Barcelona, Spain: Food, Nightlife & Everyday City Energy

Arriving in Barcelona. A New Chapter Begins

The drive from Zaragoza to Barcelona was three hours of pure sunshine and open road. The kind of journey that reminds you why slow travel is its own form of therapy. The motorway stretched through wide landscapes, broken occasionally by the silhouette of the Toro de Osborne standing high on the hills like a quiet guardian of the Spanish plains. Windows down, warm air on my face, music playing… it felt like one long, beautiful exhale.

I reached Barcelona early evening, just as the sky shifted into that soft dusk glow the city wears so well. After weaving through the wide avenues and tree-lined streets, I arrived at my Airbnb in Dreta de l’Eixample, perfectly placed for a 10-day stay. 

Dreta de l’Eixample, my Barcelona Base

Eixample is Barcelona at its best with wide boulevards, elegant facades, balconies overflowing with plants, cafes, bars and restaurants on every corner and neighbourhoods stitched together by walkable grid blocks. 

From here, I could walk to almost everything; the Gothic Quarter, El Born, Gràcia, even Las Ramblas. It’s central without being chaotic and has that lived-in, everyday charm that makes you feel part of the city instead of just a visitor.

The Airbnb itself felt like an instant reset with bright, spacious, high ceilings, beautiful tiles, personality, warmth and space for both me and Roly to properly settle. After weeks of aparthotels and hotel rooms, having a full apartment again felt grounding. A proper kitchen, a proper lounge, and a sense of “home” I didn’t realise I needed until I unlocked the door.

A Personal Note I Feel Ready to Share

I’d actually been to Barcelona once before in August, for my 40th birthday. The plan was simple and beautiful: celebrate this milestone in a city I’d always dreamed of visiting, surrounded by friends, good food, sunshine, and joy. But life had other plans.

In the lead-up to the trip, a series of challenging emotional events collided all at once, and my body reacted in a way I had never experienced before. I went into a dissociative episode, something I didn’t even have the language for at the time.

Medically, dissociation is described as a disconnection between thoughts, memories, surroundings, actions, and identity, often triggered by extreme stress or overwhelm. It’s the mind’s emergency brake, a protective mechanism that shuts everything down when the load becomes too heavy.

In real life, for me, it meant I wasn’t fully there. I was in Barcelona, with people I loved, on a milestone birthday… but internally I felt numb, distant, almost watching my own life from the outside. It was frightening, confusing, and deeply painful, especially when you’ve envisioned this moment for so long.

But I’m sharing this because it turned out to be a defining moment.

It reminded me of the importance of boundaries, of listening to my body long before burnout arrives, and of not carrying emotional loads that aren’t mine to hold. I’m a natural empath, and I’ve learned sometimes the hard way that care without boundaries becomes self-abandonment. The build-up of too many emotional demands had pushed me past my capacity, and my body responded the only way it knew how: by shutting down.

Since then, I’ve taken the time to understand myself more deeply. To rest. To reset. To rebuild routines that honour my mental and physical health first.

And honestly, this entire European road trip The Next Route is part of that healing. Travel has a way of clearing mental fog. It deepens clarity, and shows you parts of yourself you didn’t realise were waiting to be seen. I’ve stepped off social media, slowed down, become more present, and in many ways, I feel the most grounded and authentic I’ve ever felt.

And that’s why coming back to Barcelona mattered. It wasn’t just another stop. it was a chapter I needed to rewrite. A second chance to experience the joy, lightness, and magic that I didn’t get to feel the first time around.

So as soon as I checked into my Airbnb this time, I didn’t waste a second. I got ready, put on something that made me fabulous, and headed straight out into the Saturday-night energy of the city to enjoy tapas, music, people, life buzzing everywhere.

Barcelona, take two. And this time, I was fully here.

Saturday Night in Barcelona. Tapas, Music, Drag Queens & Pure City Buzz

After getting settled into my Airbnb and glamming up for my first proper Barcelona night out, I headed to meet a new local friend, the perfect way to ease into the city’s electric weekend energy.

Stop 1: GATS (Las Ramblas) for Tapas, Cocktails & Warm Vibes

We started the night at GATS, tucked just off Las Ramblas. It’s one of those spots that immediately feels inviting with soft lighting, lively chatter, stylish interiors, and major win fully dog-friendly indoors, so Roly joined the evening in true Barcelona fashion.

We ordered a selection of tapas to share. Add in some cocktails and new conversations, and it set the tone for a memorable night.

Stop 2: CHARLZZ Barcelona for a Live DJ, Red Lights & Drinks

A short walk later, we arrived at Charlzz music hall, a live-music bar glowing in shades of red with chandeliers, velvet seating, and a moody, retro atmosphere. Inside, the DJ was playing Latino music, people were laughing, dancing, vibing and yes, Roly was welcome here too.

It felt intimate but high-energy at the same time, the kind of bar where time disappears between songs.

