After a few busy weekends of traveling around Europe, it was nice to spend a weekend staying in Barcelona and having time to slow down a little. As much as I love exploring new cities and fitting as much as possible into a short trip, sometimes the best weekends are the ones where you get to enjoy the place you’re actually living in!
This weekend was all about finding a balance between relaxing, catching up with friends, shopping, and getting back into my usual routine. I spent time walking around the city, browsing different stores, and enjoying the fact that I didn’t have to rush off to catch a flight or train. Barcelona has so many neighborhoods, shops, cafés, and little streets to explore, so even a simple afternoon out can turn into a full day of wandering around.
One of my favorite parts of the weekend was getting to spend time with friends. We went out for brunch, caught up, and enjoyed a slower morning together. Brunch has become one of my favorite ways to spend time in Barcelona, especially when there is no strict schedule for the rest of the day. Between the food, coffee, and conversations, it was the perfect way to start the day before heading out to explore more of the city.
I also made time for the gym, which felt good after several weekends spent traveling and eating my way through different destinations. It has been nice learning how to maintain some sort of routine while studying abroad, even when every weekend offers an opportunity to go somewhere new. Having a familiar routine makes Barcelona feel less like a temporary destination and more like home.
Of course, no weekend in Barcelona would be complete without a little shopping! I spent some time browsing stores and enjoying the shopping scene in the city. One thing I love about living here is how easy it is to combine everyday activities with exploring. You can head out to run a simple errand and end up discovering a new café, a cute street, or a store you have never noticed before.
The weekend also brought some unexpected events to the city. On Saturday evening, unrest broke out around Plaça de Catalunya after a youth gathering turned into vandalism, fires, looting, and clashes with police. The incidents led to arrests and temporary restrictions around parts of the city centre. It was a reminder that life in a major European city includes more than just the beautiful architecture, shopping, restaurants, and tourist attractions that we usually see. Barcelona is a real, living city, with its own social issues and events that can affect everyday life.
Overall, this weekend was a good reminder that studying abroad does not have to mean traveling somewhere new every single week. Some of my favorite moments have come from the simpler experiences: spending time with friends, finding a good brunch spot, going to the gym, shopping around the city, and enjoying a little downtime.
As much as I want to make the most of every opportunity to travel while I am in Europe, I am also learning to appreciate the everyday parts of living abroad. Barcelona is not just a place to visit on the weekends anymore; it is where I go to class, meet friends, build a routine, and experience a different way of life.
Sometimes, a weekend at home is exactly what you need before the next adventure!
Written by: Alyssa, Fall 2026 UPF student from University of Florida
