Our Spain trip had actually been in our plans since 2025. We had already visited the beautiful island of Mallorca once, but we still hadn’t explored mainland Spain and were excited to finally experience it properly. However, before we could start planning the trip, life surprised us with much bigger news: we found out that we were expecting a baby. Naturally, all our 2025 travel plans quietly took a backseat as we stepped into a completely new chapter of life.

By the time 2026 arrived, things had started feeling a little more settled. We were slowly adjusting to life with our little baby, Krishiv, and to make things even more special, Mummyji and Papaji were staying with us for a few months. Since I was still on maternity leave until the last week of February, we felt this was the perfect opportunity to finally revisit our long-pending Spain plan.

This trip, however, was very different from the way we used to travel before becoming parents. Earlier, Barcelona would probably have been a fast-paced, 3-4 day city break packed with sightseeing from morning till night. But now, every plan revolved around the comfort and routine of our 3-month-old baby. We spent time researching baby-friendly destinations, stroller accessibility, relaxed itineraries, and weather before finally deciding on Barcelona.

And honestly, that changed the entire rhythm of the trip in the best possible way. Instead of rushing through a checklist, we planned a slow and relaxed 8-day journey, leaving space for naps, feeding breaks, quiet café stops, and simply soaking in the beauty of the city at our own pace.

Day 1 – 7 February 2026

Our journey to Barcelona began with an early morning Transavia Airlines flight at 6:40 AM, and we landed in Barcelona around 9 AM. Since the flight was so early, we practically had to leave for the airport in the middle of the night. Travelling with a 3-month-old baby for the first time felt both exciting and slightly nerve-wracking, so I had spent quite some time reading tips about flying with babies beforehand. I tried to follow some of the commonly suggested tricks: changing Krishiv’s diaper just before boarding; breastfeeding him during take-off and landing to help with ear pressure; and keeping his essentials easily accessible throughout the journey.

This was Krishiv’s very first flight, which made the whole experience feel extra special for us. Somewhere during my pregnancy and postpartum scrolling sessions, I had come across cute Instagram reels where parents got “First Flight Certificates” signed for their babies. I loved the idea so much that I designed a small personalised version for Krishiv before the trip. During the flight, we requested the pilot and cabin crew to sign it, and they sweetly agreed. It turned into such a wholesome little memory from his very first journey abroad.

After reaching Barcelona, we headed to our accommodation, Fira Apartments by Gaiarooms, in the Montjuïc area to drop off our luggage. Since we had arrived quite early in the morning, our room was not ready yet for check-in. We requested the reception staff to provide us with a room as soon as possible, and stored our bags in the dedicated luggage area at the reception. Meanwhile, we decided to step out and spend some time exploring the area around us instead of waiting at the hotel.

Our first stop in Barcelona was the iconic Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, located just a 5-minute walk from our accommodation. Even without the evening fountain show, the area looked beautiful with its grand stairways, smaller fountains, and lively atmosphere filled with tourists relaxing around the plaza. From there, we took the outdoor escalators up to Plaça de les Cascades with Mummyji and Papaji, while Rishi stayed behind with Krishiv and the stroller. The plaza itself was quite scenic, with layered fountains, wide open terraces, and beautiful views looking down towards the city below. We then continued further towards the magnificent Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, sitting proudly on top of Montjuïc hill. Papaji decided to rest midway and skip the final staircase climb, but Mummyji and I continued to the top, where we were rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of Barcelona stretching all the way towards the sea.

After spending some time around Montjuïc, we walked back to our apartment and were finally able to check in around 2 PM. After an overnight journey and an early morning flight, it felt nice to finally settle into our rooms and relax for a while. For lunch, we kept things simple and prepared some ready-to-eat Indian food that we had carried from home, along with rice and tortilla wraps that we picked up from a nearby local grocery store.

In the evening, we walked back to the iconic Magic Fountain of Montjuïc to finally see the famous fountain show in action. We were actually quite lucky to catch it on our very first day in Barcelona, because the show takes place only on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays during that season. Had we postponed it to another day, we would have completely missed it. As night fell, the entire area slowly transformed into a lively gathering spot filled with tourists and locals waiting around the fountain steps. Soon, the fountain came alive with synchronised water jets dancing to music, illuminated by colourful lights that kept changing throughout the performance. With the grand staircase and the beautifully lit Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya standing in the background, the whole atmosphere felt magical and became a beautiful introduction to our Barcelona trip.

