of our trips. Driving to Barcelona from Sens will take us 10 hours. So logically, flying there is better.

Itinerary Guide to 3 Days in Barcelona

If It's too long to read, you can also view our Barcelona Vlog

Itinerary Guide to 3 Days in Barcelona - Day 1

Our flight is super early - 6.40am. Means, we need to check in at 4.40am, leave house at 2.40am.

Not Enough Sleep

Parking @ Orly Airport

Orly Airport Carpark Review

Location

Entry / Exit

Parking Space

Value for Money

Similar to Charles De Gaulle Airport Carpark, Orly Airport also offers certain promotional rates for parking at Orly Airport.

The weekend parking rate is €49 starts anytime from Friday 00:00 hours to Monday 22:59 hours.
Somehow, very good deal!

Location: Located within 10mins of shuttle bus ride from the carpark to Orly airport. The shuttle is free and comes at an interval of 15-20mins.

Entry / Exit: Entry and exit are very simple and straightforward. When you book online, they will give a 6 digit pin. Key in when you are at the entry. Do not take their ticket at the gantry.

Value: I would say pretty good value for 3 days parking at the carpark. And you have shuttle service. When we came back, the car is still in 1 piece.

Orly Parking Rate

Orly Parking Rate

Orly Airport Carpark Bus Stop

Orly Airport Carpark Bus Stop

Book Your Parking at Orly Airport

Visit http://www.parisaeroport.fr

Flight: From Paris to Barcelona

Flight From Paris to Barcelona

Time

06:40 Hrs

Departure Time

Duration

1 Hr 45 mins

Flight Duration

Time

08:25 Hrs

Arrival Time

Service

Comfort

Value for Money

Barcelona Airport

Barcelona Airport

Barcelona Airport

Barecelona Airport

Service: Service was pretty pleasant, but the journey to board the plane was pretty long. From Orly south carpark, to the terminal, then to the boarding security gate. And from to the boarding gate, you need to take a bus to the boarding area to board the plane. Like super long journey sia..

Comfort: Onboard the plane was good, as our carry on luggage was told to check in. Which also means that there is space above to put our bags and jackets. So we have a comfortable ride for the 1 hrs 45 mins to Barcelona. Legroom was just nice and not too narrow.

Value for Money: We paid €103 per person for the flight ticket with Transavia as it is the most valued for money flight at that time. Ryanair is the cheapest but hor, they have a lot of flight cancellations at that time. So don't risk better.

Transport: Airport Metro

Transport in Barcelona

Time

09:00 Hrs

Arrival

Price

€4.50

Airport Metro

Price

€9.95

T10 Ticket

Airport Metro - Itinerary Guide to 3 Days in Barcelona

Airport Metro

Inside the Metro Station - Itinerary Guide to 3 Days in Barcelona

Inside the Metro Station

From the airport to our stay, we can take the bus  which is cheaper or take the Airport Metro (€4.50). 

However, because our stay is just next to the Metro, hence taking the Metro is more convenient. 

At the same time, the Metro stations at the airport do not sell the T10 billets. 

This T10 billet is a ticket that allows you to take 10 times public transport (including transfer within 75 mins) in Barcelona. This T10 Billet cost only €9.95 and is also recommended by our accommodation host.  

Stay: Airbnb @ Les Corts

Accommodation Review

Location

Check In/Out

Communication

Value

Our Stay at Les Corts - Itinerary Guide to 3 Days in Barcelona

Our Stay at Les Corts

Our stay - Itinerary Guide to 3 Days in Barcelona

Our stay

We are so lucky to book a stay near the Metro and this Metro is the one nearest to Camp Nou. Hence, travelling everywhere by public or Metro is very convenient here.

For 3 days in Barcelona and our itinerary, this accommodation is very suitable.

Location: This stay is located steps of the Metro - Les Corts. If you are travelling via public transport, this is very suitable.

And if you are catching at Match at Camp Nou, you will appreciate staying here because imagine after the soccer match. Half of the spectators are taking the public transport - That equates to 35,000 ! 10mins way from  Camp Nou, 40mins away from Barcelona Airport by Metro.

