Our next stop in the five healthy days tour is to the energetic, historical, and eccentric city of Barcelona, Spain. A city that hosts a culture that is as vibrant as the colorful mosaics and unique buildings that make up the city; Barcelona is perfect for all types of travelers.
Take a stroll down the narrow streets lined with Art Nouveau-style buildings, watch a classical music performance at the Catalan music house, or get your game face on at an epic FC football match at Camp Nou stadium. Whatever you decide to do, you surely won’t run out of activities in this exciting city.
We recommend purchasing the Barcelona transport card before you go; it’ll give you unlimited access to public transportation and discounts to popular tourist spots.
Also, do note that when it’s time for tapas, stick to the seafood, non-fried options, for a truly healthy meal.
And lastly, the locals are big on taking siestas between noon and 2 p.m., which means that many banks and stores will be closed and the city generally quiets down.
But when it’s time to tour, you’ll want to stick with the following itinerary.
Day 1
- Breakfast: Quick little tip: The locals typically have a light breakfast, consisting of a cup of coffee and maybe a croissant. It’s all about a big lunch or dinner. So grab a light breakfast and delicious cup of joe at Cafes El Magnifico.
- Workout: There’s plenty to see in Barcelona, and unfortunately not enough time. Kick off your trip with a bike tour. Don’t forget your camera!
- Lunch: Orio Gastronomia Vasca is known for having some of the freshest and best fish dishes in the city. Choose one from the regular menu or try samples of everything from the appetizer-themed Pintxos Bar.
- Mind/Body Balance: Celebrate your first day of vacation with a rejuvenating spa treatment at Ambrosia Spa Masajes.
- Must-See Attraction: Barcelona is known for its vibrant art and unique architecture, much of which was designed by artist/architect Antoni Gaudí. Visit the Gaudí-designed Parc Guell, which includes mosaics, collages, mushroom shaped chimneys, and various walking trails.
- Dinner: Enjoy an authentic Catalonian dinner at El Jardi l’Apat. Try the garden salad with grilled vegetables, the sirloin steak, and a glass of Spanish red wine.
Day 2
- Breakfast: Enjoy a croissant and coffee at Café Schilling in Barri Gotic – the Gothic Quarter.
- Workout: Barri Gotic is one of the oldest parts of Barcelona, so let’s go for a walk there. The intricate architecture and famous landmarks evoke the medieval days of the city.
- Lunch: Passadis del Pep prides itself in serving the freshest ingredients daily. It’s so fresh, in fact, that there is no menu. Dishes are designed based upon whatever is available, such as clams, squid, and anchovies.
- Mind/Body Balance: The stunning crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea are a must-see, so go for a boat trip on la golondrina, which is the local type of boat. You’ll find these at the end of Las Ramblas, right by the Colon monument.
- Must-See Attraction: The Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria is a busy marketplace that’s been operating since the 17th century. Immerse yourself in the enticing aromas and colors of products displayed by butchers, bakers, and local farmers.
- Dinner: It’d be too difficult to visit la Boqueria without grabbing a bite to eat, so stop by one of the tapas bars for a treat. El Quim and Pinotxo are two local favorites that serve traditional Catalonian dishes.
Day 3
- Breakfast: Fuel up for the day at the Mediterranean-themed Café de Madeira.
- Workout: Barcelona is a great city for runners, so go for a run through the El Born district, which is known for it’s fun atmosphere and trendy shops. Or if you’d like to run elsewhere, discover the city’s best running spots here.
- Lunch: Enjoy a refreshing meal and homemade glass of juice at the vegetarian restaurant La Cereria.
- Mind/Body Balance: Visit the exquisite gothic-style Cathedral of Santa Eulalia, also known as the Barcelona Cathedral. As with most of the buildings you see in the city, pay close attention to the details of both the interior and exterior, where you’ll find detailed carvings of images, such as the lives of the saints.
- Must-See Attraction: Museu Picasso, or the Picasso Museum, showcases samples of Picasso’s work that’s displayed in a way so visitors can see his progression from a controlled artist to one that was more experimental. You’ll also find pieces by El Greco and Rembrandt, two of Picasso’s main inspirations.
- Dinner: Sit back and relax at Montiel, a short walk from Museu Picasso.
Day 4
- Breakfast: Refuel with coffee and a light meal at La Carmanyola.
- Workout: Go for a refreshing swim and try some beachside exercises at Nova Mar Bella beach.
- Lunch: Try the Mediterranean salad with assorted veggies, or get the grilled salmon with asparagus at Restaurante La Tramoia.
- Mind/Body Balance: Head over to Plaça de Catalunya and enjoy a Spanish wine tasting in the heart of the city.
- Must-See Attraction: You can’t visit Barcelona and not see the Barcelona football team play at Camp Nou, the largest stadium in Europe. If you get there early enough, you can also visit the on-site museum, which features the team’s trophies, awards, and other interactive displays.
- Dinner: La Riera is a popular vegetarian restaurant that’s only a two-minute walk from the stadium. The menu is unique to each season, so you know you’ll be eating the freshest and tastiest products available.
Day 5
- Breakfast: Let’s try Café Bar Piazzolla for our coffee and croissant.
- Workout: Tour La Sagrada Família, the Church of the Sacred Family, which has been under construction since the early 1900s. The project was designed and started by Antoni Gaudi, but it has still yet to be complete since he died in 1926. Even still, the building’s incredible architecture, Nativity Façade, and intricate stained-glass windows are a must-see for visitors and locals alike.
- Lunch: Enjoy a tapas lunch at Toc de Mar in La Barceloneta.
- Mind/Body Balance: Get a little sun at Port Olímpic and maybe go for a dip in the Mediterranean Sea at La Barceloneta.
- Must-See Attraction: The Palau de la Música Catalana, Palace of Catalan Music, is an incredible vision, complete with a stunning stained glass skylight, intricate pillars, and sculptures of famous musicians, including Bach and Beethoven. Take a guided tour and see a classical or contemporary performance.
- Dinner: Dos Palillos is a local favorite that blends traditional tapas dishes and seafood with various Asian flavors—you won’t leave disappointed!