Day 2 – 8 February 2026

This day was dedicated to exploring some of Barcelona’s famous Gaudí architecture around Passeig de Gràcia. This was our first proper sightseeing day in the city, and we quickly realised that travelling with a baby completely changes your sense of time. Earlier, getting ready and stepping out used to take us hardly any time, but now, between feeding, diaper changes, dressing Krishiv, and packing all the baby essentials, we were only able to properly head out around noon. While planning our Barcelona trip, I had read so much about Antoni Gaudí’s unique architectural style and how his buildings are among the city’s biggest highlights. Naturally, visiting some of his famous creations became one of our top priorities, and Passeig de Gràcia seemed like the perfect place to begin since many of these iconic buildings are located along the same beautiful boulevard.

Before even starting our sightseeing properly, we had our first real lesson in Barcelona taxi rules. Coming from the Netherlands, we were used to booking Uber without worrying about car seats, as it is treated like a taxi service. So we instinctively booked an Uber in Barcelona as well, only to have the driver refuse the ride on arrival. He explained that in Spain, Uber is treated as a private car service, which legally requires a child seat, and without it, we could even be fined heavily. He even mentioned fines could go up to around 600–800 euros. Thankfully, he suggested using an app called FreeNow, which works more like licensed taxis. We had to cancel that ride and quickly rebook a proper taxi instead. Even then, when the taxi arrived, it was technically a 4-seater for the five of us, and the driver hesitated but eventually agreed to take us.

Our first stop for the day was Casa Milà, also popularly known as La Pedrera. We took a taxi there from our accommodation in Montjuïc. Although we did not go inside the building, simply seeing it from the outside was an experience in itself. The building immediately stood out with its unusual wave-like stone façade, curved balconies, and organic, flowing design that looked completely different from traditional European architecture. Even from the street below, it was easy to understand why Gaudí’s creations are considered so unique and iconic.

From there, we slowly walked towards Casa Batlló, another one of Gaudí’s famous masterpieces. Just as we were about to reach the building, Krishiv decided it was feeding time, so we sat down on one of the benches along Passeig de Gràcia for a little break. While I was feeding him, Rishi started searching for tickets online because I had read beforehand that if we had to choose just one Gaudí building to visit from the inside, Casa Batlló should be the one. I had also read that online tickets are usually cheaper than buying them at the counter, so he quickly booked them on his phone. After that, we joined the queue to enter the building. Since we had a baby and stroller with us, one of the staff members quickly let us bypass the long line, and we happily assumed we were getting some sort of “baby privilege” treatment. Inside, our stroller was collected, and we were guided to an elevator where our tickets were scanned, and the floor buttons were pressed for us. When we stepped out, we entered what looked like an exhibition space. We assumed it was part of the normal route before entering the actual building interiors. However, after wandering around a bit confused, we realised something was wrong. It turned out that Rishi had accidentally booked tickets only for a temporary exhibition happening inside the building and not the actual Casa Batlló visit tickets. Unknowingly, we had skipped through most of the exhibition, hoping to reach the main building tour, only to suddenly find ourselves at the exit. By then, we realised our mistake. We tried explaining the situation to the staff, but unfortunately, nothing could be done because, technically, our tickets were valid, just for the wrong thing. Later, we also realised that the reason we were allowed to skip the line was probably not because of the baby at all, but because hardly anyone was visiting that exhibition. There was only one other small group there apart from us! In the end, our tickets and money were more or less wasted, and we completely missed seeing the interiors we had actually come for. Still, we tried to laugh it off and make the best of it. Thankfully, even from the outside, Casa Batlló was absolutely stunning. Its colourful mosaic façade, flowing balconies, and dragon-like rooftop looked straight out of a fantasy storybook, and simply standing there admiring the building itself still felt special.

Right next to Casa Batlló stood another beautiful building, Casa Amatller, where we stopped for some more pictures. Although it is often overshadowed by its famous neighbour, the building itself was extremely charming in a very different way. Unlike Gaudí’s flowing and colourful style, Casa Amatller had a more elegant and fairytale-like appearance with its stepped rooftop, detailed carvings, decorative balconies, and Gothic-inspired design. Standing side by side, both buildings showcased such completely different architectural styles that the entire street almost felt like an open-air architecture museum.

As we continued walking along Passeig de Gràcia, we came across yet another stunning modernist building, Casa Lleó Morera. The building immediately caught our attention with its elegant balconies, intricate floral carvings, delicate sculptures, and beautifully decorated façade. Unlike the more dramatic and whimsical style of Gaudí’s buildings, Casa Lleó Morera felt refined and artistic, with every small detail on the exterior looking thoughtfully designed. Seeing so many unique architectural masterpieces lined up on the same street truly made Passeig de Gràcia feel special.