Check In/Out: Checking in is seamless, we were early that day, 10am and the host is kind enough to let us check in early. She explains to us the amenities in the house and where to get good Tapas, seafood restaurants and the attractions.

Communication: Communication is close to perfect. She is fairly conversational in English but we can understand her well. Her response is fast as well.

Value: Very valued stay, because the price is afforabable, near to Metro Station. What can you ask more?

Good For: Couples, Catching a Match at Camp Nou.

Cons: The only thing, is the walls are thin. And at late night like 11pm, the neighbours will be practising pianos or having parties. But we are so dead tired, it does not affect much.

Get Discount Off Your
1st Airbnb Stay


See: Montjuïc Castle

Review of Montjuïc Castle

Time

17:30 Hrs

Arrival

Duration

1 - 2 Hours

Recommended

Location

Worthy

Queueing at Castle Montjuic - Itinerary Guide to 3 Days in Barcelona

Queueing at Castle Montjuic

The ticket - Itinerary Guide to 3 Days in Barcelona

The ticket

View  of the city - Itinerary Guide to 3 Days in Barcelona

View of the city

The ticket - Itinerary Guide to 3 Days in Barcelona

View of the City

Dua Pao - Itinerary Guide to 3 Days in Barcelona

Dua Pao

Castle Montjuic - Itinerary Guide to 3 Days in Barcelona

Castle Montjuic

View of the port

View of the port

Castle View

Castle View

Welife with the sunset behind

Welfie with the sunset behind

Welfie of the Castle

Welfie of the Castle

NIght view of the sea port

NIght view of the sea port

Our first attraction of the day is Montjuïc Castle. Because we woke up at 2am plus, and been awake for the whole day, (except an hour Nap at the stay). So for the evening, we like to do something that is more relaxing.

Catching the sunset, looking at the Skyline of Barcelona city from a height. This place will be the best for you liao.

The ticket cost €5 to enter. From there, it will be free and easy and you can roam around the place.

Recommended Duration: You can finish explore the castle in 1 hour, but if you want to view the sunset. Be there 30mins - 1 Hour before sunset, grab the best location for the sunset picture taking.

Location: Because this castle is located on the hill, hence getting here is not that easy. You can take bus #150 from the Arenas, or if you want a good view, you can take the cable car up from mid way.

Worth To Go:
For €5, this is an excellent value to explore the castle and also the panoramic view of Barcelona city. Yes, worthy to go especially during the evening.


Eat: La Paradeta - Sants

Find out where are the outlets in Barcelona, you can Google La Paradeta at Google Map or Click Here

Review of La Paradeta - Sants

Time

20:00 Hrs

Arrival

Service

Food

Value

La Paradeta - Sants, Barcelona Seafood Tze Char

La Paradeta - Sants, Barcelona Seafood Tze Char

You choose your seafood

You choose your seafood

Fresh seafood

Fresh seafood

You choose your seafood

You choose your seafood

Fresh seafood

Fresh seafood

We were recommended by our Airbnb host to try out La Paradeta. She says is one of the favourite local food that the tourist should try. In fact, there are several La Paradeta restaurants in Barcelona.

This La Paradeta - Sants is in between Castle De Montjuic and our stay. 

We ordered:

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    Grilled Lobster
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    Grilled Squid
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    6 x Oyster
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    Fried Calamari
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    Fried Mini Fish
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    Grilled Razor Clams
Grilled Razor Clams and Squid

Grilled Razor Clams and Squid

Grilled Lobster

Grilled Lobster

Deep fried Calamari

Deep fried Calamari

6 x Oyster

6 x Oyster

Deep fried Calamari

Deep fried Calamari

6 x Oyster

6 x Oyster

Service: The staffs are polite and speaks English and patiently explain to you how it works. You select your seafood, and cooking style, mainly Grilled or Fried. The seafood is charged by their weight. They will weigh in front of you, and key into the system. Then you order your drink and make payment.

The kitchen will call for your number whenever your dish is ready. This is like Singapore Tze Char style but you self-service only.