Stop 3: Ocaña, Plaça Reial for Drag, Nightlife & Barcelona Energy

From there, we wandered over to Ocaña in Plaça Reial, a square known for its arched walkways, bustling restaurants, street performers, drag queens, artists, tourists, locals… 

One of the drag performers working the square stopped to say hello. Inside, the atmosphere was warm and lively, the kind of place where you can sit for hours just soaking in the scene.

Stop 4: Madame Jasmine for Neon Lights, Good Vibes & Queer Energy

We ended the night at Madame Jasmine, a queer bar bursting with colour, music, personality and a crowd that felt beautifully eclectic.

Neon lights, people dancing freely, cocktails flowing, and Roly happily taking it all in from my lap like the seasoned nightlife companion he’s becoming.

It was vibrant and a fun final stop on a night that reminded me how alive Barcelona is.

Sunday: Slow Wanders, Quiet Streets & Casa Lolea Tapas

Sunday was a slower pace. I walked from Eixample toward Casa Lolea, a beautiful little tapas spot with an intimate, bistro-style vibe. The walk itself was a joy. As we got closer to El Born, the architecture tightened with slimmer alleyways, laundry hanging between balconies, warm terracotta walls, and that unmistakable beauty of the historic centre.

Casa Lolea was warm and buzzing when I arrived. I ordered a glass of rosé and their tuna tartare. It was a simple lunch but it hit all the right notes.

After eating, I wandered slowly back through the maze of streets, stopping at a bright, modern Asian supermarket out of curiosity. 

Back in Eixample, the afternoon light bounced off the balconies and leafy trees, and the city felt calm in a way that only Sundays manage. It was the perfect reset day: light, slow, and exactly what I needed between Barcelona nights out.

Monday in Barcelona: Vet Errands, Coffee Culture & Cosy Terraces

Monday was one of those everyday-life travel days. First on the agenda: Roly’s health admin. I walked him over to Saluvet, a local veterinary pharmacy, to pick up flea and worm treatment. Super straightforward, friendly staff, and it felt good to tick off one of those practical tasks you always end up doing when you travel long-term with a dog.

Roly trotted out proudly, medicine sorted, tail wagging like he’d just accomplished a major mission.

From there, we wandered over to D. Origen Coffee Roasters, a cool, minimalist neighbourhood cafe filled with digital nomads tapping away on laptops.

It had:

• great energy
• strong coffee
• big open windows
• the buzz of people creating things

I settled in for a few hours of work, a productive, grounding pocket of time that balances out busy travel days.

Later, I walked over to El Nacional, one of Barcelona’s most famous food halls.

Inside, it was stunning with warm lighting, Christmas decorations, glowing bars, people sipping cava and eating under giant illuminated stars. But unfortunately… it's not dog friendly. So Roly and I admired the interior from the entrance before continuing on.

Just around the corner from the beautiful Mercat de la Concepció, I found Casa Amàlia, a cosy Catalan restaurant that is dog friendly inside and outside.

The terrace had a log burner glowing away, which instantly made it feel like a warm hug on a cool December afternoon. I ordered mussels in a coconut sauce with crusty sourdough. The staff were lovely, the food was delicious, and Roly curled up under the table like he owned the place. It was one of those lunches that reminds you why Barcelona is such a joy to live in for a little while.

By the evening, I was ready for a quiet night in at the Airbnb. I ordered Caribbean from Joosy Gastro on Glovo (Spain’s Deliveroo equivalent), the perfect comfort food to end a full but gentle Monday.

Tuesday: Gaudí, Wanders & a Banksy Afternoon

I started Tuesday with Roly at one of Barcelona’s great architectural icons, Casa Milà (La Pedrera). The building ripples like stone waves. Standing underneath its sculpted balconies with Roly posing out front felt like one of those “I’m in Barcelona” moments".

From there, we spent the morning wandering the Eixample streets. I did a bit of window shopping. For lunch, we walked over to Fa Patxoca, a casual local spot with outdoor tables and that cosy neighbourhood feel. I ordered gambas al ajillo, prawns simmered in garlic oil and a slice of pan con tomate on the side. 

After lunch, I headed to the Banksy Museum. It was actually really cool to see some of his well-known pieces recreated full-scale. Roly came inside with me (another win for Barcelona’s dog-friendly energy) and just wandered through the rooms like it was the most normal thing in the world. He sniffed around, watched people, and seemed genuinely curious about everything.

We finished by walking up the stencilled staircase, Roly leading the way, and stepped back out into the daylight around an hour after exploring, feeling like it was a fun little detour. Interesting, easy, and worth the stop.

On the way back, I stopped for a drink at Café del Centre, one of the oldest cafes in the city. Sitting there with a glass of whiskey, people-watching, felt like the perfect way to ease into the evening.

