Barcelona Solo Travel: A Journey of Self-Care and Discovery
“Join me as I follow my heart, go to beautiful places, wear pretty clothes, and enjoy my own company.” – Tracee Ellis Ross
Tracee Ellis Ross recently released her mini-series Solo Traveling (on Roku), and it was such a fun and refreshing point of view. At this stage in my life, I finally understand what she means about embracing the joy of your own company.
After watching her three episodes, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own solo travels. It felt only right to start sharing them here, beginning with Barcelona, a trip I took in July 2024. I’ll also be sharing about New York and Senegal soon (hopefully before the year wraps up!).
What I love most about traveling solo in Barcelona (but anywhere really) is how it forces me to slow down and sit with myself. I get to be my own companion, face my thoughts head-on, and at the same time, spoil myself…unapologetically. There’s something so freeing about choosing exactly what I want to do, eat, and see. For me, solo traveling is the purest and most genuine form of self-care.
A Bittersweet Start To My Adventure
Barcelona, July 2024. This won’t be a traditional blog post with only itineraries. A lot of my own thoughts, emotions, and feelings may show up here too. And honestly? It’s a bittersweet one. Just a few days into the trip, my camera, three memory cards (with photos from Brazil, Paris, Lyon, and everywhere I’d traveled since 2022), my iPad, and some of my favorite belongings were stolen. RIP Prada shades and Longchamp pliage. It stung, especially since I had been so intentional in 2024 about taking pictures and content specifically for this blog. That being said, let’s take a quick 10 seconds of silence for my stolen and never-recovered items… 1…2..3..4..5..6..7..8..9..10… Thank you. Shall we continue?
Pictured: Canon G7X travel camera, my trusty sidekick since 2015 — now apparently TikTok-famous and worth over $1000
Why I Chose Barcelona (Again)
Choosing Barcelona was a bit of a cheat because I had already been there about 10 years earlier with a friend. Usually, I like my solo trips to be somewhere brand new, but I made an exception this time. I wanted a city that felt safe, easy to get around, not too expensive, and most importantly had good food. My husband, who was my boyfriend at the time, and his mother were also planning a visit to Spain, so it made sense to go a week earlier.
Arrival and First Impressions
I flew into Barcelona from Lyon, France and stayed in a neighborhood near Horta-Guinardó. Getting from the airport to my Airbnb was a breeze. Uber and Bolt work really well here, which is always reliable, especially when traveling solo. The neighborhood I chose was exactly what I wanted: simple, quiet, and a bit more removed from the tourist-heavy areas. Every day I walked about 30 to 45 minutes to the city center, exploring at my own pace, getting to my daily 10K steps, admiring pretty doors, and slipping into tourist mode whenever I felt like it.
Life Context: Navigating Change Through Travel
It was also a unique time in my life. I had been “let go” from my job a couple of months prior and was dealing with a lot of anxiety and uncertainty. I did not know what my next move would be, and choosing Barcelona felt like creating an illusion of control. It was familiar enough not to overwhelm me, and revisiting it a decade later was strangely reassuring.
Alrighty, enough oversharing. Let’s get into the good stuff: where to stay, what to eat, where to shop (yes, everybody needs to go to Spain with an empty suitcase), and the must-visit spots.
✨ Pin this quick Barcelona solo travel cheat sheet for your next trip! Whether you’re planning 3 days in the city or just passing through, here are the must-do sights, best neighborhoods, food to try, and restaurants worth bookmarking.
Where to Stay in Barcelona
If it is your first time visiting, here are the neighborhoods I would recommend:
Best for First-Timers → Gothic Quarter
Best for Beach Lovers → Barceloneta
Best for Luxury and Shopping → Eixample
Best for Local Vibes → Gràcia
On my previous trip, I stayed in Eixample and thought it was perfect for me. The neighborhood is modern and elegant, and all my favorite stores were within walking distance. Shopping was a dream, and I could quickly drop off my bags before heading back out to explore.
Best Time to Visit Barcelona
Spain is basically the Hawaii of Europe. The sun is almost always shining, and you can enjoy the city year-round.
Summer: The energy is high, there are big seasonal sales, and the streets are alive. The tradeoff is crowds, long lines, and higher prices. Shopping here really is amazing, even if I try not to lean too hard into consumerism.
Fall: Less crowded, fewer lines, and more space to really discover the city.
Things to Do in Barcelona
Barcelona has endless things to see and do, from free activities to bucket-list landmarks. If a friend only had a few days here, this is what I’d tell them to add to their itineraries:
Barcelona Bus Tour → Yes, I know it’s touristy, but it’s the easiest way to get your bearings, see all of the major landmarks in one go, and decide what’s worth a deeper visit.
