It all started in a car with some friends. We were talking about weekend getaways when someone mentioned how incredible Barcelona and Madrid are. That’s all it took for me to catch the travel bug. After a couple of days thinking it over, I pulled the trigger: booked a €40 flight to Barcelona, a train to Madrid, and a return flight to Lisbon. It sounded like the perfect plan. What could go wrong?
The Grand Plan
The itinerary was straightforward: leave Lisbon late Friday night, land in Barcelona around 3 or 4 AM, spend the day exploring, and catch a train to Madrid in the evening. In Madrid, I’d crash at a hostel and spend Sunday soaking up the city before flying back home that night. Easy, right?
Spoiler alert: it didn’t go as smoothly as I imagined.
Barcelona: A Dream Start
The flight was uneventful, and I landed in Barcelona as planned, bleary-eyed but full of excitement. I had a quick nap at the airport—not something I’d typically recommend, but in this case, I didn’t want to splurge on a hotel for just a couple of hours. I looked for those airport capsule hotels or nap pods but couldn’t find one. Next time, I’m thinking about booking a lounge instead. It costs around €50, but with comfy seating, snacks, and drinks, it might be worth it—especially if I’m stuck waiting for a connecting flight. I’ll let you know how that works out when I try it on a future trip!
After my short nap, it was time to leave the airport and hop on a train to the city center. But let me tell you—Barcelona’s airport is a bit of a maze. I don’t know if I was too groggy or if the signage just wasn’t clear, but finding my way out felt like solving a puzzle. Eventually, I found the train station, and my adventure officially began.
First Stop: Sagrada Família
My first destination was the Sagrada Família, and wow—just wow. I had seen photos of this masterpiece, but nothing could prepare me for the real thing. Standing in front of Gaudí’s iconic creation, I was completely captivated. Every intricate detail of the architecture spoke to me. It was like the building had a soul, and I couldn’t stop staring.
In that moment, I wanted to grab a pencil and paper to sketch those details, just to carve them into my memory. If buildings could speak, this one would whisper stories of genius and passion.
Did you know construction began in 1882, and Antoni Gaudí himself passed away in 1926 before it was finished? Fast forward nearly 100 years, and they’re still building it, following Gaudí’s original plans. That’s incredible, isn’t it? It made me reflect on how humans are capable of creating things that outlive us, carrying our visions into the future.
A Quick Breakfast Nearby
After soaking in the magic of the Sagrada Família (from the outside—I’ll save the interior tour for another day), I needed breakfast. I found a cozy café nearby called Café Florida (link)—just far enough from the tourist crowds to be reasonably priced but close enough to be convenient.
The croissant and coffee combo I ordered? Pure bliss. Maybe it was my hunger, or maybe it was the smell of fresh pastries and brewed coffee filling the air, but it hit the spot. Bonus: the café had outlets to charge my phone, which was a lifesaver since I had a full day ahead.
The vibe of the café was warm and welcoming, and when I walked in, the barista greeted me with a friendly “Bom dia”. It sounded so close to Portuguese that it felt like a little slice of home. Highly recommend this spot if you’re ever near the Sagrada Família.
Exploring Barcelona on Two Wheels
After breakfast, I decided to explore the city the best way I know: on a bike. Renting a bike in Barcelona is incredibly easy, and the city is made for it. With countless bike lanes and tree-lined streets, it’s not just convenient—it’s a vibe.
I skipped the crowded tourist hubs, opting instead for the quieter streets. Don’t get me wrong, I love the energy of tourist spots, but cycling through chaotic crowds, honking cars, and pollution isn’t my idea of fun. Instead, I rode through the smaller, shaded streets, often imagining what life would be like if I lived there.
There’s something so soothing about cycling under tree canopies, with dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves. These moments of calm, away from the hustle and bustle, let me truly soak in the essence of the city. Barcelona isn’t just a place—it’s an experience.
The Curveball at the Train Station
After cycling through Barcelona, it was time to switch gears and dive into the quintessential tourist experience. But first, I needed food. Here’s where my approach might differ from the typical traveler—I was on a super-tight budget. For the entire weekend, I had less than €50 for food and extras. Some might call it impractical, but I call it living in the moment. If I waited for the “perfect time” to travel, this blog would have no stories to tell.
I skipped the tourist-packed La Boqueria Market at first, opting instead for a supermarket. If you’ve ever been to one in Portugal, you know they often have ready-made meals—simple, cheap, and filling. Thankfully, I found a similar setup in Barcelona. Warm food, cozy tables, and prices that didn’t make my wallet cry. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was exactly what I needed.
Feeling recharged, I made my way to La Boqueria. With a full stomach, it was easier to resist the temptation of overpriced treats. However, the colorful displays, freshly squeezed juices, and lively atmosphere were worth soaking in. I treated myself to a fruit smoothie, freshly blended before my eyes. It was the perfect refreshment for the warm afternoon.
Beach Bliss and Being Present
Next, I headed to Barcelona’s famous beach. The city’s combination of stunning architecture, vibrant people, and natural beauty makes it impossible not to fall in love. Sitting by the shore, I made a conscious decision to be present. No scrolling through social media, no distractions—just soaking in the moment. This trip was about more than ticking places off a list; it was about feeling the energy of the city and letting it leave a mark on me.
The sunset painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, signaling it was time to head back to the train station. I was determined not to be late—missing this train would mean throwing my entire itinerary into chaos. But life had other plans.
The Ticket Fiasco
I arrived at the station with time to spare, confidently heading to the platform listed on the board: Madrid 19:52. There were two trains departing for Madrid within minutes of each other. I assumed I was in the right place—after all, how could they have two trains for the same destination at nearly the same time?
As the queue moved, I reached the gate and scanned my ticket. A glaring red “X” appeared on the screen. My heart started racing. The attendant looked at my ticket and said, “This is for Platform 2. Your train left two minutes ago.”
Two minutes. That was all it took to derail my plans. I couldn’t believe I had made such a silly mistake. Frustration bubbled up inside me. Who schedules two trains to the same destination so close together? Was it my fault for not double-checking? Or was the station’s layout to blame? Regardless, the damage was done.
Finding a Way Out
I frantically asked about the next train. The attendant told me there was a special service leaving in two hours. Relief flooded through me—until I heard the price: €250. My laugh came out bitter and involuntary. How could a ticket cost over ten times what I originally paid? This wasn’t an option.
I sat down on a station bench, staring at the ceiling in defeat. The reality of my situation started to sink in. My plans were falling apart, and I had no idea how to fix them. But giving up wasn’t an option. I needed to get to Madrid; my flight back to Lisbon depended on it.
The Last-Minute Bus Hustle
I Googled bus options. To my surprise, I found one last bus leaving for Madrid that night. There were just three seats left. Hope sparked in my chest as I scrambled to book a ticket. But every time I tried, the payment failed. My frustration grew as the clock ticked closer to the bus’s departure.
With no time to waste, I jumped on a city bus heading to the Barcelona bus station, hoping I could sort things out there. The ride felt endless, my stomach was growling, and exhaustion was setting in. Still, I kept refreshing the bus booking website on my phone, trying to buy the ticket.
After twenty agonizing minutes of failed attempts, I called my girlfriend (now wife) for some moral support. From Poland, she cheered me on, insisting I could figure this out. But just as I was about to give up, the website showed “Tickets unavailable.” My heart sank. I thought, “That’s it. I’ve lost the bus. There’s no way out now.”