Food:
The food are cooked in 2 styles, grilled and fried. And the grilled method is more to Garlic butter condiments. And it tastes delicious!

Value:
This is a cafe style seafood restaurant. The seat and tables are made of wood. Some soft music, but most of the time you will hear the counter calling for your number (in Spanish). I would say is a pretty good value. The seafood prices are not very high. Must try when you are in Barcelona.

bomb

Must Try!

The Grilled Squid, Prawn and Fish.
Deep Fried Calamari.

Ps: Ask for the Romesco Sauce - Cost €0.80


Itinerary Guide to 3 Days in Barcelona - Day 2

After a shag day, we were energised and recharged for the Day 2! After checking out the places for breakfast, eventually we decided to just have simple breakfast outside of our stay.

Breakfast: Lizarran

Nothing fantastic, just simple breakfast. They have pretty good selections as well. And coffee was cheap too! €1.70 for Cappuccino! 

Brunch

Brunch

Don't know hwat is this

Don't know what is this

Alot choices

Alot choices

See: Park Guell

Review of Park Guell

Time

11:00 Hrs

Arrival

Duration

2 - 3 Hours

Recommended

Location

Worthy

View from the Hill

View from the Hill

View from the Hill

View from the Hill

Graffiti along the road

Graffti along the road

Graffiti along the road

Graffti along the road

Graffiti along the road

Graffti along the road

Sky line view

Sky line view

This is the highlight of the first half of the day. Park Guell is located at some very out of the way place at some hilly top. We followed the directions according to Google map although it is mentioned that you can walk 15 mins from the train station.

However, if you point your destination to Park Guell, it directs you to the middle of Park Guell itself. And we were led to take a bus. We missed the main bus #24 because it is full and had to take an alternate bus #V17 that alights us at the hilltop, behind Park Guell.

Actually, we are quite Heng (Lucky), because, if you are coming from the Entrance, this is the park behind Park Guell that you need to climb up. So if you are lazy, then you take the bus and alight behind Park Guell. It's like 15mins descend from the top to Park Guell.

So since we are at the top, we just have to make our way down.

Park Guell is a creation by Antoni Gaudi, and the famous icon is that colourful lizard. We got to know it when we are about to leave the place. And some visitors who want to visit Park Guell (at 3pm), was turned away because the booking for tickets is full!

€8 Nachos Chips

€8 Nachos Chips

Nachos Chiops with alot ingredients

Nachos Chiops with alot ingredients

Park Guell

Park Guell

View of Park Guell

View of Park Guell

€8 Nachos Chips

View of Park Guell

€8 Nachos Chips

View of Park Guell

€8 Nachos Chips

View of Park Guell

€8 Nachos Chips

View of Park Guell

And inside the Park, there is a cafe where you can chill and get a coffee after a tiring afternoon. The price is not too costly, it cost €8 for a Nachos cheese Chips, but the serving is huge!

Recommended Duration: 2-3 Hours You can finish exploring this Park, if you are more adventurous, you can explore the hill behind the Park and see the city skyline from above too.

Location: Some ulu location that you gotta either walk uphill from the station, or walk downhill from where we alight.

Nearest Station: 20mins walk from Lesseps Metro Station.

Worth To Go?: Yes, this Park although the location is not very conveniently, however the architecture is very interesting inside. It looks like 

Take Note

Park Guell only allows  up to 400 guests in the park every half an hour. Hence, to have a guaranteed ticket, please book in advance.


See: La Boqueria Food Market

Review of La Boqueria

Time

16:30 Hrs

Arrival

Duration

1 Hour

Recommended

Location

Worthy

xxx

La Boqueria

The Cured Meat/ ham

The Cured Meat/ ham

The crowd

The crowd

More stalls

More stalls

More meat

More meat

The Cured Meat/ ham

Selling Chilli Oil and Sauce

La Boqueria is one of the biggest food markets in Europe. You will find many varieties of food in this market. Hearsay, you must try their cured meat. I did not try there because I was full from the Nachos Chips earlier.