La Boqueria Market → Fresh oysters, jamón, and food souvenirs. I love grabbing a quick bite here and people-watching (must be the French in me).
La Sagrada Familia Cathedral → Gaudí’s unfinished basilica and Barcelona’s most iconic landmark.
Park Güell → Another Gaudí masterpiece full of mosaics, views, and color.
Barceloneta Beach → Perfect for sun, sand, and a relaxed afternoon.
Gothic Quarter → Narrow streets, hidden squares, the Cathedral, and Plaça Reial.
Picasso Museum → Discover Pablo Picasso’s early works and artistic evolution.
Shopping in Eixample → Mango, Zara, and & Other Stories (this is where Zara comes from). Spanish brands like Alohas are worth checking out, and you will also find plenty of local boutiques. Honestly, just wandering around Eixample is a shopping trip on its own.
Camp Nou → The legendary FC Barcelona stadium. Even if you don’t catch a match, the tour and museum are an incredible experience for sports fans.
Ciutadella Park → The city’s green heart, with a lake, fountain, and space for a picnic. You can also catch a kizomba class if you’re lucky.
✨ Of course, there’s plenty more, but these give you a solid starting point whether you’re into food, art, sports, shopping, or just wandering.
What to Eat and Drink in Barcelona
One thing about Spain? The food will grab you with its bold flavors and aromas. Barcelona is no exception, and here are a few things I’d say are worth trying while you’re here:
Food to try
Pan con Tomate: Bread, tomato, olive oil. That’s it. Simple and fresh.
Seafood paella. The Barceloneta neighborhood is famous for it.
Iberico jamón and cheese. A must-try classic.
Patatas bravas. Crispy potatoes with a spicy sauce (my guilty pleasure).
Gelato. Not Spanish, but wandering the streets with a cone in hand just hits different.
✨ Tip: Any traditional tapas restaurant will serve most of these dishes. When in doubt, order what the table next to you is having.
Drinks to try
Sangria: a classic Spanish party drink: wine, fruit, and good vibes.
Cava, Sherry, Vermouth: local Spanish wines and aperitifs.
Tinto de verrano: Sangria’s sparkling cousin.
Fresh Orange juice: Spain’s oranges are unmatched. Order a glass and thank me later.
Barcelona Food Guide: Best restaurants and cafes
After two trips to Barcelona, I’ve collected a few go-to spots for tapas, cava, and coffee breaks. Here’s my personal guide to where to eat in Barcelona:
Tapeo del bron
El Xampanyet
Bar Lobo
4cats (cafe)
Bodega Biarritz (tapas)
Alegoria restaurante barcelona
Carmela
La Madurada
Muxsa
Hasta Los Andares
Casa marina Picufi
Nomad Coffee Lab
Solo Travel Tips for Barcelona
Is Barcelona safe for solo travelers? For the most part, yes. I felt comfortable walking alone both during the day and at night.
Where to stay: Stick to neighborhoods like Eixample, Gràcia, or El Born : they’re safe and walkable.
Getting around: Use Uber or Bolt at night, and take the metro during the day. It’s affordable and efficient.
Pickpocket warning: Barcelona is known for it (I learned this firsthand). Carry a zippered crossbody you can wear in front, slip an AirTag in your bag and suitcase, and keep FindMy on across ALL your devices.
Dining alone: Put on your cutest outfit, bring a book or journal, and enjoy the experience.
Packing list: Portable charger, comfortable shoes, and (if you’re traveling in summer) a small portable fan.
Save this pin for later ✨!
Final Reflections
Listennnnnnnnn... It absolutely sucked that my things were stolen. I hate that the media was right about pickpockets being everywhere in Barcelona. But after a few tears and some healing, I realized that outside of that one event, this trip was so much more than what was taken from me.
Solo traveling in Barcelona wasn’t just a getaway. It reminded me of how far I’ve come, how much I’ve grown, and how much I truly enjoy my own company. It gave me exactly the mix of comfort and adventure I needed at that point in my life.
I also found myself reflecting on my very first trip here, back when I came with a high school friend from France. Back then, I was on a tight budget, not drinking wine (or any alcohol), and not nearly as curious about food. This time was different. This time, I felt like I was stepping into a new version of myself. The growth showed up in little ways, like walking into restaurants alone without fear or hesitation. A few years ago, I would have been way too nervous. Now? I felt brave, even proud. Honestly, my younger self would have been clapping for me (cheeky, innit lol).
Would I recommend solo travel to Barcelona? Yes, absolutely. But with one big BUT: be careful. Don’t trust strangers with your bags, slip AirTags into everything, and for the love of all things, turn on FindMy on your devices.
So tell me, would you ever try Barcelona solo? Or if you’ve been, what was your favorite part of the city? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
