One Hill of an Adventure
Spain + Andorra
Trip from Denver
Barcelona · Andorra · Girona · Costa Brava
Duration
11 Days
Bases
3 Cities
Est. Total (for 2)
$2,200 – $11,400
Best Time
Late November
Why Spain and Andorra
Barcelona, Andorra, Girona, and the Costa Brava on points and a real budget
Spain had been on our radar for a while. We'd always wanted to experience the culture of Spain, but the price kept making us hold off for years. We'd usually look at visiting during the summer for great weather and to time it easily with our lives, but we just couldn't stomach the flight costs or think about dealing with the traffic during peak season.
We finally lucked out with a solid flight deal in November through Icelandair. This wasn't even a points play, it was just a great discounted fare that we received an email about through Going. It flew out of Denver (which is just a quick hop for us), with a stop in Iceland before landing in Barcelona. And you even had the option to extend the layover in Iceland, if you wanted to add a few days of adventure to your trip!
The itinerary we built for this trip was a great mix. We got to experience Barcelona, the mountains of Andorra, and some incredible coastal driving through Costa Brava. Taking the trip in late November turned out to be the best call we could've made. Being shoulder season meant cheaper flights, way fewer crowds, and amazing temperatures for being outside.
A huge chunk of our costs stayed down because we jumped on the Going deal (you really have to move fast on those!) and leaned into our Amex Platinum perks. Booking through the Amex Hotel Collection gave us a $100 property credit plus upgrades and late checkout, which really helped offset the lodging.
Just a heads up: Spain and Andorra aren't cheap by default, but there are many ways to save if it's on your bucket list. If you're flexible with timing, smart about flight deals, use credit card perks for accommodations, and stay flexible with how you get around and eat - the trip is doable without going overboard.
What you'll need to plan
- ✓Flights into and out of Barcelona (El Prat, BCN)
Although we didn't book this trip with points, the transatlantic leg is where points do the most work. If you're hoping to use points to get to Spain, book 3-5 months out for the best fares. Connecting through Denver or New York usually gives you the best prices, so look from there and find an easy connecting flight from where you live to where the flight deal leaves from.
- ✓Lodging in Barcelona (2 separate stays)
We stayed in Barcelona before the Andorra leg, and again after. Being in Barcelona consisted of booking Amex Hotel Collection properties that offered a $100 property credit per stay.
- ✓Bus tickets from Barcelona to Andorra
We took a bus to Andorra instead of driving because of the potential for bad weather, but you can do either. We recommend leaving from Barcelona-Sants station via bus or car rental, which is in a convenient location of Barcelona. If taking the bus, book in advance through Andorra Direct Bus. It's roughly ~52 EUR each way for 2 people combined. You'll want to pre-book this - the buses fill up fast.
- ✓Bus tickets from Andorra back to Barcelona
Same provider, Andorra Direct Bus. You'll get on the bus in a convenient location in Andorra - we walked there.
- ✓Rental car for the Girona and Costa Brava leg
Pick up in Barcelona after returning from Andorra. ~104 EUR for 3 days. Automatic transmission is worth the small upcharge on narrow European roads, unless you're comfortable with a manual. If you're comfortable with a manual, you'll pay less for the rental.
- ✓Hotel in Andorra
Hotel NH Andorra La Vella is right on the main street. Well located and a comfortable walk from all the amazing views and shopping in Andorra.
- ✓Hotel near Girona
Hotel Camiral is an Amex Hotel Collection property with $100 property credit per stay and complimentary valet parking. Ask about upgrades at check in.
- ✓Timed entry tickets for Park Guell
Book online before the trip. The famous mosaic terrace and dragon staircase require a ticket. The rest of the park is free.
- ✓Dinner reservation at El Cellar de Can Roca
Three Michelin star restaurant in Girona. Slots go on the waitlist months in advance. If you can't get in but want to eat at a Michelin star restaurant, Divinum (one star, also in Girona) is a great alternative.
- ✓Travel plug adapter, Type C or F
Works for both Spain and Andorra.
