First trip to Europe… Barcelona completely rewired my brain (6 days, July 2024)

July 2024 was my first time ever leaving the U.S., and I went to Barcelona with four friends for six days. I didn’t really know what to expect, but this trip genuinely shifted how I see life.

Barcelona has this constant energy that’s hard to explain until you’re in it. The food, the wine, the people, the architecture… everything just felt alive. We’d walk for hours with no plan and still end up somewhere incredible. It made me realize how different the pace and vibe of life can be outside the U.S.

We also took a day trip to Tossa de Mar, and honestly, it might be the best beach I’ve ever been to. Clear water, unreal views, and way less chaotic than the city.

Still thinking about this trip all the time. Definitely not my last time in Europe.

Photo Locations

1–2: Basílica de la Sagrada Família

3–6: Streets of Barcelona

7–8: Tossa de Mar

9–10: Airbnb room