Don’t be afraid to call yourself a tourist, it is not a bad word. There is nothing wrong with indulging yourself in the chaotically long queues to see the world’s most famous sights, in fact, you’ll regret it if you don’t.
However, there will come a time when you will want to escape to find peace and quiet and more out of the way sites. Here I will share with you my 8 secret getaway spaces that kept me going during my time in Barcelona.
# 1 The Santa Caterina Market
Everyone knows about La Boqueria on Las Ramblas and everyone goes there, but if you want to visit a market where it is actually possible to shop at your own leisure, head to the Santa Caterina Market in El Born. Here you get a mucho more local feel for the city, and you’ll find most of the goodies offered at the Boqueria like fresh fruit and veggies, exotic meats and cheeses, plus a taste of delicious ‘jamón Ibérico’.
#2 El Carmel Bunker
Ascend to the top of Turó de la Rovira Hill, here you will find history, beauty, and tranquility. Many peaks in the city offer lookout points but the Carmel Bunker is one of a kind. It’s home to the ruins of a Spanish Civil War airstrike shelter where you can explore the military history and get a 360º view of the surrounding area. The best part about this viewpoint is that it is never crowded and it is completely free.