After walking along Passeig de Gràcia and admiring Barcelona’s stunning architecture, we stopped at Tapa Tapa for some snacks and a short break. The restaurant had a lively outdoor seating area right on the elegant boulevard, and from our table we could see the beautiful façades of Casa Batlló and the neighbouring modernist buildings across the street. Sitting there with the soft winter sun, watching people stroll past some of Gaudí’s most famous creations, felt like such a classic Barcelona moment. We ordered bread with tomato and a paella de verduras for everyone to share, while I naturally gravitated toward seafood and ordered the prawn skewers with wakame and wasabi mayonnaise. The tomato bread, unfortunately, did not impress us much, and while the prawns were good, they still weren’t enough to fully satisfy the seafood lover in me. Surprisingly, though, the vegetable paella turned out to be really good. Even without seafood, it was comforting, flavourful, and exactly the kind of warm meal we needed after walking around all afternoon. I especially loved the crispy, crusty layer of rice stuck to the bottom of the pan and happily hogged most of it for myself. Between the relaxed atmosphere, the beautiful surroundings, and the much-needed sitting break after a stroller-paced sightseeing session, it ended up being a lovely little pause in our day.

After finishing our snacks, we continued walking further into the heart of the city toward Plaça de Catalunya, one of Barcelona’s busiest and most important central squares. The large open plaza felt like a meeting point between different parts of the city, connecting the elegant Passeig de Gràcia area with the older streets of the Gothic Quarter and La Rambla. There were fountains, pigeons everywhere, people sitting around chatting, tourists taking photos, and buses constantly coming and going, giving the whole place a lively big-city energy.

From there, we slowly strolled along Avinguda del Portal de l’Àngel, one of Barcelona’s famous pedestrian shopping streets. The avenue was lined with beautiful historic buildings, bright shopfronts, cafés, and endless crowds moving in every direction. Even though it was mainly a shopping street, it still had that charming European city atmosphere with ornate architecture overhead and narrow side streets branching off in different directions. We were not really shopping much but simply wandering through the bustling streets with the stroller, occasionally stopping to look around, which made the evening feel relaxed and enjoyable.

While walking, we reached the Barcelona Cathedral. From the outside, it immediately stood out with its tall Gothic spires, detailed stone façade, and intricate carvings that contrasted sharply with the narrow medieval streets around it. The square in front of the cathedral was quite busy at that time, with tourists taking photos, people sitting on the steps, and groups moving in and out, so it had more of a lively, crowded atmosphere than a quiet one. Since it was around 5 PM, we initially assumed it might be closed. But as we walked along the side of the building, we found another entrance that led us into the courtyard area. Inside, the layout opened up into a cloister-style space with stone arches, a central fountain, and palm trees. The courtyard had a steady flow of visitors walking through, pausing for photos, and observing the geese that were roaming around the enclosed garden. It felt more like a well-preserved historic courtyard within a busy tourist attraction, offering a brief change in pace from the crowded streets outside.

After leaving the cathedral area, we continued wandering deeper into the maze-like streets of the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic). The area felt like a dense network of narrow stone alleys, small squares, hidden cafés, and old buildings with balconies hanging low over the streets. Every turn seemed to open into another small lane or historic corner, and it was easy to just keep walking without a fixed direction.

One of the highlights along the way was the Pont del Bisbe, often called the Gothic Bridge. It is a small, decorative bridge connecting two buildings above a narrow street, with intricate neo-Gothic detailing. It was quite crowded underneath, with people stopping constantly to take photos, which made it more of a quick pass-through spot than a place to linger.

We also reached Plaça Sant Jaume, which felt more open compared to the surrounding alleys. This square is an important administrative hub, with government buildings facing each other on opposite sides. It had a steady flow of people but still felt structured and less chaotic than the shopping streets earlier in the day.

From there, we eventually made our way to Plaça Reial, one of the most visually striking squares in the Gothic Quarter. It is lined with uniform arched buildings, palm trees, and decorative street lamps designed by Gaudí. The square was lively with restaurants, outdoor seating, and people relaxing with food and drinks, giving it a more social, evening-ready atmosphere. And of course, this is where the inevitable happened: a gelato break. Rishi spotted a gelato place with good ratings, and at this point, resistance was not even an option. Even with the slightly chilly evening air, we all ended up getting a quick scoop and just standing around the square for a bit, enjoying it while watching the activity around us.

We eventually decided to call a cab to head back after a long day of walking through the Gothic Quarter. It took quite a while to find a ride, and during the wait, Krishiv started getting uncomfortable with a blocked nose and cried quite a bit, which made the whole situation feel a bit more stressful. We first tried booking a standard 4-seater but couldn’t get one easily, so we ended up switching to an 8-seater just to be safe and accommodate everyone comfortably. When the driver arrived, he actually explained that we would have run into issues if a 4-seater had come, since the local rules require a proper seat for every passenger, even for a baby. So technically, even if Krishiv was on someone’s lap, it still wouldn’t be allowed for three people to sit in the back together. That was a small but important lesson for us, and from the next day onwards, we made sure to always book an 8-seater taxi for our trips around the city.

