Barcelona Was Giving Main Character Energy: Harper’s Spring Break Adventure

🌸 Spring Break in Barcelona: The Teen Guide to Spain’s Coolest City

Hey hey, world travelers! It’s Harper, and let me just say: my spring break in Barcelona was chef’s kiss amazing. Sure, it started a little rocky (more on that in a sec), but by the end of the trip? I was ready to move in, learn Catalan, and live my best Gaudí-loving life.

✈️ When Your Trip Starts with a Delay… Make It a Performance

Our flight got delayed, and we ended up stuck in Washington, D.C. for a night. But if you know me, you know I never waste a stage. I took that baggage claim time to belt out some of my favorite Broadway hits. (Secretly praying a talent scout was lurking nearby. Still waiting on that viral moment!)

🇪🇸 Fast Forward: Bienvenidos a España!

The next day we finally landed in Barcelona—no customs line, no chaos. Just smooth sailing to our first stay: Hotel Arts Barcelona, right on the beach.

🏨 Hotel Arts Barcelona: A Luxury Hotel That Gets It Right

Even though the weather wasn’t beachy (cold and rainy—booo), Hotel Arts totally made up for it. The moment we arrived, the front desk team treated me like royalty. Guillermo, you’re a rockstar! He made me feel just as important as the grown-ups, even showing me how to use the bathroom’s Bluetooth speakers. Yes, that meant instant Broadway karaoke bubble baths. Iconic.

Our room was dreamy—modern, fresh, and filled with giant fruit and macarons for welcome treats (yes, I filmed a treat-tasting video—watch it here 🎥). The room was brand new and stunning, with a giant bathtub that basically begged me to dive in. I was obsessed with the marble floors, cozy bathrobes, and how every detail just screamed elegance without being too grown-up.

Breakfast at Hotel Arts was also a highlight. The buffet had a great variety, with fresh fruits, pastries, and even a “kid-sized” section that included tiny donuts and mini muffins. But let’s be real—it could’ve used a bit more creativity to actually feel fun and kid-focused. What stood out the most, though, was that the staff were super kind and helpful. We ended up ordering off the menu, and the fresh eggs and perfectly crisp bacon were totally worth it. Everything tasted elevated and fresh, like the kind of breakfast that fuels a day of adventures. It was a solid way to start the day before heading out to explore Barcelona.

🍝 First Night Fumbles: Pretty Pasta, No Flavor

We wandered out to find dinner and ended up at a place called Carmina. It was gorgeous—so Instagrammable—but the food? Meh. I got the Spaghetti alla Carbonara (served in a cheese wheel, very cool) but it wasn’t warm, and I was still starving.

Luckily, Hotel Arts room service totally saved the night. Within 10 minutes (seriously!), I had the best homemade chicken strips and crispy fries delivered straight to our room. The fries were perfectly golden, not too soggy, not too crunchy—just right. And the chicken? Juicy and flavorful, with a crispy coating that made every bite amazing. It wasn’t just fast food—it was fast fancy food. Total lifesaver after a long day of travel.

🐉 Casa Batlló: Gaudí Vibes Only

The next morning, we hit up Casa Batlló, one of Gaudí’s most famous houses. It’s like stepping into a real-life fairytale—vibrant colors, seashell-shaped ceilings, and nature-inspired curves everywhere. I even found secret peepholes in the wall that played short videos about the house while we waited in line.

The tour ends in a pitch-black immersive room that makes you feel like you’re flying through a kaleidoscope (and yes, I got it all on video—check it out here 🎬). Trust me: sit on the floor. Total wow moment.

🧊 InterContinental Barcelona: Nice Hotel, Cold Vibes

Next up: InterContinental Barcelona. The hotel is located near Montjuïc, which was a bonus because it was already on my list of places to explore. It’s close to the Magic Fountain, Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, and the Olympic Stadium, so if you’re into sightseeing, the location isn’t too bad.

From the outside, the hotel looks sleek and modern, and the rooms definitely followed that theme. Ours was super spacious, clean, and had clearly been recently updated. The lighting was bright and the bathroom was fancy, but here’s the thing—it felt more like a business hotel than a family-friendly luxury spot.

There were barely any plugs near the bed and only one USB-C outlet in the whole room. (Come on, it’s 2025, people!) And the vibe? Kind of cold. No one greeted us with a smile. Not even my mom got a “welcome.” Everyone at the front desk seemed a little confused, and honestly, it made the whole check-in feel awkward.

Now let’s talk food. The breakfast buffet was okay, but nothing special. There was a small “kids” section with mini muffins and donuts, but it didn’t feel well thought-out. The best food we had here? Room service. I ordered breakfast to the room one morning, and it was way better than what they offered downstairs. The eggs were fluffier, the toast was perfectly buttery, and everything arrived piping hot.

I didn’t eat many meals at the hotel because I wanted to explore more of Barcelona’s amazing food scene, but I did try the lobby restaurant once. It was quiet, the service was fine, and the food was decent but not memorable. If you’re planning to stay here, definitely venture out for your meals.

I spent three nights at the InterContinental and walked through the lobby many times. Not once did anyone say “hi” or smile. Maybe it’s a business vibe thing, but I still think a little warmth goes a long way.