From the Entrance of the market, you will see a stall cured meat hanging on their stall front. Further in, you see a stall selling a different kind of chocolates and candies. On the right, is stalls selling fruits and many of them!

Initially, we were tempted to try out their seafood, oyster. However, I look at the way their shuck the oyster and handling money, I got turned off and walked away. I will still prefer the London Oyster.

Recommended Duration: Within 1 Hour, you should be able to finish this market, unless you are sitting down at the bar for some meals. 

Location: Nearest Station - Liceu (L3). Located along Ramblas Street, the food market is very prominent. 

Worth To Go?: Yes, please go with an empty stomach. There is so much local delicacies to try out. 

Take Note

The best time to go is before 3pm when most of the stalls are starting to close. Best is during the noon time when you have all the stalls open in full swing!


See: Catalonia Protest

The Catalonia Protest

The Catalonia Protest

The Catalonia Protest

The Catalonia Protest

The Catalonia Protest

The Catalonia Protest

While walking up north along Ramblas Street, we walked into a sea of protestors. They are peaceful protestors, and most of them carry the Catalan flags and some banners.

There are also helicopters flying above, which I guess should be the medias, many protesters show them middle finger to, even kids as well.

I guess they are furious about something.

And while on our way to Mi Casa, this is where the parade begins. The whole street was blocked, and the protest is in full swing.

Of course, us being Singaporeans, we have never seen such significant scale protesters, took some pictures/videos and left the area via the Metro.

Go: FC Barcelona @ Camp Nou

Review of La Boqueria

Time

20:00 Hrs

Arrival

Duration

2 Hours

Recommended

Location

Worthy

Camp Nou

Camp Nou

Camp Nou

Camp Nou

Camp Nou

Camp Nou

Camp Nou

Camp Nou

Actually we were quite lucky to leave early (To rest before the match) . Because we realise that line we were taking will take us to the Metro at Les Corts which is also where we stay. 

Imagine if we were to take the Metro with the crowd!

We were quite lucky to purchase ticket for FC Barcelona match. Camp Nou is the largest stadium in Europe. And we got the tickets for €79 and a very centralized and unblocked seating. Woooo!

Location: Camp Nou is located near Les Corts Metro, which you need to walk 10-15mins to get to the entrance. Along the way, you can purchase sandwiches, drinks that you can bring into the stadium.

Worth to Go: For sure! This is Europe or the world largest stadium, with a seating capacity of 99,354. The atmosphere was splendid. And we get to see Lionel Messi playing.

FC Barcelona 2:0 Malaga CF

After Match

We felt so good that our stay is just walking distance. Imagine half the crowd is taking the Metro. That is like 45000 people queuing for the Metro.

And then we realise, the cafe which we had for breakfast was overwhelmed with customers! 

After the match, the queue at the Metro

After the match, the queue at the Metro

After the match, the queue at the Metro

After the match, the queue at the Metro


Itinerary Guide to 3 Days in Barcelona - Day 3

We are supposed to do more attractions today, but I guess our legs are still aching from the walks. So we decided to do some relaxed stuffs for today.

Go: Arenas De Barcelona

View from the Arenas

View from the Arenas

On the Rooftop of Arenas

On the Rooftop of Arenas

View from the Arenas

View from the Arenas

On the Rooftop of Arenas

On the Rooftop of Arenas

We were recommended by our host to visit this Arena because they have a 360 rooftop that you can view the city from a height.

This used to be a bull fighting pit, and was converted to a shopping mall. As per usual, most retail outlets are not open on Sunday in Europe. Guess it is the same for Barcelona.

Location: Arenas de Barcelona is located just beside the Plaça d'Espanya, Barcelona. This is like the interchange if you want to go anywhere in Barcelona. Numerous bus services, and 3 Metro lines here.

Worth to Go: Well, you will need to pass by here somehow to the places that you want to visit, Example - Castle Montjuic, Sagrada Familia. So, might as well go up to see the view. And it is free!


