After studying abroad in Barcelona for a little over a month, I’ve found some pretty amazing places around the city. Although I’m impressed with basically everywhere I go, I put together a short list of a few of my favorite must-see places.
Mar Bella Beach
Although Barcelona's beaches are undoubtedly beautiful and a definite place to go when visiting Barcelona—it is a little hectic when trying to lay in the sun and relax. People often warned me about the “petty theft” that is so rampant in Barcelona prior to me coming here, so I found myself unable to fully relax while on a Barcelona beach. Luckily, my roommates and I were told about a smaller, more quaint beach called Mar Bella Beach. When I first got there, I was immediately happy with the size and apparent lack of tourists! It was a very relaxing day, with no worries about someone stealing my purse or heckling me to buy something. It is definitely the place to go for a nice day in the sun!
 |
| Mar Bella Beach |
Picnic
Barcelona truly does have some of the best restaurants that I have ever been to and recently I tried a place that was out of this world. The restaurant is called Picnic and is located in L'Eixample. In Barcelona, there is this concept called “menu del dia” where the restaurant offers a three course meal for a fixed price—usually cheaper than ordering off the regular menu. At Picnic, the set menu was only 12 euros and came with the most delicious selection of food. I highly recommend the eggs benedict (never tasted better hollandaise!) or the tacos!
 |
| Fried Green Tomatoes! |
 |
| Eggs Benedict at Picnic! |
The Arc
Also located in the L’Eixample neighborhood is one of the most profoundly impressive and breathtaking sites called the Arc de Triomf. The arc is an extremely beautiful piece of architecture and it is unlike anything I have seen in the US. It is surrounded by a strip of palm trees and a very nice park (a great place to go hang out with friends for a couple hours). It is also located right by the zoo, making it a great excursion for all there is to do surrounding it!
 |
| The Arc! |
The Bunkers
The Bunkers is a place overlooking the whole city— I have to say it is one of the most beautiful sites I have ever seen. Upon reaching the top (it’s definitely a bit of a climb), I was immediately taken aback at how gorgeous the view of Barcelona is. The key is to go right around sunset, so not only do you get to see the city in daylight—but you also get to see the city lit up when it gets dark. If you’re going with friends or family, it is also fun to bring a little picnic to enjoy the view and spice up your trip to the top!
 |
| View from the Bunkers |
Elizabeth C. is the Fall 2016 CEA MOJO in Barcelona, Spain. She is currently a junior studying American Studies and Marketing at Miami University.