- ✓International Driver's Permit (IDP) for Spain driving
If you plan to drive, apply online before your trip so you have your permit in hand.
- ✓International phone plan (eSIM) through Airalo
Activate when you get there.
*You can absolutely rent a car and drive to Andorra. We took the bus due to weather during our trip, but if the forecast looks good for your dates, we recommend renting a car. Getting from Andorra La Vella up into the mountains is difficult without your own vehicle, and many of the best viewpoints are not on the bus routes.
Money
What this trip actually costs
We didn't track every euro to the cent, but here's an honest breakdown for two people. A lot of our lodging was covered by Amex Hotel Collection perks using our Amex Platinum, so those costs reflect cash value, not what we actually paid out of pocket.
| Expense | Budget Trip | What We Paid | Luxury Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight (SLC to DEN, round trip, 2 people) | ~$200 | $200 | $500 |
| Flights (DEN to BCN, round trip, 2 people) | ~$700 (economy, off peak) | ~$700 (economy, off peak) | ~$5,000+ (business class) |
| Pre-trip Denver night | Skip or budget hotel/Airbnb (~$70) | ~$150 (Hilton Garden Inn) | ~$300 (downtown luxury hotel) |
| Barcelona: The Hoxton Poblenou (3 nights) | ~$90+ (budget hotel/hostel) | ~$300 (Amex HCC cash value) | ~$500+ |
| Andorra: Hotel NH Andorra La Vella (2 nights) | ~$150 (budget guesthouse) | ~$250 (Chase points + $50 TC) | ~$500 (luxury option) |
| Girona: Hotel Camiral (2 nights) | ~$200 (standard hotel) | ~$350 (Amex HCC cash value) | ~$500 (upgraded option) |
| Barcelona: Hotel Astoria (2 nights) | ~$90+ (budget hotel/hostel) | ~$300 | ~$700 (design hotel) |
| Barcelona to Andorra bus (round trip, 2 people) | ~$113 (same for all) | ~$113 | ~$113 |
| Rental car + gas, Girona leg (~3 days) | ~$110 (economy car) | ~$130 | ~$250+ (larger vehicle) |
| Cooking class in Barcelona | Skip | ~$120 | ~$120 |
| Park Guell timed entry (2 people) | Skip | ~$20 | ~$20 |
| El Cellar de Can Roca tasting menu (2 people) | Skip | ~$800 to $1,300 (full wine pairing) | |
| Food and drink (~10 days, 2 people) | ~$400 (menu del dia daily) | ~$700 | ~$1,500+ (restaurants every meal) |
| Transportation in cities | ~$40+ (metro and bus only) | ~$150 | ~$300 (private transfers) |
| Miscellaneous | ~$50 | ~$100 | ~$300 |
| Estimated Total | ~$2,213+ | ~$3,583 | ~$11,403+ |
The single biggest swing in that budget is the Michelin dinner. El Cellar de Can Roca is a three star restaurant and a genuine bucket list experience, but the tasting menu is not cheap. If you skip it, swap to a one star option, or just check out another fine dining restaurant, you can pull the trip budget down significantly.
We used Amex Hotel Collection perks on three of the four hotel stays, which effectively gave us $300 in property credits across the trip. And some of the hotels we stayed at were the nicest hotels we'd ever stayed at in our lives!
Menu del dia is the best value in Spanish food culture. Almost every restaurant in Spain offers a fixed lunch menu, typically two courses plus bread and a drink, for ~$8-14 per person. It's often the same food as dinner at half the price. Order it daily.
Where to save
- Flights
Book 3-5 months out. Barcelona flights from the US are very serviceable out of major hubs. Connecting through Los Angeles, Denver, Chicago, or New York usually gives you the best fares. If you have travel credit cards, the transatlantic leg is where they do the most work.