Day 3 – 9 February 2026

As usual, we had a slow morning with the baby. Since we had anticipated something like this, we had booked tickets for 2 PM so that we wouldn’t have to rush too much.

We reached Sagrada Família around 1:30 PM. Before going inside, we stopped at Plaça de Gaudí, right opposite the basilica, which offered one of the best full-frontal views of the structure. From outside, the basilica immediately feels unlike any other church in the world—tall spires rising in different directions, intricate façades filled with sculptural detail, and a sense of constant construction that makes it feel both monumental and still unfinished at the same time. The mix of cranes, carved stonework, and towering architecture completely dominates the skyline and makes it instantly recognisable. As expected, the square was quite crowded with people waiting for the perfect photo spot, but we managed to take our turn and capture a few memories there before heading in.

The Sagrada Família is Antoni Gaudí’s most famous and ambitious work, and construction began in 1882. It is still ongoing, making it one of the longest-running architectural projects in the world. The basilica is known for its symbolic design, nature-inspired structures, and extraordinary attention to detail, blending Gothic and Art Nouveau influences in a completely unique style that has no real comparison.

As soon as we entered the area, Krishiv started crying quite a bit due to a blocked nose, made worse by the windy weather. We gave him a saline spray, but he still couldn’t drink milk properly from the bottle, which, for a short moment, made us consider heading back to the room. However, once we stepped inside, we noticed seating areas along the walls near the entrance, where I sat down with him and managed to feed him. After feeding, he eventually fell asleep, which gave us the chance to properly explore the basilica.

Inside, the space feels completely different from anything outside. The tall columns branch upward like tree trunks, creating a forest-like structure, while natural light filters through the stained-glass windows in shifting colours that move across the stone surfaces throughout the day. The interiors feel vast yet intricate at the same time, and despite everything happening with the baby, we kept pausing repeatedly just to take it all in and capture photos from different angles.

After exploring the main hall, we visited the museum dedicated to Gaudí, which displays models, design sketches, and detailed explanations of how the basilica has evolved over time. It gave a clearer sense of how carefully planned yet unconventional his architectural vision was, blending engineering with natural forms in a way that still feels ahead of its time.

We then watched a short film about the history of Sagrada Família. The film was shown in a dark theatre-style room with surround visuals and narration, explaining the story of how the basilica began in the late 1800s, how Gaudí dedicated the latter part of his life to it, and how construction has continued over generations, funded by donations and ticket sales. The atmosphere of the room, combined with the slow pacing of the film and us sitting there feeding Krishiv, meant we actually ended up watching it multiple times, at least 5-6 repeats, while he slowly finished his feed and settled down.

After returning from the trip, when the Sagrada Família was still very fresh in our memory, I ended up reading more about its recent milestones. It felt surreal to learn that on 20 February 2026, the final piece of the central tower of Jesus Christ, rising to 172.5 metres, had been installed, officially making it the tallest church in the world. Knowing that we had just stood inside this still-evolving structure made the whole experience feel even more special, like we had seen it at a very interesting moment in its long architectural journey.

After our visit, we walked to Green & Burger by Biocenter for a vegetarian snack break before heading back. It was a nice change of pace after a busy sightseeing day, and exactly the kind of relaxed meal we needed before going home. We ended up ordering quite a variety of small plates to share. There were crispy croquetas, a hummus platter with pita and fresh vegetables, baked camembert with a slightly sweet jam, and a couple of more creative items like cauliflower tacos and a hearty “eggs with fries and brava sauce” dish. Overall, most of the food was really enjoyable—simple, comforting, and filling without being too heavy. It wasn’t a “destination meal” as such, but it worked perfectly as a casual stop to recharge after a long day of walking, especially with a tired baby in tow. From there, it felt good to just slow down and make our way back to the accommodation.

It was a long but really fulfilling day, filled with Gaudí’s incredible architecture, a lot of walking, and plenty of baby-related improvisations along the way. Despite the small challenges, it ended up being one of those days that felt genuinely memorable and well spent as a family in Barcelona.

Day 4 – 10 February 2026

As usual, we had a slow start to the day and could only head out by the afternoon.

That day was dedicated to visiting Park Güell, one of Antoni Gaudí’s most famous creations and easily one of the most unique public parks we have visited. Originally planned as a luxury residential project in the early 1900s, the development never became commercially successful and was eventually transformed into a public park. Today, it is known for its colourful mosaics, whimsical architecture, curved structures, and panoramic views over Barcelona, all designed in Gaudí’s unmistakable style inspired by nature and organic forms.

