3 perfect days in Barcelona with my tween
This past summer, my daughter and I traveled to Spain for the Donosti Cup—one of the largest youth soccer tournaments in Europe—and while the focus of our trip was all about soccer, we couldn’t resist squeezing in a little adventure of our own. Before heading to San Sebastián for the tournament with the team, we made a three-day stop in Barcelona for some mother-daughter sightseeing (two days before we left for San Sebastian and one day after the team returned to the US). With just the two of us and a city full of color, culture, and history, it became the perfect kickoff and end to our trip — a chance to explore, connect, and make memories beyond the soccer field.
We took a nonstop, overnight flight to Barcelona. We arrived early in the morning, took a taxi to a charming boutique hotel right in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, where every corner felt like a scene from a storybook. After we settled in the hotel, we ventured out soaking in the city’s magic. Sliding into beauty at Sephora in Barcelona was a top priority for my tween — seriously, it was the first thing on her list. The giant slide at the entrance made it more than just a makeup stop; it was an experience, and she loved every second of it, but so did I (haha).
After Sephora, we strolled past the Barcelona Cathedral, stopped for lunch, then walked beneath the Gothic archways.
Jet lag finally caught up with us, so we made our way back to the hotel for a quick afternoon nap — just enough to reset before our next adventure. After that much needed nap we did a quick outfit change — because when you’re about to visit one of Gaudí’s most iconic masterpieces, you dress the part, am I right?;) Recharged and excited, we set out for Casa Batlló, ready to step into the dreamlike world of colorful tiles, curved walls, and rooftop chimneys that look straight out of a fairytale. You can see some of the video highlights from our trip on my Instagram (@aniasbliss)
TIP: Casa Batlló – Get your tickets online and in advance! Also, take a balcony pic (you don’t have to purchase it, unless you love it and it does come in a beautiful souvenir folder)
After a log day we finally returned to the hotel and made our way up to the rooftop pool. My daughter splashed around while I soaked in the golden-hour light. Afterward, we stayed in for a relaxed dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.
The next morning, we took our time strolling through the city, ate breakfast across the cathedral, then walked to the Arc de Triomf, where we snapped photos beneath its grand, red-brick arches. After soaking in the views, we took a taxi and headed to our next hotel across town, where we’d be meeting up with the rest of the team for the Donosti Cup. Our solo sightseeing adventure was half-way done, but the soccer journey was just beginning.
We arrived at our next hotel and quickly reunited with a few of my daughter’s teammates, all girls buzzing with excitement for the days ahead. We headed straight to the boardwalk for a relaxed lunch by the sea, then spent the afternoon walking along the beach, toes in the sand, soaking up the sunshine and that perfect Barcelona breeze. We wrapped up our second evening in Barcelona with a dinner alongside a few of my daughter’s teammates, sharing laughs and lots of great food. After dinner, we took one final walk along the boardwalk with gelato in hand, excited to get on the road in the morning.
After two incredible weeks of traveling through Valencia, Zaragoza, and then the Donosti Cup in San Sebastián, and a dreamy day trip to Saint-Jean-de-Luz in France, we made our way back to Barcelona for one last taste of the city that started it all. Tired but full of memories, it felt like a sweet full-circle moment — returning to the familiar streets, the buzz of La Rambla, and that unmistakable Barcelona energy. With just one final day to soak it all in, we slowed down, revisited a few favorite spots, grabbed last-minute souvenirs and reflected on the whirlwind adventure we’d just shared across cities, cultures, and soccer fields. After we said goodbye to our soccer friends, who headed back to the United States, we got in a taxi and headed back to Ciutat Vella, just the two of us.
We started our day with a taxi drop-off at the Arc de Triomf. From there, we walked through the charming streets of the old city, eventually arriving at the lively stretch of La Rambla. Along the way, we stopped at Plaça Reial, a hidden gem just off the boulevard, where we admired Gaudí’s ornate lampposts and soaked up the vibrant atmosphere. Our walk ended at the foot of the Statue of Columbus, standing tall at the edge of the harbor, pointing us toward the sea and wrapping up a perfect morning in Barcelona.
From the Statue of Columbus, we continued our adventure by heading toward the boardwalk, for a laid-back lunch by the sea. Once we finished, we made our way back to the hotel for a quick break to rest and recharge. Later that afternoon, we returned to the beach, where we kicked off our shoes, sunk our toes into the warm sand, and let the Mediterranean waves wash over our feet.
After our relaxing afternoon at the beach, we headed back to the hotel to rinse off the sand and change for one final Barcelona adventure — a visit to La Sagrada Família. As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, we made our way to Gaudí’s breathtaking masterpiece, excited to experience it in the golden glow of late afternoon. It felt like the perfect way to end our trip, standing in awe beneath the soaring towers and colorful stained glass, taking in every last bit of magic the city had to offer.
TIP: If you plan to visit and go inside La Sagrada Família or Park Güell, you must get your tickets at least a week in advance. They sell out quickly!
As our final adventure in Barcelona came to an end, we couldn’t help but reflect on how grateful we were for this opportunity to truly explore the city. Last year, we had visited Spain as a family (also for Donosti Cup)— my daughter, husband, son, and I — but due to unexpected issues with a connecting flight in Portugal, we didn’t get much of a chance to see Barcelona. This time, just me and my daughter, we were able to slow down, wander through the streets, and experience the beauty of the city in a way we had missed before. Thanks for reading!
To shop my outfits I wore in Barcelona click here.
Xoxo, Ania
What I wore in Barcelona:
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