- Transport within the trip
The bus from Barcelona to Andorra and back runs ~52 EUR each way for two people combined and works well when weather is uncertain. If the forecast is good, we recommend renting a car for the Andorra portion since getting out of Andorra La Vella and up to viewpoints is difficult without your own vehicle. Within Barcelona, the metro and bus system is awesome and cheap. Save Uber for late nights or when you're hauling luggage.
- Food
Menu del dia at lunch is the move. Dinner usually starts at 8 or 9 PM. Don't try to eat at 6 or 7 PM or you'll be in tourist trap territory. Cortados and pastries at local cafes for breakfast cost almost nothing. Skip hotel breakfast unless it's included. Tapas bars where you stand at the counter are almost always cheaper than full sit down service.
- Experiences
Park Guell timed entry is worth booking in advance to avoid lines, but most of the park outside the monument zone is free. The Bunkers del Carmel sunset view is completely free and one of the best views in Barcelona, better than any paid rooftop bar. Most of the best things in Cadaques cost nothing. La Sagrada Familia doesn't require going inside. The exterior is remarkable and the park beside it is free.
- Lodging
If you have Amex, Marriott, Hilton, Chase, or IHG points, use them here. Hotel Camiral and The Hoxton Poblenou are both Amex Hotel Collection properties. Some of the properties in the collection are 5 star hotels, that you can pay for with the credit. It's absolutely amazing! And the $100 property credit per stay adds up fast. Ask about upgrades at check in at both properties. It works more often than people think, especially in shoulder season.
Before You Arrive
The Denver layover
We always love visiting Denver, so we built in a night in Denver before the international flight!
We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Denver Union Station, which sits right on the 16th Street pedestrian mall and is walkable to almost everything in LoDo. The RTD A Line train connects Union Station to the airport in 37 minutes and runs every 15 minutes. Tickets are $10 each through the RTD MyRide app. We don't recommend getting an Uber or cab from this airport - it's so expensive and the train is clean and easy to get to!
Three things to sort before you leave home:
book Park Guell timed entry tickets online before the trip (they sell out and the line without a ticket is long), get on the El Cellar de Can Roca waitlist as early as possible (reservation slots open months in advance), and purchase Barcelona to Andorra bus tickets at andorradirectbus.es in advance (the bus fills up and there is no good backup option).
Apps to download
- FreeNow: European rideshare app, our preference over taxis in Barcelona
- Uber: also works in Barcelona, good backup
- RTD MyRide: for the Denver airport train ($10 per person each way)
- Google Maps offline: download Spain and Andorra before you leave (you can view the Google MyMaps below)
Denver options
- Tivoli Brewing: walkable from Union Station, solid for dinner or a beer
- Rhein Haus: German beer hall with shuffleboard, 15 minutes on foot
- Wynkoop Brewing: Denver's original craft brewery, walkable from the hotel
- Capital One Lounge at DEN: use it on departure day, get there at least 2 hours before your international flight (if you have the Venture X, access is free for the card holder).
The Itinerary
Day by Day
Arrive in Barcelona
Monday · Arrive ~1:20 PM · Poblenou neighborhood
You're landing in the early afternoon after a transatlantic red eye, overnight flight. We don't recommend packing this day.
- FreeNow or Uber into the city. The taxi situation at BCN arrivals can be slow. FreeNow is our preference. Budget about 30 to 35 EUR. You can take the train to the city center for a 5 euro per person, although after a long flight, it's not ideal.~30–35 EUR
- The Hoxton Poblenou is in a creative, gritty industrial neighborhood that's been redeveloping fast. The hotel is well designed and the rooftop has amazing views!Amex HCC
- Rambla del Poblenou is a low key walking street that gives you a good feel for the area without any tourist pressure. Good for a slow afternoon walk after napping and hydrating.Free
- The Hoxton rooftop at sunset is incredibly beautiful if skies are clear! You don't want to miss it if you stay at the hotel!Free
- Dinner at Cata de Catacroquet, known for their croquettes, is about a 10 minute walk from the hotel. Easy to cancel if you're too exhausted, which is a real possibility on arrival day. About $25 to $35 per person.~$25–35/person
- Torre Glorias after dinner: the LED tower nearby is a quick walk from the hotel, and even viewable from the hotel! So pretty at night time as it's lit up.Free
Worth it? Yes. Easing into Poblenou rather than going straight into the Gothic Quarter on arrival day was the right call. It's quieter and the hotel sets up the trip well.
