When my alarm went off at half past four on Sunday morning, I lay there for a moment wondering what I’d been thinking. Most sensible people were still asleep. I was getting up to catch a bus to Heathrow for a day trip to Barcelona.
After weeks of grey skies and non-stop London drizzle, I’d had enough. I didn’t need a walk in the park – I needed proper sunshine. So I booked a flight.
Getting There
The bus from my flat took 45 minutes, and by 6am I was at the airport, tired but oddly keen about the whole thing. The flight left a bit early and I landed at Barcelona-El Prat around 10am.
Everything went surprisingly well. Passport control was quick, the airport bus took about half an hour into the city, and there was none of the usual travel mess.
Morning in Eixample
This was my fifth visit to Barcelona, which meant I could relax rather than rush about ticking off tourist spots. That’s really the key to making a day trip like this work – you need to already know the place.
I started in Eixample, grabbed a coffee and stood in the morning sun. It sounds simple, but after weeks of London winter, it felt brilliant. The air was fresh, the streets were quiet, and that particular Sunday morning calm you get in Spain settled over everything.
Walking the City
I’d planned to visit La Boqueria market, but it was closed. No matter – I walked instead, from Plaça Catalunya towards Arc de Triomf, watching the city wake up properly as midday approached.
Eventually I made my way to the Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s famous basilica that’s been under construction since 1882 and still isn’t finished. I didn’t go inside (fifth visit and all that), but it’s still impressive every time you see it – all those towering spires and intricate stonework. I stopped for lunch nearby and paid under a tenner for a proper sit-down meal. In London, that barely covers a sandwich.
Afternoon by the Sea
My original plan was to walk everywhere, which looking back was a bit optimistic. I took the metro to the Gothic Quarter instead, then walked through the narrow medieval streets down to Barceloneta Beach.
I spent most of the afternoon at Barceloneta Beach. It was February, but it felt like 20 degrees. After a few hours in that light, I could feel my mood genuinely lifting in a way no amount of vitamin tablets can manage.
The Return
I stayed until late afternoon before heading back to the airport for my evening flight. Somewhere in all the walking about, I’d done over 30,000 steps. By the time I got back to London around 10pm, my right foot was rather unhappy about it. The next few days involved some swelling and a fair bit of limping.
Worth it though.
The Verdict
The good:
- Proper energy boost
- Escaped the miserable UK weather
- Everything ran smoothly
- Last-minute flight was reasonably priced
- Felt brilliant for 12 solid hours
The not so good:
- Absolutely exhausting
- My foot still hasn’t quite forgiven me
- Very rushed
- That 4:30am wake-up call
Day trips like this really only work if you already know the city, the airport transfer is quick, and you’re happy moving at speed. Otherwise you’ll spend more time travelling than actually being there.
Would I Do It Again?
Probably not, if I’m honest. My body can’t quite keep up with these ideas anymore. If I did it again, I’d stay overnight – give myself some breathing room rather than being ruled by flight times.
But am I glad I did it? Absolutely. Sometimes you just need proof that you can wake up in London and watch the sunset in Barcelona on the same day.
What It Cost
Travel: £109.16
- Bus to Heathrow: £1.75
- Return BA flight: £90.00
- Airport bus (Barcelona): £6.55
- Metro: £2.56
- Return airport bus: £6.55
- Bus home: £1.75
Food & Drink: £18.14
- Coffee: £2.65
- Lunch: £8.86
- Cakes & pastries: £6.63
Total: £127.30
Not exactly sensible, perhaps. But sometimes a bit of sun is worth it.
