Not going to lie I was nervous at first to go alone. I didn’t plan to go alone actually. I bought two tickets as a surprise for my ex-husband’s birthday in December. I bought the tickets around April/May. Instead of losing two tickets I rather just lose one. I work hard for my money lol. I did a ton of research on solo traveling before going. Comes to find out a lot of people solo travel. Two comments most mentioned was how rejuvenating it is to travel alone, and how you rely on yourself. I needed those two things at this moment being a newly divorced person, especially relying on myself!
I stayed 3 days in Barcelona and 2 days in Madrid. In Barcelona I stayed at the Royal Ramblas Hotel. It’s located in Las Ramblas, a very popular town. Literally step outside and the town is there. Loved it. Also, it was near the major train lines.
The activities I did while in Barcelona were:
- Gothic quarter
- La boqueria (market)
- El born
- Magic fountain show,
- Montjuic cablecar and transbordador aeri del port (another cable car),
- Montjuïc castle
- Parc Güell
- Sagrada Família (this is a must!!!)
- Casa Batlló
- Arc de Triomf & Ciutadella Park (they are both near one another. The elephant statue is here)
- Camp Nou (soccer stadium. I wanted to buy tickets to see a soccer game because how cool would that be. Tickets were over 1k, so I said nope lol)
- Maze of Parc del Laberint d’Horta (the maze looks small, but I definitely got lost in there)
- I went to a Flamenco show. The company is called “Tablao Flamenco Corodobés. So amazing. It sent chills through my body.
- I took a cooking class with a company called “The Paella Club”. They get you drunk here. Nobody’s cup was ever empty! They mentioned expanding their company.
- Montserrat. I saw the black Madonna and heard the little boy choir sing. I booked this trip through trip advisor. It also came with a wine and tapas tour. The views up here are amazing. I felt like I was in heaven! There is an option to take a cable car to the top of the mountain, but I didn’t have enough time. (That’s one thing with doing tours time restriction).
I took the train to Madrid. I paid 170 euro and bought the ticket the night before. The price is usually 40-50 Euro if you buy it in advance. The train ride is 3 hours. The ride was nice and comfortable.
I stayed at Hotel Puerta America. It is about 40 minutes from the airport by train and 35 minutes to the city center. Everything to do is in the city center.
The activities I did while in Madrid were:
- Puerta del sol
- Plaza mayor
- Royal palace. I just wanted to come and take pics, but it was so cold, so I bought a ticket to go inside to keep warm. Oh My God! So glad I did. Very beautiful inside. You’re not allowed to take pics.
- Gran Vía
- Temple of Debod
- Mercado de San Miguel
- Cathedral de la Almudena
- I did some shopping at the El Cortes Ingles mall
- El retiro park (it was closed for construction. I can tell it is a very nice park.
- La Tabacalera. If you’re into art this place is for you.
- El Rastro. This is a section in town that only happens on Sunday’s where vendors are selling a ton of stuff.
- Chocolatería San Ginés has the best churros con chocolate. I am not really a fan of churros, but they went well with chocolate (more like hot coco).
I used the metro the whole time I was there. It was so simple to use. Sad, I don’t even understand NYC subways.
I almost got my phone stolen in Barcelona. A guardian angel was on my side man. My phone fell right out his hand. Can you imagine my first solo trip and having no phone?
Dress comfortable. There is a ton of walking to be done.
I’m thinking to go back as a reunion to myself. This trip really opened the doors for me travel solo. I shocked myself honestly. I really went to Spain by myself! Not saying I will not travel again with people, but I will not be waiting on anyone to travel.