Sagrada Familia, Cooking Class, Park Guell, Bunkers del Carmel
Tuesday · Barcelona · Full city day
This was a big day for us but it flowed well!
Walk to Sagrada Familia
Free exterior · ~1.5km from The Hoxton
Start your day with coffee at the Good News coffee shop right outside the Hoxton Poblenou, then take a leisurely 20 minute walk to the Sagrada Familia. The walk is flat and takes you through some beautiful residential streets. The exterior alone is worth the visit. The level of detail on the facades is genuinely hard to take in. If you want to go inside, tickets run about 26 EUR per person — worth it if you can plan for it. You have to book tickets in advance though so book this as early as possible if it's important to you!
After walking around the exterior, grab a seat at Cafe Park Belmont right beside the basilica — it has incredible views of La Sagrada Familia from the terrace and is a great spot to sit and take it all in.
Cooking Class in Gracia
~$60/person · Lunch included
We went to La Salsamenta — the cooking class is accross the city so we took a FreeNow taxi for ~$10, if you have time it's only about a 2km walk to the class though. This cooking class was one of our all time favorite travel experiences! You'll come out knowing a few Catalan staples with lunch and wine included.
Park Güell
~$10/person · Book online before the trip
We chose the 3:30 PM entry time for Park Guell, which was a good call. The light is beautiful in the late afternoon and the crowds are usually a bit thinner than midday. It also worked out so that we ended up at the next stop right before sunset started. The famous mosaic terrace and dragon staircase require a timed ticket. The rest of the park is free. It is a 7 minute walk from the cooking class location to enter from the main south entrance, although it is uphill the whole way.
Bunkers del Carmel
Free · ~20 min uphill from Park Güell
Exit Park Guell from the north east gate and head uphill about a 10 minute walk and 70m of elevation gain. The view is a 360 degree panorama of Barcelona and the coastline. Make sure you make it to the top before sunset. It is one of the best views in the city and completely free. It is a local favorite, so it can get crowded, but it is big enough that you can usually find a quiet spot to enjoy the view.
- Walk back to Poblenou from Bunkers: it's about a 50 minute walk, but it's not too bad since it's downhill the whole way. To break it up, stop about halfway at La Cervecita clandestina, a brewery with great beer and tapas.~50 min walk
Barcelona to Andorra by Bus
Wednesday · Bus departs 11:45 AM · Arrives Andorra ~2:45 PM
Departure day from Barcelona. You have a morning to use before you need to catch the bus.
- Can Dende for brunch: savory pancakes, avocado, strong coffee. A neighborhood spot that is about 10 minutes walk from The Hoxton.~$15/person
- Check out after breakfast. The bus departs from Estacion de Autobuses (Sants Montjuic district) right outside of Barcelona Sants station. We booked the 11:45 bus departure. Try to get there 30 minutes early, as sometimes they depart can early (ours left 5 minutes early)Leave by 10:50
- The 3 hour scenic bus ride into the Pyrenees is beautiful as you climb into the mountains. ~25 EUR per person~52 EUR/2 ppl
- Hotel NH Andorra La Vella is right on the main street, a short walk from the bus drop. Check in is at 3:00 PM. Good location for walking everywhere.Check in 3 PM
- Explore Andorra's key sights: make time for the main shopping malls and the Salvador Dali statue while you're in town. Free to walk around.Free
- Dinner at La Petite Foret at 8 PM. Themed like a forest interior, which sounds gimmicky but works. The food is solid and it's genuinely one of the more memorable dining rooms we've been in. About $40 per person.~$40/person
- More affordable option: K L'Irina. Around 15 EUR per person. Get the menu of the day for the best value.~15 EUR/person
About Andorra:
It's a tiny country, about 2.5x the size of Washington D.C., with no VAT on most goods. The main street is essentially a duty free shopping strip, which so many good finds! It's a great place to buy wine or spirits. It'll be significantly cheaper than anywhere else on the trip.