🎨 Art, Donuts, and Mosaic Dreams

Barcelona is like a playground for art lovers. My absolute fave activity? A private mosaic workshop with Livia Garreta, a super famous local artist whose work is featured all over Spain and even in international exhibits. Her studio is tucked away like a secret creative haven—filled with light, colorful tiles, and walls that practically buzz with artistic energy.

From the moment we arrived, Livia welcomed us like old friends. She walked us through the history of mosaic-making in Catalonia and showed us some of her own nature-inspired designs. Then she let us dive into our own creations. I picked a bright palette of blues and oranges and used tools to cut and shape each tile, placing them just right on a design I sketched myself. Livia was encouraging and patient, teaching us little tricks to make our designs pop and helping when we needed it—but also letting us be totally hands-on.

The whole process felt like real artistry. It wasn’t just an activity—it was an experience. The best part? I got to bring my mosaic home. It’s now one of my favorite souvenirs ever. Families who love artsy activities, trust me: this is a must-do in Barcelona. You’ll feel like a pro by the end—and walk away with something you actually made, which is the coolest feeling ever. Highly recommend this for families who love to create.

We also visited the Sagrada Familia (yes, it’s still under construction after 140+ years!). From the outside, it looks like a towering sandcastle-meets-cathedral that’s come to life—massive spires, intricate carvings, and cranes hovering over this legendary project. But the inside? Whoa. It’s like stepping into a glowing forest made of light and color.

The columns stretch up like trees, branching out into a ceiling that looks like nature and geometry had a baby. The stained glass windows are unreal—bathed in reds, oranges, blues, and greens, they filter sunlight in the most magical way. It doesn’t just look beautiful, it feels beautiful, like a quiet, sacred rainbow.

We took a guided tour and learned that Gaudí was super inspired by nature. Everything inside has a deeper meaning—from the curved lines and organic forms to the way sunlight is used to tell a story. Our guide said the eastern windows are blue and green to represent morning light, while the western ones glow in fiery sunset colors. How cool is that?

Even though it’s still not finished (they say maybe by 2034?), it already feels complete in spirit. It’s one of those rare places where art, architecture, and faith come together so perfectly, you just stand there in awe. Trust me, you have to see it to believe it.

Oh, and I discovered Boldú Donuts. Cute, people-shaped pastries filled with magic (okay, Nutella, but close enough). Insta-worthy AND delicious.

🍴 Foodie Finds: Harper’s Top Picks

Barcelona had its foodie highs and lows, but the highs? Worth shouting out:

• Laietana for the best seafood paella. Massive portions, super fresh, and staff who truly cared. This cozy local restaurant wasn’t flashy or touristy—which made it even better. It had that hidden-gem vibe where you know everything is cooked with love. The seafood was perfectly tender and packed with flavor, and the saffron rice was so rich and aromatic I didn’t want it to end. No one really spoke English, so we used a translation app, but honestly? The food spoke for itself. Pro tip: come hungry and soak it all in—the meal was flavorful and generous, and they even brought out a little plate of complimentary sweets at the end. Save room for dessert—it’s amazing. Total foodie win.
• La Colmena Bakery (opened in 1849!) for strawberry meringue goodness. This charming, old-world pastry shop is one of the oldest in Barcelona, and it feels like stepping into a sweet slice of history. Everything in the display cases looks like it belongs in a dessert museum. I tried this massive strawberry meringue puff—it was crispy on the outside, gooey marshmallow fluff on the inside, and surprise: there was jelly hidden in the center! It was huge and messy and SO worth it. I also sampled their macarons, which were delicate, colorful, and totally delicious. Whether you’re a sugar fanatic or just love places with character, this spot is a must-visit.
• Tomahawk Grill House for steak dreams.
• Luigi’s Italian for post-sightseeing pizza perfection.
• Hard Rock Café for family tradition (Papa collects the hats!).

🧳 A Few Extra Highlights

• Got my first LEGO passport at the Barcelona LEGO store (how did I not already have one?!).
• Walked through Parc de la Ciutadella (muddy, but pretty!).
• Explored Montjuïc right next to our hotel.

💖 Final Thoughts: Barcelona with Kids is Everything

Barcelona has it – the culture, the charm, the history, and the food. It’s super walkable, bursting with character, and has something for everyone—especially families. Every day felt like stepping into a new story. From bubble baths with Broadway playlists to chipping away at mosaic masterpieces, the city gave me adventure, inspiration, and memories I’ll never forget.

The city is like an open-air museum—but one where you can eat world-class food, stumble across colorful markets, shop for LEGO, and discover hidden art at every turn. I loved how every neighborhood had its own vibe, from the beachy coastlines near Hotel Arts to the historic hilltops around Montjuïc.

And while every trip has its ups and downs (lookin’ at you, cold pasta!), the magic of Barcelona totally made up for it. The good was so good. The city, the stories, the sweets, the sunshine streaming through stained glass—it all hit different.

So whether you’re planning your first visit or your tenth, do yourself a favor and experience Barcelona with kids. Travel isn’t just about the places—it’s about how those places make you feel. And this city? It made me feel alive, curious, and completely wowed.

If you’re dreaming of Spain, add Barcelona with kids to your bucket list. And if you’ve already been, drop your recs for my next trip—because trust me, I’m coming back!

✨Adios for now! 🌟🇪🇸🚐

Harper

✨ Wanna keep the Euro vibes going? Check out more of my Europe blogs for inspo, eats, and unforgettable adventures. From castles to croissants—your dream fam trip starts here. 💅🌍🧳