Wednesday: Work Day & a Wind-Down Drink at Sway Soul Lounge

Wednesday was a full work-from-home day with the laptop out, coffee on repeat, Roly snoozing in different corners of the apartment like a little remote-work colleague. By the time early evening rolled around, I needed a change of scenery, so I wandered over to Sway Soul Lounge, a low-lit cocktail bar not too far from my Airbnb.

Melrose Café: The Most Cheerful Start to a Thursday

On Thursday morning I wandered over to Melrose Café, which is basically a pink dreamhouse turned brunch spot with all pink interiors, flower walls and neon signs. It’s fully dog-friendly, so Roly had the time of his life being fussed over by the staff while I ordered breakfast. The food was really good, and the team were so warm and welcoming. It was the kind of place where you can sit for a while, sip your coffee, and just enjoy the vibe of being surrounded by fifty shades of pink. Roly approved.

The rest of the day, I just wandered with no real plan letting the side streets, cafes and little moments guide me. In the evening, I ended up having drinks on the terrace below my apartment, where I got chatting to a local Spanish couple who were also out with their adorable rescue dog. It was a simple, relaxed end to the day, and one of those small travel moments that makes a place feel familiar.

Friday: Sunshine, Art, and a Little Barcelona Magic

I started the morning at La Sagrada Família, which feels even more dramatic in person than in photos. With the newest towers rising, it’s now set to become the tallest church in Europe, and you can really feel that vertical pull when you’re standing beneath it with all those gorgeous Gaudí details climbing towards the sky.

I wandered through the Christmas market outside and stopped at a small artist’s stall, where I ended up chatting with the woman who ran it. She was warm and full of stories, and I loved the colours in her work, so I bought a piece to take home. A little slice of Barcelona to have back in the UK with me.

After that, Roly and I found a bench in the park beside the basilica and sat in the sun for a while, just soaking up the atmosphere.

On the walk back to the Airbnb, I stopped at a cafe with a terrace for a late breakfast and a glass of cava, the perfect way to ease into the afternoon.

Saturday: Sunshine, Tapas, and an Evening with Barcelona

Saturday started with lunch at Bar Betlem, where I met a new local friend. We sat outside on the terrace, sharing tapas in the sun and chatting. It was easy, light, and very Barcelona.

By the evening, I wandered through the city with the Christmas lights switched on above the streets. The whole place felt festive with bright Catalan phrases hanging over the road, people out strolling, that cosy December buzz.

I ended the night at Casa Boney, eating at the bar with a view straight into the open kitchen. I ordered steak tartare and tagliolini aglio olio e peperoncino with cockles. It was one of those pleasant solo evenings where you don’t need a plan; the city just carries you along.

Sunday: A Long Walk, A Missed Cable Car & A Perfect Beach Ending

For our final full day in Barcelona, I decided we’d walk from the Airbnb all the way up to Avinguda Miramar to take the cable cars over the city. It took just over an hour but it was warm, almost summer-like, and the walk itself felt like part of the day rather than a means to an end.

We passed cafes opening for brunch, and one of Gaudí’s other masterpieces: Casa Batlló, its mosaic facade glowing in the morning sun. Even though I’ve seen it before, it still stops you in your tracks with those bone-like balconies, the wavy lines, the colours shifting with the light. A small moment of Barcelona magic on the way.

When we finally reached the cable cars, we found out they weren’t dog-friendly. Slight anticlimax, but honestly, it didn’t feel like a loss. By that point the sky was bright blue, the day was unfolding gently, and it felt like we were already exactly where we needed to be. So instead, we rerouted.

I grabbed lunch at Anardi, a Basque restaurant where I had prawns marinated so perfectly I could’ve ordered a second plate. Roly sat under the table like the sweetest little travel companion.

After that, we jumped in a cab and headed to Barceloneta Beach, a place I’d spent time last summer, and somewhere I was excited to revisit, especially with Roly. The beach wasn’t crowded the way it is in peak season, which made it even better. Roly ran straight for the water, absolutely living his best life, swimming and splashing.

I sat at a beach restaurant with a glass of wine, letting the sun warm my face while watching the waves and the people and the city just… exist. It felt grounding. A small, quiet moment of reflection before the next part of the journey. Honestly, it was the perfect way to end the trip.

A Closing Reflection: Barcelona, Again But Different

Coming back to Barcelona felt healing in a quiet way. The first time I was here, everything was overwhelming. I was physically present but emotionally elsewhere navigating dissociation, missing moments that should’ve felt joyful, and barely able to absorb where I was.

This second visit felt like reclaiming the city for myself. I walked the same streets but felt entirely different in them. More grounded, more present, calmer, clearer. There were flashes of sadness remembering what I’d missed, but also gratitude. Returning allowed me to rewrite those memories with new ones that felt lighter and more aligned with who I am now.

Barcelona gave me warmth, clarity, movement, connection, solitude, creativity, and pockets of joy stitched throughout the week. All of it mattered.

Next stop: Valencia, a new city, new food, new beaches, new energy… and another chapter for me and my little co-pilot.