Full Day in Andorra
Thursday · Andorra la Vella · Highs in the upper 30s, snow possible
Andorra doesn't have a long list of classic tourist sites, and that's fine. The point is to decompress, explore mountains, and maybe soak in a world class spa!
- Coffee at CO.BE (Coffee To Be): specialty coffee shop with brunch options. About $5 to $10 per person.~$5–10/person
- Caldea Spa is the main attraction in Andorra la Vella. A large thermal spa complex built inside a futuristic glass tower with views of the Pyrenees from inside the pools. If you're going to spend money on one experience in Andorra, this is the one. About 50 to 80 EUR per person.~50–80 EUR/person
- Mountain viewpoints by rental car: Mirador de Les Fonts, Mirador de Andorra, and Coll de La Botella if you're comfortable driving mountain roads. Skip entirely if the weather is bad or roads are icy. Free.Free
- Placa del Poble for Christmas markets: typically set up in late November. Worth a walk through in the afternoon. Free.Free
- UNNIC Andorra casino: walkable from the hotel, worth a peek even if you're not a gambler. Free to enter.Free to enter
- LOLA - Cerveseria Andorra: a really neat brewery with a unique atmosphere and decor. We really enjoyed grabbing a drink here at the end of the day.Drinks vary
Worth it? Andorra as a destination isn't for everyone. If you want packed cultural sites, it'll underwhelm you. If you want slow paced mountains, a spa day, duty free shopping, and a genuinely unusual country to add to your list, it's a solid two nights.
Andorra to Girona, with a Stop in Besalu
Friday · Bus departs 8:15 AM · Rental car pickup 11:30 AM · Hotel Camiral check-in 3:00 PM
This is one of the best driving days of the trip if the timing works. We booked our bus tickets back to Barcelona to depart at 8:15 which has us up for a beautiful sunrise over the mountains in Andorra La Vella.
Quick Note: If you already have your rental car in Andorra, you can drive straight through the mountains to your first stop in Besalu, and the route is scenic with beautiful views along the way.
- Santa Gloria bakery stop: it's directly on the walk from the hotel to the bus station and is an easy place to grab a quick coffee or pastry before departure. The chocolate croissants were incredible. Quick stop
- Bus back to Barcelona at 8:15 AM. Be at the station 30 minutes early. Arrive back in Barcelona around 11:15. Bus station location: Google Maps link.Depart 8:15 AM
- Pick up the rental car at Enterprise beside the bus stop at 11:30. About 104 EUR for the Girona leg. Automatic transmission is worth the small upcharge on narrow European roads unless you're very comfortable with manual transmission (if so closer to 60 EUR).~104 EUR total
Medieval stop between Barcelona and Girona
Besalu is legitimately one of the most underrated stops in Catalonia. Most people drive right past it on the way to the Costa Brava. It's about 20 minutes west of Girona. Definitely worth the stop.
- Pont de Besalu: an 11th century fortified bridge over the Fluvia River. Parking is in the lots right outside the bridge. Completely free to walk and is the entry point into the medieval town.Free
- Mirador del Carrer del Pont gives you the classic overhead view of the bridge. A short walk up and very photogenic.Free
- Placa de la Llibertat is the main square in town. Grab a coffee or a vermouth and people-watch for a bit.Free
- Lunch in Besalu: NOX Arrosseria has good rice dishes. Hopsters Restaurant is a well rated local brewery if it's open. About $15 to $25 per person.~$15–25/person
- Hotel Camiral check in at 3:00 PM. This is the nicest hotel we've ever stayed in! A golf resort property set on the course, quiet, well appointed, and drastically nicer than a standard hotel. Ask about upgrades. The $100 property credit can cover drinks or dinner. Breakfast is included and was phenomenal. Complimentary valet parking is included. You will feel like royalty visiting this place! We couldn't believe it, after the amex travel credit was applied this place only cost us $100 for 2 nights out of pocket!Amex HCC
El Cellar de Can Roca at 7:45 PM
Arrive 15 minutes early. A three Michelin star restaurant run by three brothers and consistently ranked among the best restaurants in the world. This is quite possibly the biggest splurge we've ever made while traveling but it was a once in a lifetime experience.