As soon as we entered the park, it was already Krishiv’s feeding time, so we settled down for a quick bottle break before properly beginning our visit. Travelling with a baby definitely changes sightseeing pace, but honestly, places like Park Güell almost feel designed for slow wandering anyway.

We started from the upper part of the park and slowly made our way downhill through the different pathways and viewpoints. Our first stops were Viaducte de Dalt and Pont de Dalt, beautiful stone pathways and bridges designed by Gaudí to blend naturally into the hillside. The rough stone arches, curved lines, and earthy colours made the structures look almost like natural rock formations rather than man-made constructions.

Along the way, we passed Casa Trias, one of the few original houses actually built as part of the failed residential project. Compared to the more whimsical parts of the park, the house looked elegant and almost traditional, quietly sitting among the greenery.

We then almost walked all the way up to the Turó de les Tres Creus, also known as the Hill of the Three Crosses, which is one of the highest viewpoints in the park. Our goal was mainly to spot the Sagrada Família from above, but once we managed to see it clearly before reaching the very top, we collectively decided we had already walked enough and turned back instead.

After that, we passed by the Gaudí House Museum, where Gaudí himself once lived. We did not go inside, but the pink-toned house stood out immediately among the earthy stone colours of the park and added to the fairytale-like atmosphere of the area.

From there, we walked through Pòrtic de la Bugadera, a curved stone passageway lined with leaning columns that looked almost wave-like. Like many parts of Park Güell, the structure had an organic feel, as though it had grown naturally into the hillside.

Eventually, we reached Plaça de la Natura, the large open terrace famous for its long colourful mosaic bench overlooking Barcelona. We spent quite a bit of time there relaxing, taking pictures, and enjoying the wide city views. From there, we could also clearly see the two iconic fairytale-like entrance buildings of the park standing prominently below against the backdrop of the city. Since it was almost time for Krishiv’s feed again, we slowed down even more, and I ended up feeding him there while sitting with the view spread out in front of us. It turned into one of the calmer and more memorable moments of the day.

After he finished feeding, we walked down toward the Hypostyle Room, the grand hall supported by rows of massive stone columns. The symmetry of the columns and the mosaic details on the ceiling made it one of the most visually striking sections of the park, and naturally, we stopped for plenty of photos there too.

Soon after, we reached the famous Dragon Stairway, home to the colourful mosaic salamander that has become one of the symbols of Barcelona itself. Since the area was quite crowded, we carefully walked down one by one and waited patiently for our turn to take pictures.

Finally, we searched for a wheelchair- and stroller-accessible route toward the lower entrance of the park. After taking a rather roundabout path with the stroller, we eventually reached Porter’s Lodge and Casa del Guarda near the main entrance. The Porter’s Lodge housed a small exhibition area explaining parts of the park’s history and design, while Casa del Guarda functioned more like a visitor and gift shop space. Both buildings, with their curved roofs, colourful details, and gingerbread-house appearance, looked straight out of a fantasy storybook.

By the end of the visit, we were definitely tired from all the walking, but the entire experience had been genuinely fun. Park Güell felt playful, artistic, and surprisingly relaxing despite the crowds, making it one of the most enjoyable sightseeing days of our Barcelona trip.

Finally, after our visit, we slowly walked over to Sweet Breakfasts, a small bakery we had specifically searched for because we wanted to try some empanadas. The place itself was tiny and simple, more of a casual takeaway bakery than a sit-down café. We picked up a mix of empanadas: spinach ones for Mummyji and Papaji, and chicken for both Rishi and me, and of course, I also had to try a fish empanada for myself. Out of all of them, the chicken empanadas easily turned out to be the best. They were warm, crispy on the outside, and really flavourful inside, making them the perfect snack after several hours of walking around Park Güell.

Day 5 – 11 February 2026

This was a busy day for us. We had to catch an early 9:30 AM train for Montserrat, which already felt ambitious while travelling with a 3-month-old baby. We somehow managed to get up early, get everyone ready as quickly as possible, and practically sprinted toward Plaça d’Espanya Station, which was thankfully only about a five-minute walk from our accommodation in Montjuïc. Even after reaching the station, things were not exactly smooth. Plaça d’Espanya is a large and busy transport hub, and we got quite confused trying to figure out where to catch the correct train for Montserrat. We had to ask a few people for directions before finally locating the right platform just in time. Once there, we bought our round-trip tickets and finally boarded the R5 regional train toward Montserrat.

This was also Krishiv’s very first train ride, which made the journey feel a little special for us. Thankfully, he behaved like an ideal tiny traveller and slept through most of the ride, only waking up once for feeding. As the train gradually left central Barcelona behind, the scenery slowly changed from dense city buildings to quieter suburbs, open countryside, and mountain views. The ride itself felt calm and comfortable, especially compared to the busier pace of sightseeing in the city. We eventually reached Monistrol de Montserrat, the small town at the base of the mountain, where we had to switch transport to continue the journey upward toward Montserrat itself. By then, the dramatic rocky formations of the mountain had already become visible in the distance, making the whole experience feel very different from our previous days exploring Barcelona’s streets and architecture.

