We stayed at the H10 Montcada, a stylish boutique hotel in the very heart of Barcelona, literally five minutes from the main streets and a hop, skip and a jump away from La Sagrada Familia. The room was perfect - airy and open plan with beautiful modern features and a bathroom to die for.
After a quick spot of breakfast (granola for me, bacon for Ben) we ventured out into the sunshine for a day of exploring.
Our first stop was La Sagrada Familia, where we spend a happy hour admiring the views. The queue into the cathedral was over an hour long, so we decided to ditch the crowds and soak up the atmosphere from the outside.
To avoid the crush, I'd definitely recommend booking your tickets online before hand.
On this day we also headed to one of the prettiest spots in Barcelona, Park Guell. Without Wi-Fi or a good map, we were forced to take a taxi to the famous spot. But it was well worth the bumpy ride as the views from the park were second to none.
It is worth noting that Park Guell is located quite far out of the city, so I'd advise taking a taxi or a bus (especially if you have a poor sense of direction like me). But you'll more than make up for it once you're here as entry into the park is only €5.
My favourite spot was the beautiful snaked seating at the top of the park, decorated with Gaudi's famous mosaics. Ben and I spent a very happy hour perched on the tiled seating enjoying a spot of people watching.
The weather was perfect and we happily strolled about in our t-shirt and jeans, without a goose pimple to our names (a novel experience after a winter spent in Britain).
Then it was back to the hotel for a quick power nap before a meal out in the town. I even got Ben to try a dreaded mussel. When in Barcelona after all...
