Symphony of Sound at Sagrada Familia: Lindsay on Location
Have you ever wanted to experience some of the most beautiful places in the world, but without the crowds? What if I told you it was now possible? GetYourGuide is a platform that showcases the best activities across the globe. With a simple click you can book an unforgettable travel experience. And they just took it to another level with their new "Originals." They are just that, exclusive one of a kind, bucket list kind of experiences. Experiences that you didn't even know existed. In 2022, I got my first taste of GetYourGuide's Originals with my Vatican Experience. This time I was headed to Barcelona, for the first time ever. La Sagrada Familia is opening up its doors to some lucky visitors to experience Gaudi's masterpiece.
La Sagrada Familia (translation is sacred family) is one of the most famous Basilica in the world. People come all over the world to gaze into Gaudi's creation. To give you an idea, around 16,000 visit daily. Gaudi is a world renowned architect that broke the mold of typical design in the late 1800's. He started on Sagrada Familia in 1882, and 141 years later it is still under construction. The goal is to have everything completed by 2026, which is the anniversary of Gaudi's death all over the world.
The GetYourGuide Sagrada Familia Experience starts at sunset. After all the crowds have left for the day and just as the golden hour is setting in, we were greeted with our tour guide for the experience. She was full of history and experience. Just looking at the exterior of the Basilica is breathtaking. I have never been inside, so I was very excited, and we get to see it without anyone around. The inside was polished, fresh, new, colorful, and huge. There are so many feelings when you are inside somewhere with this much history. The sun starts rolling in through the brightly colored stain glass. On one side there are the colors of the night and sky while the other have shades of bright sun. Together this created a rainbow of colors throughout the room. At this moment, Juan de la Rubia, grammy nominated and head organist at Sagrada Familia, begins to fill the space with his music. A private tour turned into a private concert. Juan de la Rubia is truly a master at his art. With such love and passion you can feel it with every note. After we got to meet and chat with Juan de la Rubia, he also showed us around to levels of the Basilica that no visitors every get to visit. The robes come down and the Sagrada Familia opens its space to just us, and it was magical.
You might think there is no way you can experience this too. But, you are wrong! Anyone can head over to GetYourGuide to enter the lottery for this experience. And the best part is that it's free! I love that GetYourGuide are making such exclusive experiences to accessible. Anyone and everyone can also have this beautiful experience.
I wanted to also explore more of Barcelona - from food, music, art, history, beach, the city has so much to offer.
Flamenco is built into the Spanish DNA. The passion and poetry they create through guitar, dance and song is something everyone must see. We booked Tablao Flamenco Cordobes Barcelona, which is dinner and a show. For one hour you are captivated in the historical La Rambla district.
I also get on the water when I travel. I really think you can see an entirely different point of view from the water. We booked a cataraman for a few hours to relax and enjoy the view. We sipped cava, tasted local snacks and soaked up the sun.
Food is a huge part of Barcelona. From your typical tapas to choosing from their 20 Michelin star restaurants. A great way to experience a little bit of everything is a walking food tour. We booked the 10 tasting food tour with a local. Not only was our local extremely knowledgable of food she knew everything about the history to go along with it. We toured 3 areas and tasted over 10 dishes. I love to be able to try a little bit of it all. We sipped cava and got to try the traditional black vermouth cocktail.
Casa Mila is another one of Gaudi's masterpieces. Completed in 1912 he designed it for the Mila Family. Not loved by the locals in that area in the early 1900's, it has become iconic. GetYourGuilde Casa Mila tour allows you to book so you arrive before they even open. Again no crowds, no rushing, just taking it all in. Being alone on its iconic rooftop overlooking Barcelona was one of my favorite moments of the trip. Keep an eye out, there are still 3 residents who live at Casa Mila. I was determined to become friends with one of them. Can you imagine dinner parties there?
Lastly, we wanted to know how to make all the food we have been enjoying. I love taking cooking classes. Barcelona Cooking is located right off the main area in La Rambla, which is perfect since your first stop is the local Market. Your chef takes you around and teaches you as he shops. You see and taste things you have never heard of. I loved every second. Back in the kitchen everyone gets a job. You are part of every step. We made traditional tomato bread. Which is totally different than I thought. We made strawberry gazpacho, Spanish omelet, seafood paella, and crema catalona. I learned so much and can't wait to make it back home. Want to come over for dinner?
This trip was one for the books. I loved every second. Adios, Barcelona. We will be back!