As soon as we reached Montserrat and stepped out of the train into the station area, it was already Krishiv’s feeding time. We first tried giving him a bottle, but he absolutely refused to drink from it, so I ended up feeding him right there before we could properly begin exploring. By this point, we had already realised that baby schedules were going to dictate most of our sightseeing plans anyway. After that, we headed to the cafeteria area to freshen up a little and change Krishiv’s diaper before starting our visit. The cafeteria turned out to be quite useful throughout the day because it gave us a comfortable indoor spot where we knew we could come back and feed him whenever needed. With the mountain weather being cooler and windier than Barcelona city’s, having that little “base point” during the visit felt especially convenient.

We then tried to hurry and reach the Basilica of Montserrat before 12:45 PM because Rishi had booked tickets for the famous boys’ choir performance, which takes place only once a day at a fixed time. The choir, known as the Escolania de Montserrat, is one of the oldest boys’ choirs in Europe, and their short midday performance inside the basilica is one of the most special experiences at Montserrat. We followed Google Maps, trying to find a stroller-friendly route, but it ended up taking us in the wrong direction. After walking for a while, we realised we were off track and decided to ask for help. We spotted a few local street vendors and checked with them, and they quickly guided us correctly toward the basilica. At that point, we almost had to run the final stretch because it was already close to entry time. Thankfully, we made it just in time. The basilica itself is a beautiful monastery church set against the dramatic rocky mountains of Montserrat. Inside, it feels grand yet calm, with detailed architecture and a very striking altar area. One of the key highlights is the shrine of the Black Madonna (La Moreneta), a revered statue located behind the main altar, which draws visitors from all over. Shortly after we settled in, the boys’ choir began their performance. The Escolania de Montserrat is one of the oldest active boys’ choirs in Europe, and their singing is known for its clarity and harmony. The performance was short but incredibly well-executed, with the voices echoing beautifully through the basilica’s interior. Even with the rush to get there, it was one of those moments that felt worth slowing down for, just to listen and take in the atmosphere.

As we came out of the basilica, we finally had a moment to really take in the surroundings. The dramatic mountain landscape opened up around us, and for the first time that day, we slowed down and just absorbed the view. We walked around the terraces and viewpoints, simply soaking in the rugged scenery and the peaceful scale of the place. The Montserrat mountains are a distinctive rocky range located near Barcelona, known for their unusual “serrated” (multi-peaked) formation, which is actually where the name “Montserrat” comes from, meaning “serrated mountain” in Catalan. Formed over millions of years through natural erosion of conglomerate rock, the landscape is both geologically unique and culturally significant, as it has long been considered a spiritual and pilgrimage site in Catalonia.

Since we couldn’t go on a proper hiking trail like most visitors at Montserrat, I looked for something short and easy that would still give us a bit of the experience without being too difficult. I found Camí dels Degotalls, which is a well-known gentle walking path that runs along the base of the monastery area. It is usually described as a flat, scenic route with views of the mountains and a series of religious monuments and plaques along the way, making it popular even among casual visitors. We decided to give it a try, but once we started walking, we realised it was more gravel-filled than expected and not very stroller-friendly. On top of that, it was quite cold and windy up there, which quickly made Krishiv uncomfortable and worsened his nose block. He started crying quite a bit and couldn’t settle down, so we decided not to push it further. We had only managed about a quarter (or even less) of the trail before we turned back and headed towards the main area. It was one of those moments where we had to quickly adjust plans again and prioritise comfort over exploring.

We then quickly made our way back toward the station to catch the return train. Luckily, we didn’t have to wait long, and everything felt much more straightforward compared to the morning rush. During the journey back, we gave Krishiv his nasal saline drops to help with the blocked nose and tried feeding him again. This time, he finally managed to settle during the feed and eventually drifted off to sleep for a while. After the earlier chaos at Montserrat, the quiet train ride back felt like a much-needed calm stretch for all of us.

Day 6 – 12 February 2026

The day started with us getting alerts for a severe wind warning, advising people to stay indoors unless it was absolutely necessary to go out. After the physically tiring Montserrat trip the previous day, we were honestly relieved to take it slow and decided to just relax at the apartment for the morning. We spent a quiet few hours indoors, recovering, feeding Krishiv, and not really rushing anywhere. By the second half of the day, around 2 PM, the weather felt slightly more manageable, so we finally stepped out for a relaxed afternoon walk and to make the most of whatever time we had left in Barcelona.

