Hi, I'm Princess, and at 23 years old, I did something that terrified me—I booked a solo trip to Spain. You know how sometimes you say you're going to do something, and then you just… do it? Well, that's exactly how I ended up in Barcelona. I won't lie—I cried profusely while packing because I was scared out of my mind. Solo travel means a lot could go wrong. But I'm back now, and I can safely say it was the best decision I ever made.
The Journey Begins: Dallas to Barcelona
My journey started with a connecting flight from Dallas to Philadelphia, then Philadelphia to Barcelona. I bought a new camera right before heading to the airport (so forgive any early footage issues!). I'm one of those people who loves sleeping on flights, so I packed my comfiest sleepwear and settled in for the long journey ahead.
During my two-hour layover in Philadelphia, I did what any content creator would do edited videos. But the best part? I made friends! I met two girls who seemed really nice, and by the time we landed in Barcelona, we had already made plans for day one.
Arriving in Barcelona: First Impressions
Walking off the plane in Barcelona was surreal. One of my biggest concerns about this trip was transportation Ubers, taxis, the Metro system. With the girls, I got an Ola Barcelona card, and we figured out the train to their hotel, then a taxi to mine. The Metro was a bit tricky at first, but we managed, and honestly, it became second nature by the end of the trip.
When I finally got to my hotel in Plaça Reial, I was blown away. The hotel upgraded my room to a King Suite with the most gorgeous bathroom and a balcony overlooking the square. Barcelona is so beautiful it reminded me how much I love cities where everything is walkable and people are always out and about. It does something to my soul.
Day One: La Sagrada Familia
After settling in, we headed straight to La Sagrada Familia. This iconic cathedral has been under construction for over 100 years, and it's still bringing Gaudí's vision to life. Walking inside was breathtaking the stained glass windows between 3-4 PM cast the most perfect light. Every detail tells a story about Jesus Christ, and as someone who loves art and faith, I was completely moved.
I forgot my jacket though, and Barcelona evenings get cold! By 5 PM, it was already getting dark, and I was freezing. But it was worth it.
Getting Settled: Food, Hair, and Self-Care
That first evening, I grabbed pasta at a local restaurant (you know I love my pasta!), then headed back for the best hot shower of my life. I forgot to pack a bonnet, so I had to decide whether to get my hair redone.
After some prayer and quiet time with God, I felt at peace. I opened my Bible to Isaiah 44, which said, "Fear not, O Jacob my servant… I will pour water on him who is thirsty." It felt like God was speaking directly to me about this journey.
The next day, I got my hair braided probably the best braiding experience I've ever had as a Black woman! Completely tension-free, painless, and the stylist treated me like royalty. I went blonde, and the transformation was perfect.
Food Adventures at La Boqueria Market
Being the best travel companion means I'm not a picky eater, so I tried EVERYTHING at La Boqueria Market. Sea urchins? Check. Barnacles? Check. Razor clams? Check. The hot sauce made the sea urchins better, the barnacles weren't as bad as I thought, and the razor clams were actually my favorite. If you go, definitely try the gelato at Anita Gelato they were playing Afrobeats, and the staff was super nice.
Day Two: Shopping, Sightseeing, and Making Friends
I spent a full day exploring from the Barcelona Cathedral to brunch at Brunch & Cake (totally worth the line!), to a port tour that gave me incredible views of the city. I visited flea markets and antique shops, picking up vintage watches, pearl necklaces, and little trinkets for friends back home.
Solo traveling is amazing because you keep making friends. Everyone's so open and friendly, and there's something special about connecting with fellow travelers.
Casa Batlló: Gaudí's Masterpiece
Casa Batlló was EVERYTHING. I got the silver band tickets for the guided tour, which took me all the way to the top. Gaudí was a true visionary—the entire house is inspired by the sea, with blues, water motifs, and glass elements that are so intentional. The architecture and craftsmanship blew my mind. I can't believe people actually lived here!
The Flea Market Experience
The big flea market was incredible but also the one place I didn't feel completely safe. It's notorious for pickpocketing, so I had my taser and pepper spray ready. I felt like someone was following me at one point, but I met some study abroad students who I stuck with, and honestly, I think God sent them. I found amazing deals—jewelry, watches, purses, fabrics for €4-10. Just negotiate hard because they'll try to charge tourists more!
Finding Myself on the Last Days
By day four, I was a pro solo traveler. I was confident eating alone, navigating the city, and feeling safe. I met someone who showed me parts of Barcelona I wouldn't have explored otherwise—more vintage shops, the beach, and the nightlife scene (which doesn't start until 1-2 AM!).
Even though I unexpectedly started my period on the last day (bodies are weird, right?), I still made the most of it. We explored, walked the beach, and I realized just how complete this journey made me feel.
Reflections: What Solo Travel Taught Me
This trip filled me with life, joy, and a new sense of self-confidence. I proved to myself that I can travel alone, stay safe, and have an incredible time. My skin even looked better from all the happiness!
Solo traveling to Barcelona taught me:
- I'm capable of more than I think
- It's okay to be scared and do it anyway
- God is with me wherever I go
- Making friends on the road is one of life's greatest joys
- Cities fill my soul in a way suburbs never could
The Journey Home
Leaving Barcelona was bittersweet. I woke up late after staying out until 4 AM, called a taxi to the airport, and prepared to head home. (I'm choosing not to think about how much money I spent until I get home—we'll deal with that later!)
I left my iPad on the plane coming here, so fingers crossed the American Airlines lost and found comes through.
Final Thoughts
Barcelona, we came, we saw, we conquered, and we will definitely be back. If you're thinking about solo traveling, DO IT. Yes, it's scary. Yes, you'll probably cry while packing. But it's also the most rewarding, empowering, and beautiful experience.
If you're planning your own Barcelona trip, I've created a detailed travel guide with everything I learned—all the places I went, plus bonus spots I discovered along the way. Check the link in my bio!
Where should I solo travel next? Drop your suggestions in the comments!
Travel Tips from My Journey:
- Get the Ola Barcelona card for easy Metro access
- Visit La Sagrada Familia between 3-4 PM for the best light
- Try everything at La Boqueria Market
- Brunch & Cake is worth the wait
- Book Casa Batlló guided tour in advance
- Keep your valuables close at flea markets
- Don't be afraid to make friends—solo doesn't mean alone
- Trust God and trust yourself