Lunch: La Paradeta - Sagrada Familia

Review of La Paradeta - Sagrada Familia

Time

14:00 Hrs

Arrival

Service

Food

Value

La Paradeta - Lobster Soup

La Paradeta - Lobster Soup

La Paradeta

La Paradeta

Grilled Fish, PRawns, Squid

Grilled Fish, PRawns, Squid

Grilled baby Squid

Grilled baby Squid

We are back here again for lunch at La Paradeta, a different location. This outlet seems to be more popular as when we were there at 2pm.

This time round we orderd

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    Lobster Soup
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    Fried Mini Octopus
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    Grilled Squid
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    Grilled Prawns
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    Grilled Fish 

See: Sagrada Familia

Review of Sagrada Familia

Time

16:00 Hrs

Arrival

Duration

1-2 Hours

Recommended

Location

Worthy

The super highlight of the entire Barcelona.

Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia

View from the Tower

View from the Tower

The narrow staircase

The narrow staircase

The staircase

The staircase

Tower view

Tower view

The City skyline

The City skyline

THe fenced up tower

THe fenced up tower

Sagrada Familia

We have been to many Cathedrals in Europe, and was initially thinking, ahh, not another Cathedral.

But this is not your average and usual Cathedrals. This Cathedral is still under-construction, expected to be completed in 2026. (Wonder how come they took so long to build).

The colorful rays

The colorful rays

More colors

More colors

View from inside

View from inside

Beautiful

Beautiful

View from inside

View from inside

Beautiful

Beautiful

View from inside

View from inside

Beautiful

Beautiful

Why is this so special and rated #1 in our opinion

  • The exterior of the Cathedral, looks cute and unique. They have pastel colors, and looks like those houses in the Hansel and Gretel stories.
  • The Stained Glass - Most cathedral have stained glass, however, here they build it in a way where the sunlight will go through the stained glass and reflect colorful rays inside.
  • They have limited capacity per timeslots. You need to book in advance to enter. So, you have more spaces to walk about.

But Hor! Don't waste money on the Tower 

The fenced up tower

The fenced up tower

The small space

The small space

  • The facade of the towers are fenced up, and you get limited view.
  • The stairs down the tower is too narrow. If you want to stop and take a picture, you will be hogging up the line behind.
  • Basically, no good photo opportunities, and limited view.

Recommended Duration: 1-2 Hours. Opt for the audio self guide tour. It gives you insight to structures and explanation.

Location: Located at Sagrada Familia Metro Station. Convenient.

Worth To Go?: Yes, by far the best Cathedral we have been to. You will be impressed by the works of Antoni Gaudi. No need to go up the towers.


Shopping: Maremagnum

Review of Maremagnum

Time

18:30 Hrs

Arrival

Duration

Depends

Location

Worthy

INside of Maremagnum

INside of Maremagnum

The small space

The small space

We were quite lucky to find this shopping mall opened on Sunday. In fact, this is the unique selling point of this mall. They are open 365 days and even on holidays.

Alaaaa, they should do that for all shopping malls in Europe mah!

And so while my wife does her shopping, I am seated nicely at a cafe and sipping my cafe.

Happy Life!

Recommended Duration: Depends what are you there for. We stayed there for like 2 hours, with some shopping, coffee and snacks.

Location: Located near to the famous beach of Barcelona, no Metro that is nearby. But you can take bus V17 that alight you at its doorstep.

Worth To Go?: Well yes! If you want to do some shopping. Clean and spacious mall. And toilet is FREEEEE!


Dinner: Tapas @ Bodega Biarritz 1881

Review of Bodega Biarritz 1881

Time

21:30 Hrs

Arrival

Service

Food

Value

Tapas

Tapas

Tapas

Tapas

The small space

Tapas

The small space

Tapas

From day 1 we wanted to try out Tapas, but did not have a chance to try because the location is not convenient for us.

This time round, we are determined to try out as it is not far from our previous location.

When we were there, there is a queue of 6-8 people in the line. So while searching for other alternatives, we concluded why not try this out.

We queued for like 45mins - 1 hour, because they only have limited seating capacity inside.

And to serve the customer faster, they encourage you to make your mind before you order.

So what is Tapas?