$700+ for two
- Divinum: a refined Michelin-starred option with creative tasting menus and a quieter upscale vibe.
- Casa Marieta: Traditional Catalan dishes in a historic dining room.
- Bartali Pizza Co: Budget friendly high-quality pizza spot.
Budget 2 to 3 hours in Besalu.
It costs almost nothing and is more memorable than most of the bigger paid attractions on the trip. Most people skip it entirely on the drive to the coast.
Day Trip to Cadaques and Cap de Creus
Saturday · ~1 hour drive north on AP-7 · Arrive before 11:00 AM
This is one of the most scenically dramatic days of the trip. Cadaques is about an hour north of Girona and sits at the end of a winding road through the mountains. The drive itself is part of the experience.
- Park at Saba Main Car Park on arrival. The roads inside the village are extremely narrow. Arrive before 11:00 AM to ensure a spot.~$5-10
- Esglesia de Santa Maria: Beautiful church on top of a hill with sweeping views over Cadaques and the bay. Free to enter but they do ask for a small donation to support maintenance.~$1-2
- Port d'Alguer harbor: white-washed buildings, colorful boats, and one of the most photogenic waterfront stretches in Cadaques. Free.Free
- Cortado and ensaimada at a local cafe: Spanish espresso with a splash of milk and a light coiled pastry popular throughout Catalonia. About $5 per person.~$5/person
- Cami de Ronda toward Cap de Creus: if weather is good, hike a section of this coastal trail. You don't need to do all 8 miles. Even 2 to 3 miles out gives you incredible scenery along dramatic cliffs. Route: AllTrails link. Free.Free
- Lunch at Es Baluard or Enoteca MF. Es Baluard is a solid waterfront option. Enoteca MF works well if you want wine and tapas over a full sit-down. About $25 to $40 per person.~$25–40/person
The lighthouse is the easternmost point of the Iberian Peninsula, sitting on a cliff above the Mediterranean with the French coast visible on clear days. You can get there by car (about 5.6 km from Port Lligat, with seasonal daytime access restrictions on the Cadaques-lighthouse road), by shuttle bus from Cadaques (runs frequently in peak season), or on foot via the same Cami de Ronda/GR92 route listed in the hike above. There's a bar at the lighthouse where you can have a beer or wine with that view.
Bad weather backup:
The Salvador Dali House Museum in nearby Port Lligat. Dali lived and worked here for decades. Book in advance through the Dali Foundation website.
Cadaques and Cap de Creus are the hidden gem of this itinerary. Most people going to the Costa Brava go to Lloret de Mar or Platja d'Aro. Cadaques is quieter, more beautiful, and the Cap de Creus lighthouse is the kind of place you end up talking about for years.
We had dinner at the hotel this night to use our Amex property credit, but Girona also has great dinner options if you want to go into town, including El Cafe, Zanpanzar, Txalaka, and more.
Scenic Drive Back to Barcelona Along the Costa Brava
Sunday · Drive the coast road · Do not take the highway directly
Don't just take the highway back. Drive the coast. It takes longer but it's a completely different trip!
