Barcelona

Barcelona is definitely best enjoyed with friends, and that's exactly what we did. This incredible city absolutely bursts with life but still hides away little pockets of peacefulness with its maze of lane ways which are perfect for getting lost in when you want to escape the heat and hordes of tourists.

Barcelona's nightlife is legendary, and while the crazy night we spent at the beachfront mega clubs was awesome, it was the tiny bars and restaurants where far too much sangria and tapas were consumed that was the highlight for me. We found ourselves in the backstreets of a little area called Born, which is amazing for shopping during the day, and where drinks were cheap, delicious and occasionally even on fire by night.

As you wander down the main tourist strip know as La Rambla, make sure to stop at the famous La Boqueria food markets for a fantastic assault on the senses. As I pushed my way through the crowds of both locals and tourists, I just wanted to touch everything and had to fight hard to resist the urge to stick my hands deep into the giant vats of seeds and nuts letting a handful trickle back through my fingers Amelié style.
The mix of warm bread and buttery pastries, rich dried meats and salty seafood buried in mountains of ice, meant that there was always an incredible smell to follow as we wound through the tiny aisles.

Countless stalls showed off a rainbow array of fruit and veggies in perfect piles and freshly squeezed juices in every flavour combination you can think of, although Ella's recommendation of strawberry and lime was definitely the winner.

The city really has something for everyone, whether it's wandering through the harbour side area of Barceloneta and sipping iced tea on it's packed beach, admiring the epic Sagrada Família church and the other surreal works of Gaudí which litter the city, or even taking a day trip to the serene seaside town of Sitges, I'm yet to meet someone who hasn't been blown away by this crazy beautiful city.