Since it was advised to stay indoors due to the strong winds, we decided to head out only for something low-effort and comfortable. We went to El Corte Inglés at Plaça de Catalunya, one of the city’s most well-known department stores and shopping malls. It’s a multi-floor space with everything from fashion and groceries to electronics, and it also has cafés and restaurants on the upper levels. It felt like a good place for a relaxed, indoor stroll and some window shopping without dealing with the weather outside. The mall also had a dedicated baby feeding room, which turned out to be really useful and comfortable for feeding Krishiv in a calm space before we continued exploring.

Later, we went up to the rooftop cafeteria, which had large glass windows and an open seating area overlooking the city. From there, we could see views of Plaça de Catalunya and the surrounding Barcelona skyline, which looked especially nice as the day slowly moved toward sunset. The atmosphere was relaxed, with people settling in for late lunches and coffee while watching the city below. We ordered a mix of dishes, including seafood paella (which I had been waiting for since planning the Spain trip), cheesecake, a vegetable omelette, churros, and some savoury vegetable puff pastries. The food options were quite varied, ranging from Spanish classics to lighter café-style snacks, making it easy for everyone in the family to find something they liked. Sitting by the window with warm food and a calm view of the city made it a very easy, unhurried break in the middle of a windy day.

Day 7 – 13 February 2026

The next day brought heavy rain, which immediately changed our plans for the city. Looking back, we even felt a bit of regret for not making better use of the previous day when it was just windy, because at least we could still have gone out more comfortably in the second half, when we ended up at the mall anyway once the wind had settled. With heavy rain, even simple outdoor movement felt much more difficult, especially with a baby and a stroller. Around midday, we noticed the rain starting to slow down slightly and decided to take a chance and step out instead of staying cooped up indoors all day. We got ready and went out anyway, hoping we could still make a small outing work despite the weather.

We took a taxi to the Arc de Triomf and started our walk from there. It was still lightly raining, but manageable enough for a slow stroll with the stroller, and the red-brick arch stood out beautifully against the grey sky as we stepped out. The Arc de Triomf is one of Barcelona’s most distinctive landmarks, originally built as the main entrance for the 1888 Universal Exposition. Unlike traditional triumphal arches meant to celebrate military victories, this one was designed as a welcoming gateway to the city, symbolising progress and openness. Its warm neo-Mudéjar style and detailed brickwork make it especially striking even on a cloudy, rainy day, marking the beginning of the long pedestrian avenue that leads towards the city centre.

We walked towards Ciutadella Park, hoping to continue our rainy-day stroll. But just as we stepped inside the park, the rain picked up heavily again, turning from a light drizzle into a proper downpour. We quickly rushed to find shelter and ended up standing under a covered area near one of the park’s glass greenhouses. These greenhouses are small botanical structures within the park that are used for protecting and growing plants in controlled conditions. With their glass walls and metal frames, they feel like quiet little pockets of greenery inside the larger park, usually filled with tropical and seasonal plants. We waited there for the rain to slow down, but it didn’t really seem like it was going to ease anytime soon.

When the rain seemed to slow down a bit, we decided to take a chance and head towards El Born Centre de Cultura i Memòria instead of staying sheltered. It’s a cultural centre built inside a restored 19th-century market building, and what makes it really unique is the glass floor inside that reveals the archaeological remains of medieval Barcelona beneath your feet. We spent some time walking through the space, looking at the excavation ruins and understanding how this area of the city used to look centuries ago. It’s one of those places where modern architecture and preserved history sit right on top of each other, making it feel like you are literally walking through layers of time. We also took a break there and once again used the diaper-changing room to feed Krishiv, which made it a very practical stop for us in between the rain and the walking.

When we thought the rain might finally ease a bit, we headed back towards Ciutadella Park again, hoping to complete the parts we had missed earlier. It’s one of Barcelona’s largest green spaces, originally designed in the late 19th century on land that once belonged to a military fortress, and today it serves as a mix of landscaped gardens, walking paths, sculptures, and open leisure areas right in the city centre. The park has many points of interest spread across its wide grounds, but just as we entered, the rain picked up again. We quickly made our way toward the Cascada Monumental, the grand ornamental waterfall and fountain structure designed in a dramatic, theatrical style with statues, arches, and tiered water features. We stayed there only briefly as the rain continued to worsen and eventually had to turn back. We had originally planned to explore more of the park and continue all the way toward the Barceloneta promenade, but with the heavy rain showing no signs of stopping, we had to abandon the rest of the plan for the day and head back earlier than expected.

