Music to set the tone:

While I’m pretty well-traveled, most of Europe is new to me; summer 2023 was my first time visiting Europe as an adult. After hearing all the hype from friends, I finally made my way to Barcelona with Renan and Pipoca for New Year's Eve 2025.

We stayed RIGHT in the center of town. Got lucky with a Kindred house “swap” just across from one of the gorgeous parks - Parc de la Ciutadella. With a brunch spot just around the corner, breakfast sandwiches and pastries were a must.

After settling Pipoca into her new digs, we walked over and checked out the ADORABLE winter markets. While the US does the big box Christmas, and Santa Fe does the kitchy, quaint farolitos and Christmas Eve stroll, I was blown away by the scale and simultaneously cozy Christmas Markets: the lights, food, drinks, vendors, and the community atmosphere. Our personalities shone with our food choices: Mexican tacos for me and pizza for Renan.

Did you know that Barcelona has a beach? It was a big surprise to me and Pipoca, and it added an extra smile to see people cracking up about Pipoca flying through the sand and rolling around on the boardwalk. The weather was gorgeous for “winter.”

We spent a good 25,000 steps exploring the neighborhoods, Mercat St Josep for a fruit tasting and cafe, bought some seeds for our garden (and Renan’s dad), Ciutat Vella, La Ribeira for mulled wine, and specialty cinnamon rolls. Yum. The desserts are incredible.

Plus we took in the massive architectural feat and never-ending construction of La Sagrada. The sheer size was astonishing. The largest cathedral I’ve ever seen. After hordes of crowds, some selfies from various angles, we deserved some tapas and wine.

The greenery from the apartments was totally mesmerizing. There is such a strong balance of creativity and greenery plus nature with the mountains in the distance and the beaches. And you can feel the history walking through the narrow streets. We enjoyed roaming around and stumbling upon restaurants, cafes, and parks.

New Years Eve was low-key and precious. Had a delicious steak dinner and veggie paella at Tapas San Miguel. Then we made our way to the fireworks show at Plaça d'Espanya. We took the train over, and sought out champagne and grapes to ring in the New Year. If you’re in Barcelona on NYE, I recommend getting there early (10pm-ish) – to find a place outside the crowds and to snag your drinks before the markets stop selling alcohol at 10pm!!

We made some Brasilian friends (of course), and tucked ourselves against a railing as the flocks of people arrived. It was a chillier night made warm by the joy and love surrounding us. Everyone offered others drinks and grapes, as we took in the drone and firework show alongside a few thousand people.

We ended up walking the entire way home because the metros were jam-packed. Of course, I found some people letting off fireworks in the street. We shared our champagne and took a detour to check out the last attraction on my list – Casa Battlo.