Summer 2019
Summer 2019 was when I got to cross out two countries that I’ve been planning to visit for a long time. For my first time in the Iberian peninsula, and I decided to make the most of the trip and visit as many cities as I could in Spain and Portugal. My journey took me to Barcelona - Valencia - Madrid - Sevilla - Cordoba - Granada - Lisbon - Porto.
During the trip, I was alone for the first week in Barcelona and Valencia, then luckily, my best friend changed his plans to join me from Madrid onwards.
Barcelona
The capital of Catalonia, young, and very vibrant. Whenever you look around in Barcelona, you’ll find groups of friends having fun.
The must see attractions include Sagrada Familia and other Gaudi structures. Whenever you’re going to any major tourist attraction, the most important thing to do is to buy your tickets online. (This applies to every city in Spain and Portugal)
The highlight of my Barcelona experience was doing a bike tour. The tour guide took us all over the center of the city, and we were able to see the new and old parts of the city. Biking along the seafront was beautiful and refreshing.
The only downside is that Barcelona is a city that’s better enjoyed when you have a large group of friends.
Valencia
There’s something special about this city. My guess is that because most tourists flock to other cities in the south of Spain, Valencia has less tourists and more locals who are extremely friendly. Valencia is Spain’s 3rd largest city, but the city does not feel packed or overcrowded.
Originally, I thought Valencia was just going to be a short pit stop between Barcelona and Madrid. Valencia turned out to be my favorite city is Spain. There’s so much to see and so much to do. Among the must sees is the City of Arts and Science, a complex designed by Caltrava.
The largest and most iconic set of buildings is the City of Arts and Science. The architecture gives the space a feeling of being in a Star Wars movie set.
Most buildings in Valencia’s old center makes one feel like they’re somewhere in South America. Narrow streets and colorful builds with many small restaurants and cafes to explore.
I was alone during my stay in Valencia, but literally, in every restaurant and cafe I sat in I had conversations with the people next to me and met great people and had an overall great experience.
Madrid
The capital of the Spanish Empire. Madrid is a majestic and global city. By global city I mean Madrid feels like most large cities around the world with so many tourists, local and international businesses, and many people who speak English fluently.
Madrid is more modern than any other cities I visited on this trip, and doesn’t have as much iconic old buildings. At the same time, among every other city I visited on trip, I thought Madrid was my city of choice if I had to live for a long time.
In terms of walkability, transportation convenience, and street life, Madrid reminded me of living in New York City.
Sevilla/Córdoba/Granada
The capital of Andalusia. Sevilla and the Andalusia is the region to visit if you want to see old ruins and remaining structures with architectural influence from when Arabs ruled the Iberian Peninsula.
Just 45mins away from Sevilla by train, Cordoba is perfect for a day trip to see the great Mosque/Cathedral of Cordoba.
A 3 hour train ride from Sevilla is the city of Granada. The city was ruled by Arabs for approximately 800 years and left the city with a treasure in the form of Alhambra Palace. The Alhambra, in my opinion, a wonder of the world and is well worth a trip to visit and experience. Additionally, Granada is filled with great restaurants with views of Alhambra.
Lisbon
An hour plane ride from Sevilla is the Portuguese capital of Lisbon. There’s magic to this city. The one word I would use to describe Lisbon is diverse. People from all walks of life can be found in Lisbon. Lisbonians are among the nicest and most educated people I’ve ever met.
When coming to Lisbon, the most important thing is wearing comfortable shoes because it has very steep streets and makes one feel like they’re in San Francisco.
Great food and street life, and close proximity to nice beaches; Lisbon is also definitely among my list of favorite cities of all time and I can’t wait to visit again.
Porto
Just two and half hours away from Lisbon is the beautiful city of Porto. Porto has been the most beautiful city I’ve visited on this trip. As many pictures as I took, pictures doesn’t do the beauty of Porto any justice and must be experienced in person.
The only downside: Porto is even steeper than Lisbon and probably has the steepest streets in the world. Walking to breakfast in the morning felt like climbing Kilimanjaro.
Besides that, the highlight of Porto was visiting the park across the bridge to view the city with a street festival being held.
In conclusion
All in all, this is my best trip I’ve ever done to date and will definitely plan to visit Spain and Portugal in the near future.