I think I’ve said this before, but I want this blog to be as honest and transparent as it possibly can be.
It’s essential! Far too often we come across travel articles, vlogs and blogs that aren’t truly reflective of reality. And in my opinion, that’s not helpful in any way, shape, or form. Not all holidays are all sunshine and sandy toes. 🏖️
Now, I wouldn’t call this trip a disaster—far from it! I love Barcelona. It’s actually my favourite city.
But… the summer of 2024? I made the number one rookie mistake: I planned too much in too little time. (Classic me. You’d think I’d have learned by now. 🙃)
When Life’s Already Hectic… and You Plan a City Break 🏃🏾♀️
That summer, life was chaos. I’d just left a permanent role I’d been in for years and started a new agency post. No paid annual leave, no sick pay. Just: no work, no pay.
That meant I was working every hour God sent, with very little headspace to think through the itinerary—I just went full steam ahead. 🚂
When planning the break, I put it to a vote in the family group chat: Barcelona or Paris? We needed a short, sweet getaway because me and my husband were already heading to Dubai later that year for his 40th, and them pennies needed saving! 💸
The vote came back: Barcelona.
I was grateful. I’d already been to Paris with just my husband and we had the best time—but with the kids? I knew it wouldn’t hit the same. In my opinion, Paris doesn’t offer much for families unless there’s something specific you’re dying to see or do.
We’d actually visited Barcelona before as a family, but only for a day trip from the South of France—and we loved it! From what I remembered, Barcelona offers so much more for a family break.
(And yes, I’ll spill the tea on Barcelona vs. Paris in a separate blog. 😉)
Booking & Rookie Mistake Number Two 💻
So, Barcelona was booked: 4 nights. I went with TUI after a quick price comparison showed it wasn’t much cheaper to book flights and hotel separately. And with life life-ing, I thought a package deal would be the easier route.
Rookie mistake number two. (More on that in the cost breakdown. 😑)
Barcelona: A Quick Snapshot 📸
If you’ve ever looked up Barcelona—or been yourself—you’ll know this city is the capital of Catalonia, tucked in north-eastern Spain on the Mediterranean coast. It’s packed with beaches (41 to be exact! 🏝️), Gaudí’s jaw-dropping architecture, and a vibrant mix of bars, cafés, and restaurants. Vibrant is the word… and somehow, it still manages to surprise me every time.
Having only had 24 hours there the last time, I wanted to squeeze as much into our four nights as possible.
Here’s what I planned:
• Sagrada Familia
• Gothic Quarter
• Las Ramblas
• Park Güell
• Day trip to Montserrat
• Montjuïc Castle
• Beaches
• Shopping
• Mercate de la Boqueira (famous food market)
Why It Didn’t Quite Work Out 😅
That might not sound like a lot. But here’s the thing: travel days are often a write-off.
Even flying from the UK, by the time you’ve packed, made it through the airport, travelled to your hotel—your first day is half gone. And unless you’re superhuman, everyone’s tired.
On arrival day, I try to keep it simple: grab food, settle in, maybe take a walk. 🚶🏾♀️
Departure day? Same thing. You’ve got to get to the airport early—especially in Barcelona, where the airport is busy and the traffic can be horrendous.
We had a 1PM flight both ways and didn’t arrive at our hotel until the early evening, which meant we only had three full days to fit in everything I’d planned.
One of those days was spent on a full-day trip to Montserrat. Which left just two days for the rest.
Result? We were tired. I was tired. My husband was tired. The boy and the girl were tired. 🥱
Tiredness led to rattiness. A few little fallouts. Which is the last thing you want on a short break where you’re supposed to be making memories.
The Heat, The Hustle, and No Time to Just Be 🌞
We explored mostly by foot and public transport to keep costs down (Barcelona is not cheap—think London prices if you’re staying central). The metro system is great 🚇, but in the peak of summer, the heat gets to you fast. Hopping on and off trains, walking everywhere… it was a lot.
Everything felt rushed.
There was no time to just be.
That said—Barcelona is still my favourite city. It’s energetic, colourful, and bursting with life.
The Highlight: Montserrat ⛰️
If you ever get the chance—and enough time—I highly recommend it. This isn’t just “a nice day trip” level good. It’s wow, this could be its own holiday good.
Imagine rugged, multi-peaked mountains that look like they’ve been sculpted by hand. The air is cooler, cleaner, quieter—like the city never existed. It’s worlds apart from Barcelona itself but so close in location, which makes it perfect for those slower moments. Somewhere to just sit back and take it all in.
The monastery is steeped in history, and even if you’re not religious, the sense of peace there is something you can feel in your bones. Seeing the Black Madonna up close was humbling, and the trails… oh, the trails. You can take it slow with a short wander or hike for hours if you’re feeling adventurous.
For me, it was nice to step back from the hustle and bustle of the city and just breathe. 🌿
Tips if you go:
Go early in the day to beat the crowds.
Wear comfy shoes—there are steps, slopes, and a lot of walking. 👟
Take water (especially in summer).
The cable car ride up is an experience in itself—don’t miss it. 🚡
A Close Second: Montjuïc 🌇
A hill overlooking the city with one of the best views we had during the trip. We visited in the late afternoon and took the cable car up. Chef’s kiss. 👌🏾
Where We Stayed 🏨
Barcelona Universal Hotel (4-star) – Clean, comfortable, rooftop pool and bar with stunning views.
Best part? Location. Short walk to the Gothic Quarter, metro stop outside, street lined with bars and restaurants.
Costs 💰
£2,305 for 4 people, peak season (flights + hotel, no breakfast) – around £576 per person for 4 nights.
Extra €400 baggage fees with Vueling (TUI didn’t make this clear).
Final cost: £2,645.
Lesson learned: book flights and hotels direct when you can—more flexibility, fewer sneaky extras.
Hints & Tips 📝
• Stay central – easier to get around and maximise your time.
• Use the metro – reliable, cheap, but be mindful of the heat.
• Don’t over-plan – leave space to wander, rest, and just enjoy.
• Factor in travel time – traffic is no joke.
• Choose non-negotiables – focus on what matters most to you.
• Book direct where possible – Skyscanner for flights, Booking.com for hotels.
• Montserrat is a must – if you’ve got the time.
In Summary ❤️
Barcelona is stunning—rich culture, iconic architecture, mountain views, and enough to keep kids of all ages entertained. Just don’t fall into the trap of doing everything… or you’ll end up with sore feet, moody teens, tired parents—and in need of a holiday to recover from your holiday. (Ask me how I know. 😏)
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