Captivating Barcelona

Nestled within mountains along the Mediterranean coast, Barcelona emerges as a vibrant metropolis.

I’d heard for years about how appealing the City of Barcelona was and so I was excited to make my first trip to this Spanish city over one weekend in May. Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia located on Spain's northeast coast, framed by the Montserrat Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. The city’s history began with an ancient Iberian settlement that evolved into the Roman colony called Barcino, which later served as a key medieval port. After a decline following Spain's shift from Mediterranean to Atlantic trade, the city experienced resurgence through the Industrial Revolution and after hosting the successful 1992 Olympics, a period that spurred modern urban development and tourism, solidifying its status as a major cultural and economic hub. Today, Barcelona captivates visitors with its blend of stunning architecture, vibrant Mediterranean beaches, and a dynamic cultural scene encompassing art, music, and lively street life.

With ample seating, the E Concourse Delta Sky Club was a welcome retreat before my next flight.

My journey began at the Baltimore Washington International Airport i(BWI) n the early afternoon aboard a Delta Air Lines Boeing 737-900 ER which took me to their Atlanta hub. There were 20 seats in the forward cabin spread across five rows with four seats each and I took my place in Seat 2B on the port side. The airline offered a snack service on this relatively short flight and we touched down a bit early around 3:30 PM pulling into Gate 33 on the B Concourse. The Plane Train then took me to the E Concourse and I made my way to the Delta Sky Club located across from Gate E15. It offered welcome amenities like private booths, couches, individual seats with power outlets, and tarmac views and was a fine place to catch up on some work before my flight to Europe.

The Delta One single window seat on the A330-300 offered a good degree of privacy during the flight.

The airline was flying an Airbus A330-300 to Barcelona that evening and boarding began promptly at 6:00 o’clock. The Delta One cabin featured 34 seats laid out primarily in a 1x2x1 configuration. The purser welcomed me aboard and directed me to seat 3A on the port side. On the seat was tonight’s menu, noise-canceling headphones, an Essential Elements amenity kit with branded skincare products as well as a premium blanket and pillow. As we settled in, flight attendants offered water or champagne as pre-departure beverages. The boarding door closed promptly at 6:30, but we were not airborne until close to 7:00 PM. The pilot soon informed us our flying time would be eight hours and 30 minutes at an altitude of 38,000 feet. Cocktails were soon served, along with a ramekin of Warm Mixed Nuts. I had selected the starter of Herb Marinated Shrimp with Bruschetta Tomatoes and Basil Aioli. A Mixed Green Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Radish and Blood Orange Vinaigrette was then served along with the Main Course. I had chosen the Beef Short Rib from Fox Brothers Bar-B-Q Restaurant in Brookhaven, GA, which came with a Peppercorn Cream Sauce, Garlic-Thyme Mashed Potatoes, Sautéed Spinach and Roasted Shallot. It was exceptionally tasty and the Chateau Clarke Bordeaux was the perfect accompaniment to my meal. A wonderful Ice Cream Sundae topped off the feast and before too long, I took advantage of the lie-flat bed to enjoy an uninterrupted four-hour nap. 

Spain's Iberia Airlines has a large presence at Barcelona with an average of 336 flights per day.

I didn’t take advantage of the pre-arrival breakfast service and passed the remaining time before landing by watching a movie. We touched down at around 9:10 the next morning at the city’s primary airport known as Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN). Customs formalities were busy at that time and it took over an hour before I was in a taxi en route to the hotel. The airport is located less than eight miles from the city center, but Barcelona experiences significant traffic, especially during the morning rush hour and it took about another hour before we reached the Grand Hyatt Barcelona Hotel. This 22 story, 5-star luxury hotel is in one of the city’s most exclusive neighborhoods and offers 465 rooms and suites.

The Hyatt Grand Club was the exclusive lounge on the fifth floor offering an elevated hotel city stay.

I had booked a King Bed Premium Room with Club access and was fortunate in being able to check in before the Noon hour. My room was on the 15th floor and featured a push, king-size bed, a sitting area, a well-equipped working desk and marble night stands, plus a bathroom with double sinks a separate, walk-in shower and branded Natura Bissé products. The Grand Club was the premier lounge offering a daily American breakfast buffet, daytime snacks, and a dedicated evening "Tapas Time" experience with drinks and a number of food options. It also proved to be the ideal location for hosting small meetings.

The stained glass windows of the basilica bathe the interior in a wondrous, colorful ever-changing light.

Barely scratching the surface of what the city had to offer, I enjoyed several of the most popular attractions during my free time. The first was the incredible Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, which is the unfinished masterpiece of Antoni Gaudí, famous Spanish architect and designer. The basilica is a breathtaking blend of styles, including elements of Spanish Gothic and Art Nouveau, making it unlike any other church in the world. The Sagrada Familia is still under construction and has been for over a century since building started in 1882, making its ongoing development a significant part of its unique story. The basilica is striking and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, recognizing its innovative design and cultural importance. 

Barcelona's Gothic Quarter with its ancient streets is a living mosaic of the city's very long history.

I also had an opportunity to visit the famed Gothic Quarter during my brief stay. It’s built on the site of the ancient Roman city of Barcino and I was pleasantly surprised to see parts of the original Roman walls and a Roman temple in several otherwise hidden corners. Most of the quarter is pedestrian friendly and the area is chock full of vibrant tapas bars, coffee shops and boutiques. The centerpiece of the Gothic Quarter is the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, that I found to be a stunning example of Catalan Gothic architecture with a beautiful interior, choir stalls, and even the tomb of the city's patron saint. The labyrinth of narrow, winding streets and bustling public squares capture the city’s spirit from bygone times to the present day.

La Boqueria's origins date back to the year 1217. Today, millions visit the colorful market annually.

One doesn’t want to depart Barcelona without checking out La Boqueria, the city’s most famous and historic food market. This vibrant hub of local culture is one of the world's best markets known for its abundance of fresh produce, seafood, meats, cheeses, spices, juices, and tapas bars. La Boqueria offers an authentic, popular atmosphere where visitors can buy fresh groceries and enjoy prepared meals, providing a sensory experience rich in colors, scents, and flavors that represent Catalan life. The market has a long history, with its origins tracing back to the Thirteenth Century, though the current market hall building dates from 1860. It’s Is a cultural hub for both residents and tourists alike and is well known for its lively atmosphere, fresh ingredients, and beautiful displays. My favorite part was sampling the local specialties. That made my visit well worthwhile.

Sadly, my time in this welcoming and enchanting city soon drew to a close. Like all who’ve been lucky enough to spend any time here, I’m hoping for a return sojourn in the not-too-distant future.

Until next time…safe travels.