A tapa (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈtapa]) is an appetizer or snack in Spanish cuisine. It may be cold (such as mixed olives and cheese) or hot (such as chopitos, which are battered, fried baby squid).

In select bars in Spain, tapas have evolved into an entire, sophisticated cuisine. In Spain, patrons of tapas can order many different tapas and combine them to make a full meal.

More Information

Service: The service is good, and the experience was great too. The staffs speak English and they will explain to you how it works too.

Basically, you can choose 2 types of menu. The mystery one and Ala Carte. We went for the Ala Carte because we wanted to choose what we want to eat.

Food: I would say the food is pretty average. I would not queue 1 hour for this again.

Value: Pretty average value, because food is average, La Paradeta is nicer. But the staffs service and experience overwhelm the average food here.

bomb

My Opinion

You can find better dim sum in Singapore for sure!


Overall for Barcelona

We were very impressed by how Barcelona had progressed. We have seen stories of pickpockets, scammers around in Barcelona. But for this entire trip, we only noticed illegal street vendors around Sagrada Familia.

We missed out on quite a lot of attractions, but we only have limited time in Barcelona. But the itinerary for this 3 days in Barcelona gave us good experience.

I probably think that a 5 - 7 days will be sufficient to cover most of Barcelona. But at our pace, we perhaps need 2 weeks.

You can also check here for another weekend itinerary at Barcelona.

Top 5 Activities You Can Consider


About the author 

Donovan

Don is a Kiasu Singaporean that blogs his journey while exploring Europe.
A Singapore Travel Blog that provides travel guides and tips on how to travel free and easy in Europe.

  • Nice, detailed post. Lots of good recommendations of things to do. The protest you came across is very interesting too – lots of Catalan people want to be independent from Spain, lots don’t. Hopefully they can find a diplomatic solutions that lets everyone be happy with the result.

    • Thank you for dropping by. The protest is very peaceful and interesting. And many were showing the third fingers to the media helicopters from the sky.

  • It’s such an elaborate information that I don’t have to search anywhere else. You have covered all the possible elements of a trip. I liked your post. Thanks for sharing.

    • Thank you Varsha, hope to cover information that àn itinerary research will need. Thank you for dropping by!

  • I absolutely love all the details in this itinerary. Makes me wish I was heading to Barcelona in the near future. Will bookmark this as Barcelona is def on my bucket list!

  • I love Barcelona but never have seen an itinerary like this. It seems very detailed and providing all the needed information. Pictures are supplementing all of this. Do you use some specific template for making this itinerary?

  • Such a detailed guide, Donovan! 🙂 Love how you were able to give cool recommendations for places to see and food to eat despite the limited time. I’d definitely would love to spend about a week or two just exploring Barcelona. It sounds incredible!

    • Definitely. 3 days is just too short for us. There are so many things to explore in Barcelona. Beautiful city.

    • No problem, I guess there are a lot of things to do in Barcelona. Ours is just a glimpse of it. Hope there are more to come.

  • I love Barcelona and agree with your itinerary! I like your suggestions too for attractions and really love Park guell!

  • I can’t believe I missed this guide before traveling to Barcelona. I had a hard time navigating when I visited but I survived. Whoever is visiting needs to read this guide, it’s so detailed and clear.

    • Thank you so much. We were blessed to be staying near the Metros, so travelling by Metro is so much easier.

  • What a comprehensive breakdown of things to do in Barcelona. I have been a couple times, but only for long weekend trips and really enjoyed it. Looks like I have a bit more to see there. 🙂

  • This is a very comprehensive and detailed itinerary on Barcelona. You have also included lots of reviews of restaurants and bars. A first time visitor to the city will find this very useful.

  • A wonderfully detailed itinerary! You have covered almost everything that can be done in 3 days. I really like that you have also mentioned the duration to be spent at each of the places. And I am really interested in the cuisines!

  • My favourite place in the world – La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona! For me, Barcelona is such unforgettable city, which full of beautiful architectures, amazing views. Сathedral La Sagrada is so special place to me! I met my future boyfriend there and yeah, it was a love from the first sight)
    We met at free city tours , who can be thoughts about it…
    Life is full of adventures!

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