Sometimes the best trips are the ones you don’t plan. For my birthday in July, I spontaneously booked a solo flight to Barcelona. It was my first time in this vibrant Spanish city, and let me just say—Barcelona didn’t just show up for me, she served. From the rich architecture to the rich flavors of every single bite, this trip turned out to be the most unforgettable birthday gift to myself.
After a busy season of life and work, I realized I hadn’t done something just for me in a long time. My birthday was coming up, and instead of throwing a party or waiting around for someone to celebrate me, I decided to be my own hype woman. I booked a last-minute trip to Barcelona—a city I’d always dreamed of, but never quite imagined I’d explore solo.
From the moment I landed, I felt the magic of summer in Spain. The sun was shining, the energy was electric, and I knew this trip was exactly what I needed.
I walked through the enchanting streets of the Gothic Quarter, where every corner felt like a scene from a storybook. Gaudí’s masterpieces like La Sagrada Família and Park Güell were even more breathtaking in person. If you go, make sure to pre-book tickets online—especially in summer!
One of my favorite moments was simply wandering the streets with no agenda. I stumbled into charming shops, admired colorful balconies dripping with flowers, and let the rhythm of the city carry me wherever it wanted.
Now, let’s talk about the real star of this trip: the food. Y’all—the food in Barcelona is NEXT LEVEL. I spent my birthday night hopping from tapas bar to tapas bar. Patatas bravas, jamón ibérico, grilled octopus, croquettes, and a glass (okay, maybe three) of local cava—it was a foodie’s dream come true.
I had dinner at a cozy little restaurant tucked in an alley where the owner and I ended up chatting for an hour about life, travel, and food. The warmth of the people matched the richness of the cuisine, and I felt so celebrated—even though I was technically “alone.”
Traveling solo on my birthday reminded me that joy doesn’t have to wait on anyone. I felt bold, beautiful, and so connected to myself in a way I hadn’t felt in a long time. I learned that spontaneity creates space for magic. I remembered how freeing it is to simply be—no labels, no expectations, just me, soaking in life.
A Few Barcelona Travel Tips:
• Stay in the Eixample or Gothic Quarter for walkability and charm.
• Download the Glovo or Too Good To Go apps for foodie finds!
• Don’t skip La Boqueria Market for an epic lunch stop.
• Walk as much as possible—you’ll discover the best hidden gems that way.
• If it’s your birthday, TREAT YOURSELF. Solo or not.
Barcelona gave me more than just a birthday getaway—it left me with a full heart, a full belly, and a camera roll of memories I’ll treasure forever.
So if you’ve ever been on the fence about booking that last-minute solo trip—consider this your sign. Go. Explore. Celebrate yourself. You deserve it.