After our daughter’s wedding in Madrid, we had two days in Barcelona…and I felt we used them wisely. Here’s what I would recommend to you for Barcelona: Espadrilles (we all bought them including the men) and shopping at Zara along with a visit to the famous basilica by Gaudi. I also want to tell you about our boutique hotel (that we all loved) and an exceptional seafood restaurant.
La Sagrada Familia Basilica by Gaudi
La Sagrada Família is one of Gaudí’s most famous works in Barcelona. It’s a giant Basilica that has been under construction since 1882. It’s not expected to be completed for some time. Be sure to buy tickets in advance.
It feels over-the-top and amazing. Some say it’s gaudy…but it’s up to you to decide.
Barcelona: Espadrilles
In 14th-century Spain, where espadrilles – or espardenyas (to give them their ancient Catalan name) were created as workwear. They were worn by soldiers, peasants, and anyone who required cheap, practical shoes.
Hey, inexpensive and they are comfortable, too. Everyone in our group bought the style that befits their own style. My husband bought striped ones (like a fisherman) and our son bought olive suede (nice for walking around SoCal). I got two pairs of flats and my sister, Teresa got black wedges.
Point is…if you go to Barcelona, get your whole family espadrilles! Or they have lots of cute ones on Zappos 🙂 that don’t require an airplane ride. Click on the image to shop…
Top left: Alpargatas – Toni Pons Other photos: La Manual Alpargatera Where you can watch espadrilles being made and the selection is great! Both stores are catty-corner from each other.
Barcelona’s Fabulous Zara
All the ladies on our trip had very good luck at this large Zara. It feels more upscale and organized than in the U.S. and the prices are even cheaper. Which makes sense as Zara is a Spanish headquartered company.
Where to Eat for Excellent Seafood
We had a delicious, refined dinner at Botofumeiro. “The early mornings of Botafumeiro are the fish auctions of Catalonia and Galicia: the hubbub of the auction and the character of the fisherman in the day’s chilliest hours”.
Here I am with our son, Thomas in the dress that I bought that day at Zara.
Where to Stay: H10 Casa Mimosa Barcelona
H10 is a boutique chain in Spain and we really liked Casa Mimosa (housed in an 18th century building). Our breakfast was included and it was fresh and varied…and the interiors were stylish.
Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours: Barcelona
One more thing…when we are short on time (and even not), we like to do the Hop On Hop Off type bus tours…NO Shame there. We took one in Barcelona. It helps you get your bearings quickly. Have you taken them?
And those are my Travel Design Files: Barcelona: Espadrilles, Zara, and Gaudi. I still want to show you the interiors of the cool, ancient huge farmhouse where we stayed in Sitges, south of Barcelona on the Mediterranean Sea. Soon!
You may also like Two Perfect Days In Paris (Especially If You Like Home Stores and Food).
Click on the image to shop…
Thank you from La Manual Alpargatera!
wonderful blog! thanks for mentioning us!
You can find us at:
@lamanualalprgatera
http://www.lamanual.com
Hi Mary Ann,
I love espedrilles. They used to be available in all styles and prices but it seems I have to hunt them down each summer. I’ll definitely check out Zappos.
What a fun trip and your photographs are great. Thank you for a little armchair trip to Spain.
xo,
Karen
They have a good selection at Zappos, Karen.
We have used the Hop on-Hop off buses in almost every major city we have visited. London, which has about 4 thru different parts of the city, Edinburgh, Dublin, Galway, Amsterdam has both land and sea, Brussels…typically we do this on our first or second day for an overview. Consistently good experiences.
Haven’t been to Barcelona but might have to now!
We’ve used them in Paris, Dublin, and other places, too!
Your trip looks like it was AHMAAAAAZINNNNGGG!! I love espadrilles and always thought they were just a ladies shoe – who knew??
My son and husband look great in them!
So fun to read about your trip! We were in Barcelona 3 years ago, and I loved reading about your visit. And … darn … I didn’t buy espadrilles! I should have!
Ah Barcelona – fantastic city. Thanks to many visits, my closet has more espadrilles and alpargatas than I care to admit. Can’t get enough and such a bargain as compared with US prices. I live in a hot and humid climate (New Orleans), so they couldn’t be better…except when it rains. Don’t you love the Zara store there? Beautiful – building amazing. I agree, Zara in Spain (and Italy) seems much higher end; yet, prices better. So glad you enjoyed such a special trip. Next time, spend longer there…..
Ye, Beth…we needed more time!
I do love espadrilles! Such a fun share of your experience in Barcelona!
Over the summer I have focused and followed several Spanish fashion influencers on Instagram. I love their more relaxed, yet extremely stylish interpretations.
I have never been disappointed in the quality for the price of a piece of Zara fashion. It must have been so fun to visit their flagship store.
That store was awesome…all the ladies on the trip had good luck at Zara.
I have been wanting a quality pair of espadrilles for a few years now. I checked your links and it looks like I will need to deal direct with Toni Pons to see if they will ship to Canada (Zappos does not ship to Canada). I have a question about the width of the shoes that I am hoping you can answer…..easier to ask you since there is no language issue in the way …. I do not speak Spanish…..and you have tried on the shoes in person.
I have a narrow foot! Most espadrilles I have tried on leave me swimming in them because they are sooooo Wide. Does Toni Pons fit more narrow or can they make them more narrow?
Thanks for any help/insight you can provide
My feet are medium width and they are comfortable. They do stretch so the salesperson said to buy them snugger. I’m really not sure how they would work on a narrow foot. Sorry Lauren.
I love espadrilles and went to the same store whenI visited Barcelona last. The Gaudi basilica is all that you say and more. There are several other beautiful places to see Gaudi in Barcelona, not to be missed is the Cassa Batllo and Park Guell, at least those were two of my favorites places. And that Zara store is amazing! Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos.
We drove past that park on the hop-on bus. But I definitely need to go back Elizabeth.
I love a good pair of espadrilles and didn’t know the history. Thanks for sharing!
I now am the proud owner of three pairs of espadrilles, Dawn!