Spending Christmas in Barcelona feels like hitting the jackpot for weather, culture, and festive vibes. After freezing my ass off in one too many December holidays, we looked for a warm city and Barcelona was it. One small problem here: I had just been operated. It was only Day 4 post-appendectomy when we flew, so I had to pace myself the next few days—but “taking it easy” in Barcelona still meant walking at least 12 km a day. I never claimed I was very good at taking care of myself.
The city didn’t make staying active hard, with its pleasant December warmth and endless places to explore. It was such a joy to stroll comfortably under sunny skies while Bucharest was wrapped in grey gloom. Christmas is so much nicer when it’s warmer and you can actually enjoy walking under the many many city lights and Barcelona definitely knows how to light up some Christmas magic
One thing that was hard for me though was finding diet-friendly food. I was not allowed fresh fruits or vegetables, no fried food, no spices, no alcohol, etc. I quickly realized how hard it is to eat healthy. Every menu seemed designed to tempt you off-track—tapas, fried goodies, and creamy desserts everywhere. I genuinely pity those who rely on eating out and still manage to stick to a balanced diet. I did find a very nice chain of restaurants called Honest Greens. This is not paid advertising, on the contrary, I paid them quite some money, but I liked them so I will mention them for very tasty and healthy options and on a budget. You could get some salmon, a side, salad, and bread for about 16 euros, so about the same you’d get that in central Bucharest actually. But it wasn’t all healthy foods. I indulged a bit in the appetizing food of Mercat de la Boqueria. I had some supermarket gazpacho. It was diverse :)) Another shoutout to Nomad Coffee for their top-notch latte.
But let’s go out there and enjoy all the Gaudi masterpieces, after all that’s why we’re here. We spent an afternoon at the Sagrada Família, marveling at its intricacies. The fusion of Gothic and Art Nouveau is nothing short of breathtaking. The Sagrada Família keeps evolving, and it’s incredible to see how much has changed in just the last few years. The Tower of the Virgin Mary, finished in 2021, added a new glow to Barcelona’s skyline with its beautiful star at the top, and the central towers are finally coming together, bringing Gaudí’s vision closer to life. Inside, the light is as magical as ever, but now there are even more details to take in.
It’s amazing how something that’s been under construction for over a century can still surprise you every time. How often can you come back to a world renowned attraction after a few years and go “oh, that wasn’t there”? I wonder what it will look like next time I come visit.
We returned to Sagrada the next evening to catch a very rare Christmas light show on the Nativity Facade. I have to admit, the Nativity lights show left me underwhelmed. It’s festive, sure, but compared to the mesmerizing light display at Casa Batlló, it didn’t quite hit the mark. But it had a spiritual component, showcasing the biblical Christmas story by lighting up the different parts (and statues) of the facade.
Nearby, I stumbled across Palau Güell, another of Gaudí’s gems, tucked away but worth every step. Its lavish interiors and chimneys are a testament to his genius and a quieter way to appreciate his work without the Sagrada crowds. We got to explore Palau Güell, one of Gaudí’s early masterpieces, commissioned by Eusebi Güell—a wealthy industrialist and passionate patron of the arts. I had been to Barcelona before but didn’ t visit it, so I can say this time I was genuinely impressed.
The palace is a stunning blend of functionality and creativity, designed as a private residence that hosted lavish social gatherings. Gaudí’s innovative use of materials, natural light, and ventilation is remarkable, with highlights like the ornate ironwork and colorful rooftop chimneys.
Barcelona isn’t just architecture; it’s also green spaces. The Zoo and the Umbracle, a stunning 19th-century greenhouse, were a peaceful reprieve from the city buzz. I do love myself some cute animals and the zoo is quite the walk. By this point I was a bit exhausted and I could tell that I was still recovering from surgery, so there were a lot of breaks on sunlit benches. Such a good recovery to feel the sun beaming.
Walking the Ramblas and Diagonal Avenue brought me back to Barcelona’s energy. The tree-lined streets, bustling with life and lights, made even ordinary moments feel festive. Every turn revealed something new—street performers, pop-up markets, and hidden corners steeped in history. I also have to overstate just how walkable Barcelona is, with its large streets and walkways, designed for pedestrians. Absolutely stunning. It helps when you build the city with urbanism in mind. I am just in awe that you can have a city look like that, with its very specific quarters that look so satisfying from an aerial perspective.
But no Christmas visit is complete without Christmas markets. Plaça de Catalunya surprised me with its sustainable Christmas fair, so kudos to the city for blending tradition with sustainability. It actually felt sustainable not just faking it. They also had a big stage for concerts and theatre, so a fun time all around. Various other markets had Christmas kiosks selling decoration and food and everything you can imagine, including this very peculiar Barcelonian or Spanish thing: the pooping men :)) You heard that right.
If you want a little pooping Spaniard, or a pooping Trump, or a pooping Freddy Mercury, this is your chance.
Spending Christmas somewhere warm is an experience I can’t recommend enough. The good weather let me soak in the sights, enjoy the lights, and feel present in every moment. Even recovering from surgery didn’t stop me from making the most of Barcelona’s charm.
If you’re looking for a Christmas getaway that’s equal parts culture, beauty, and sunshine, Barcelona delivers. Just pack comfy shoes and, if you’re on a strict diet, maybe a few healthy snacks.
Special thanks to www.barcelonaturisme.com ❤️