The last time I visited Barcelona was back in early May 2011, almost exactly 15 years ago, just weeks before Darcy’s Gotcha Day.
Back then, it was a quick city break with friends visiting from Mexico City and their three children. I didn’t have to think about what I would do with my dogs. I was still footloose and fancy-free. I remember the energy of the city, the architecture, the sunshine, the food… but if I’m honest, I don’t think I truly saw Barcelona. It was one of those whirlwind trips where you tick off landmarks while trying to keep up with everyone else.
So after Ibiza, I had plans to visit Andorra, and since Barcelona was a necessary stopover, I welcomed a 24-hour stopover to revisit the city, this time at a much slower pace, and with Lulu by my side.
What excited me most was discovering that Casa Batlló is dog-friendly. That immediately went onto the itinerary.
I booked us into the evening slot, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip. Seeing Gaudí’s extraordinary house illuminated at night felt almost dreamlike: the curves, colours and tiny details somehow even more magical after dark. And walking through such an iconic building with Lulu made the experience feel unexpectedly special. I had her in a bag. I wasn’t sure if she was allowed on the ground. In any case, it was so busy that it wouldn’t have been good for her to be on the floor.
There’s something wonderfully relaxed about Barcelona when you explore it with a dog. You naturally slow down. You notice more. You pause in little squares, wander down side streets and stop for coffee instead of racing between attractions.
The next morning, we made our way to Sagrada Família. And yes, it’s still not finished.
Designed by Antoni Gaudí, construction began in 1882 and has continued for more than 140 years. The main towers are finally complete, but the basilica still has years to go, with completion predicted around 2030… maybe even 2035.
Gaudí famously said, “My client is not in a hurry,” referring to God.
Just like the last time, I didn’t make it inside.
Standing outside and simply admiring it from different angles felt enough. Maybe because this visit wasn’t about trying to “complete” Barcelona. It was about reconnecting with it.
And in the process, I think I discovered the city more deeply than I did all those years ago.
Beyond the famous landmarks, I found myself appreciating the quieter details — leafy streets, neighbourhood cafés, balconies overflowing with plants, locals walking their dogs late into the evening, and the slower Mediterranean rhythm that makes Barcelona feel both vibrant and calm at once.
Returning after fifteen years felt strangely emotional, too. In 2011, I couldn’t possibly have imagined how much my life would revolve around dogs, or how many adventures they would lead me on. Darcy hadn’t even arrived yet. Now, here I was exploring Gaudí masterpieces with Lulu.
Barcelona may only have been a brief stopover this time, but somehow it felt far more meaningful than my first visit.
Sometimes you need to return to a place not to see more of it, but to see it differently.
We stayed at the very dog-friendly Casa Bonay – great location.
We also went on the Hop On Hop Off Bus – Lulu was in a bag.
