Barcelona and Oslo [2025]

Ash had to go to Oslo for work, so she decided to visit Barcelona as a side quest since Nick had already seen it a couple of times. She saw as much Gaudí architecture (and other art) as possible in a short weekend layover before heading to Oslo for training!

Roof of Casa Milà

Pre-trip Notes

• Gaudí architecture: Popular for a reason, so Ash booked tickets to all those she visited in advance.

Basílica de la Sagrada Família

What We Did

Barcelona

• Basílica de la Sagrada Família: Famously unfinished, Sagrada Família has taken decades to get to where it is now. Sadly, Gaudí was killed by a tram a century ago, long before the cathedral would be finished. But, he had a clear vision that he documented in great detail. Rumor has it, it'll be actually be completed soon. The audio tour was really helpful for flow, and the cathedral itself is out-of-this-world and lived up to the hype.

• Casa Milà & Casa Batlló: Both are so worth a tour of the inside. Gaudí architecture is so unique and aesthetically interesting, and visiting both of these houses are a must. Book these in advance!

Casa Batlló

Casa Batlló

Casa Batlló

Casa Batlló

Casa Milà

Casa Milà

• Park Güell: Also book this in advance, because it's also very worth it. The park contains the house Gaudí grew up in, as well as a couple of other buildings. But the real charm of the visit is wandering the nature trails between the sites and the views of the city.

Casa Trias at Park Güell

• Cumbre del Tibidabo: Not originally on the itinerary, but a taxi driver recommended a visit for the views. Ash took a taxi up and walked down. The views are spectacular and the church at the top is also very pretty.

• Zona d'Escalada de la Foixarda: It was cold, so not much climbing was done, but was fun to traverse and admire the street art <3

• Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya: Unfortunately, didn't have time to see the second floor before it closed, but what Ash did see was worth the visit.

• Picasso Museum Barcelona: Would recommend using the audio devices they provide, as the tour via your personal phone was very finicky. But, the museum is comprehensive and amazing.

• Casa Vicens: Didn't go inside of this one due to a lack of time, so only viewed from outside. Would love to visit if in Barcelona again!

  
  

  

  View from Tibidabo

Oslo

• Kon-Tiki Museum: Museum dedicated to the quirky and adventurous explorer, Thor Heyerdahl. One such expedition was Kon-Tiki, which sought out to prove that the tiki people of South America colonized Polynesia first by building a traditional boat and sailing it to Polynesia (Tuamotu) from Peru. He and his team actually made it.

• The Vigeland Park: Ash had an evening to spare, so she took a tram to this park filled with sculptures by Norway's most famous and beloved artist.

• Oslo Opera House - La Traviata: A lovely venue and wonderful show!

Vigeland Park

Kon-Tiki Museum

Oslo Opera House

Food

Barcelona

• Paella Bar Boqueria: Off the main drag and was quite good!

• Elsa y Fred: Nice little spot for brunch.

• Vivari Coffee & Bakery: Got take-away coffee each morning, which was great.

• La PerraVerde: Amazing vegan food!

• El Cine: Cute little spot for drinks with a friend.

Basílica de la Sagrada Família

Oslo

• Spor av Nord: Delicious and so cozy.

• Shanghai2K18: Had a hankering for Chinese food, and this very much did the trick.

• Brygg Oslo: Great beer hall <3

• Oslo Street Food: Ash met up with colleagues in her training here. Indoor venue set up like a food truck park. Lots of great food and options!