- S'Agaro Cami de Ronda coastal hike: well-marked on AllTrails, follows the cliffside above the sea. A genuinely beautiful way to start the morning if the weather cooperates. Free.Free
- Mirador de Sant Feliu: elevated view of Sant Feliu de Guixols and the cove below. Short stop, worth a few minutes.Free
- Platja dels Canyerets: Beautiful beach in a protected cove.Free
- Mirador de Tossa de Mar: Right before the city of tossa de mar is a viewpoint on a cliffside that overlooks the city, absolutely worth the stop.Free
- Tossa de Mar: a medieval walled town on a cliff above the sea, with a 12th century castle (Muralles de Tossa de Mar) you can walk up to for free. The view from the castle walls looking back down at the beach is excellent. Street parking is usually available in the off-season.Free
- Lunch in Tossa: Portal Restaurant for tapas is reliable. La Taverna da Paolo is a Spanish-Italian fusion spot with a good reputation. ZYTHUM Brewing Co. for local craft beer. We wanted something simple with a view for lunch so we ate at Isoletta, a pizza place right on the beach. About $20 to $35 per person.~$20-35/person
If you still have time and daylight, there are great additional stops on the drive south like Blanes and Lloret de Mar. Both are easy coastal detours with walkable waterfront areas and viewpoints, but once you've made your extra stops, head back into Barcelona to keep the evening relaxed.
- Return the rental car and check into Hotel Astoria, a 4 star property right on the Eixample grid, 5 minutes from Passeig de Gracia and the main Gaudi buildings. Earliest check in is 2:00 PM.Check in 2 PM
- Walk Passeig de Gracia in the evening. The real draw is La Pedrera (Casa Mila) and Casa Batllo lit up at night. Both are striking after dark. Free.Free
- Dinner: Vivo Tapas or Vinitus for solid and affordable tapas. Garage Beer Co. is close to both if you want craft beer after dinner. About $25 to $40 per person.~$25–40/person
Walking Barcelona's Gothic Quarter and El Born
Monday · Full city exploration day · 10–15 km on foot
This is the full Barcelona city exploration day. The stops today are to admire the city's historic architecture and vibrant neighborhoods. Wear comfortable shoes. You will walk 10 to 15 kilometers without really trying.
Safety note for La Rambla and the Gothic Quarter:
Pickpocketing is common here! Keep nothing in external pockets. Keep your phone in a front zip pocket or a bag that closes. Be aware of your surroundings before pulling out your phone or camera. Street performers and people approaching you on La Rambla are probably some sort of scam.
BON (healthy, right beside the hotel), L'obrador (Bakery and coffee shop), Lady Babka (bakery and coffee), or Mixto Cafe (pastries and savory options on the route).
- La Pedrera and Casa Batllo on Passeig de Gracia: admire the facades without buying a ticket if budget is a concern. Interiors run 25 to 30 EUR per person.Free outside
- Placa de Catalunya: the central square of the city. Tourist-heavy but necessary to pass through. Free.Free
- La Rambla: walk it, but pay attention here and don't dwell. It's super dense with tourists and even in the off season stays busy.Free
- Basilica de Santa Maria del Pi: a beautiful Gothic church from the 14th century. Free to enter.Free
- Carrer dels Banys Nous: a narrow shopping street that should be decorated for the holidays in late November. Free.Free
- Pont del Bisbe: a neoGothic bridge over a narrow street in the Gothic Quarter. One of the more photographed spots in the old city. Free.Free
- Barcelona Cathedral: a massive Gothic cathedral with a free entry cloister that has geese living in it (yes, really). The rooftop costs a small fee and is worth it for the view over the old city.Free / small rooftop fee
- Placa del Rei: the medieval royal square where Columbus was received by the Spanish monarchs after returning from the Americas.Free
- Carrer de Montcada: a street lined with medieval palaces, now mostly museums and galleries. The Picasso Museum is here if you want to go in.Free / museum entry
- Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar: arguably the most beautiful Gothic church in Barcelona. Built by the neighborhood of La Ribera in the 14th century. Free entry in the mornings.Free mornings
- Passeig del Born: the main pedestrian street of El Born, lined with bars, restaurants, and shops. Used to be a jousting ground. Worth spending time here in the evening.Free
- Barceloneta beach at sunset: 10 to 15 minute walk from El Born. Worth seeing if timing allows. Free.Free
Dinner and drinks in El Born:
Orvay in El Born is excellent for tapas and worth a reservation. If you want to eat more spontaneously, the tapas bars along El Born and in the Gothic Quarter are easy to pop into without a reservation. Dr. Stravinsky and the cocktail bars in El Born are good for a nightcap if you have energy.