In the evening, we went to Arenas de Barcelona, which was just a short walk from our accommodation. It’s a former bullring that has been beautifully transformed into a modern shopping and leisure centre, with restaurants, shops, and a rooftop terrace on the top level. We had a slightly delayed start because Krishiv had just finished his feed at the accommodation before we left, and by the time we headed out, the Magic Fountain show had already taken place. So instead of rushing, we decided to just enjoy a relaxed evening walk. We took the elevator up to the rooftop to enjoy the views over the city at night. From the top, Barcelona looks especially beautiful, with its streets glowing with warm lights, the city stretching out in every direction, and the circular architecture of the old bullring softly illuminated, giving it a golden, almost cinematic feel. It was quite windy at the top, so we didn’t stay for too long. But even in that short time, it felt like a peaceful way to take in the city and slowly wind down the day.

Day 8 – 14 February 2026

This was our last day in Barcelona. Since we had an evening flight back, we still had about half a day left to explore before leaving the city. We packed all our bags in the morning, checked out of the apartment, and left the luggage at the reception area so that we could continue roaming around without carrying everything with us. Because of the flight later that day, we didn’t want to venture too far from our accommodation or risk getting stuck somewhere with luggage and a baby. So we decided to spend our final few hours exploring more of the Montjuïc area itself, which felt like the perfect area for a relaxed final day before heading to the airport.

We went to Poble Espanyol and spent the afternoon slowly exploring its charming streets, artisan shops, and beautiful buildings. Built for the 1929 International Exposition, Poble Espanyol is essentially an open-air architectural village designed to showcase different regional styles from across Spain. Instead of being a traditional museum, it feels more like wandering through a miniature version of the country itself, with Andalusian courtyards, Castilian-style plazas, whitewashed houses, and stone streets all recreated within one space. We wandered through little craft shops selling ceramics, jewellery, glasswork, leather goods, and handmade souvenirs, occasionally stopping just to admire the pretty corners and quiet lanes. At one point, I even ended up feeding Krishiv while sitting there and enjoying the peaceful surroundings, which somehow perfectly matched the slower pace our trip had naturally taken because of travelling with a baby.

We had booked tickets for the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya for our final afternoon in the city. The museum is located inside the grand Palau Nacional building on Montjuïc hill and is one of the most important art museums in Spain, especially known for its extensive collection of Catalan art spanning from the Romanesque period to modern times. We walked toward the Magic Fountain area, planning to use the escalators again to reach the museum comfortably with the stroller. But unfortunately, that day the escalators were not working. We were already running late, and since we didn’t know any quick stroller-friendly route that would get us there on time, Mummyji and Papaji decided to stay back below with Krishiv while Rishi and I rushed up the stairs to make it to the museum. Inside, the museum was huge, with several different galleries and sections to explore. We visited one of the painting galleries first, which had many beautiful classical artworks and large, detailed paintings displayed inside grand halls. We skipped the modern art section because we were honestly not that interested in it and instead wandered into the coin gallery, which unexpectedly turned out to be one of the most interesting parts for us. It displayed coins used in Spain from around 500 BC all the way to the present day, showing how different kingdoms and rulers changed over time through currency itself. It almost felt like reading Spanish history through coins. We also spent some time admiring the massive central dome and the elegant interior architecture of the building from below. The museum itself felt just as impressive as the collections inside it.

Later, I found the way upstairs to Mirador del Palau Nacional to enjoy the panoramic view from the top. From there, we could see Barcelona stretching out below us; the city grid, distant buildings, streets, and even parts of the coastline were visible far away. The elevated viewpoint, combined with the grand terrace of the Palau Nacional, made it feel like one of the best views we had experienced in the city and a really beautiful way to end our time in Barcelona.

After visiting the museum, we slowly made our way back down toward the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc area. Since this had been one of the very first places we explored after arriving in Barcelona, it somehow felt fitting to return there again before leaving the city. We spent some time walking around, clicking final pictures, and simply enjoying the familiar view one last time—the wide staircase, the fountain area, and the grand Palau Nacional standing above everything in the background. Even without the fountain show running, the whole area still had a lively and beautiful atmosphere. It felt like a quiet little goodbye to Barcelona before heading back to collect our luggage and leave for the airport.

Barcelona turned out to be a very different kind of trip for us compared to how we used to travel before becoming parents. There were delayed starts, unexpected feeding breaks, wrong turns, weather disruptions, stroller struggles, and constantly changing plans. But somehow, that slower pace also made us appreciate the city differently. Instead of rushing from one attraction to another, we spent more time simply soaking in beautiful streets, enjoying views, sitting in parks, watching sunsets, and creating small memories in between the sightseeing. And most importantly, it became the destination for many of Krishiv’s firsts: his first flight, first train ride, first international trip, and our first big family vacation as new parents. Looking back, the trip may not have gone exactly according to plan every day, but it still became one of our most memorable and special travels.