The biggest reason I recommend Barcelona is the Gaudi architecture. I am not a student of architecture, so I was not sure what to expect—would I appreciate his work?

Absolutely! Gaudi was a genius, a radical, and way, way ahead of his time. While La Sagrada Familia can’t be missed, my favorite spots were the houses he designed. Just astonishingly breath-taking and innovative!

I also enjoyed my day trip outside of the city to Montserrat, the monastery built up high in the mountains. I recommend the hike out to the highest point in that range—it is quite a view!