Skip La Pedrera and Casa Batllo interiors unless architecture is really important to you. The facades are free and almost as impressive. Interiors run 25 to 30 EUR per person and need to be booked in advance.
Fly Home
Tuesday · Depart BCN 11:50 AM · Arrive SLC late evening
Get to the airport by 8:50 AM for an 11:50 departure. BCN security is generally efficient but the airport is large. Do not cut it close. Multiple lounges are available at BCN El Prat. Use whichever is most convenient to your gate. If you're connecting through Denver, the Capital One Lounge in DEN is a solid option during the layover.
Gear
What to pack
Late November in Barcelona and Girona means daytime highs of 60 to 65°F, evenings dropping to 45°F. Andorra can get pretty cold: highs in the upper 30s, snow possible. Pack for a range.
Clothing
- 3 to 4 long sleeve shirts
- 2 to 3 short sleeve shirts for layering underneath
- 2 to 3 sweaters, at least one heavy enough for Andorra
- 2 to 3 pairs of jeans
- One nicer outfit for El Cellar de Can Roca: a suit or blazer for men, dress pants or a skirt for women
- Workout clothes if you plan to exercise
- Rain jacket that doubles as a wind layer on coastal days
Footwear
- Comfortable walking shoes you have already broken in. This is non-negotiable. Do not bring new shoes.
- Waterproof shoes or boots. Rain happens.
- Dress shoes for the Michelin dinner.
Essentials
- Travel plug adapter: Type C or F for Spain and Andorra
- Phone charger and any device cables
- Passport
- European SIM or international plan turned on before departure
- Any prescription medications plus a small OTC kit
- Sunglasses
What not to bring
- Anything of high value you would be devastated to lose to a pickpocket. Leave the nice watch at home.
- A separate daypack if your main bag has a good front access pocket. Less to carry is better.
- Hair tools that require a voltage converter unless your device is dual voltage. Check the label.
- Sneakers you'd wear to a gym. You'll feel underdressed in most Barcelona restaurants.
General Tips
A few things to know before you go
Dinner doesn't start until 8 or 9 PM in Spain. If you show up at 6 or 7, places don't expect you to order food and there are very few people there. It can get awkward. Plan accordingly.
Menu del dia at lunch is the best value in Spanish food culture. Two courses, bread, a drink, and sometimes dessert for 12 to 18 EUR. Order it daily.
Pan tumaca, bread rubbed with tomato and olive oil, is the Catalan answer to bruschetta and it's served everywhere. It's good.
Vermut (vermouth) before lunch is a Catalan tradition. Try it at a proper vermuteria, not a tourist bar. Book La Sagrada Familia in advance if you want to go inside. Timed entry tickets sell out weeks ahead. Exterior viewing is free.
FreeNow is the European equivalent of Uber and works well in Barcelona. Have both apps installed. Andorra uses the Euro but is not in the EU. The duty-free shopping is real. If you buy wine or spirits there, buy more than you think you need. It will be significantly cheaper than anywhere else on the trip.
The coastal drive from Girona to Barcelona is genuinely one of the more beautiful stretches of road in Europe. Do not rush it.
Make It Your Own Adventure
We loved every minute of this specific loop, but keep in mind that Barcelona and the surrounding region are incredibly modular. If you're looking at this and thinking you'd rather spend more time in the mountains, skip the car rental for a train only route, or even dip across the border into Southern France, the options are endless. This itinerary is just the blueprint. You can easily swap, stretch, or shorten these days to fit your style. If you want a hand tailoring this route to your specific dates, interests, or budget, we'd love to help! Reach out to book a 1:1 planning session with us, and we can help you build your own perfect version of a Spanish adventure.
Google MyMap of All Stops
Explore the cities, towns, and highlights from our Spain + Andorra route.