Katie Rycik

If you were to sum up your Barcelona experience in one to two words, what would you say? My Barcelona Experience is…

Reflective

Explain why you chose those words.

Barcelona has challenged my perspectives many things. Here, it’s normal to spend hours talking with friends over a meal or celebrating a some kind of festival practically every week. Dogs roam the streets freely as their owners stop to chat with friends. There’s artwork everywhere you look. These little things, when you really pause and think about them, have shown me all the ways cultures and societies can shape how you think about life and the way that you live it.

What was your favorite place to eat in Barcelona? Favorite food?

There’s a really cute little cafe in Gracia called Camelia, and it’s very cozy and has amazing carrot cake. My favorite food is probably the Spanish tortilla…it’s amazing that something so simple tastes so delicious!

What is you favorite place in Catalunya? Why?

I really love the Gracia and the Born neighborhoods. They have such a great sense of community with lots of little shops and restaurants. Its fun to walk around the winding streets with no destination- you discover so much that way!

Is there a site in Barcelona that you would recommend to future students that may be a little more “off the beaten path”?

The Parc del Laberint d’Horta is a really nice place for a stroll.

If you had one perfect day in Barcelona where would you go, and what would you do?

I would go for a nice brunch in Gracia at a small cafe. Then I would stroll down Passeig de Gracia and do some window shopping, and maybe pick out a new outfit at Zara or Mango. Along the way, I would stop at the National for a quick bite or drink. Then I would head over to Parc Ciutadella to relax in the park for awhile. Afterwards, I’d head to the beach to watch the sunset. I’d have dinner in Barceloneta then spend the right of the night bar hopping around Born.

What is one piece of advice that you have for future students coming to Barcelona?

WALK A LOT! It’s the best way to truly experience Barcelona, and you can cover six or more neighborhoods in a day of walking!

What do you think makes Barcelona unique?

Barcelona is innovative, creative, and social. It has a strong sense of community, and people like to have fun!