Aaron Klein

If you were to sum up your Barcelona experience in one to two words, what would you say? My Barcelona Experience is…

Constant discovery

Explain why you chose those words.

With so much to do and so much to see in Barcelona, you can make every day into its own adventure. It is such a great change of pace from the monotonous lifestyle that I was experiencing back at UD and being able to take in a new environment and surroundings every day was amazing. Whether you are experiencing new places, food, or Spanish words, the discovery process really never ends.

What was your favorite place to eat in Barcelona? Favorite food?

Its impossible to choose just one. In Barcelona you can find any type of food and over time your list of favorite restaurants will continue to grow. If you’re craving Mexican food one of my favorites was La Rosa Negra, for Middle Eastern I would go to La Caravana, and Cafe Menssana was another one of my favorite places. Good Spanish food is also of course really easy to find in Barcelona but there is so much more to try than just paella! Also, if you like to watch soccer I would recommend going to The Wild Rover.

What was your favorite tour, day trip, or cultural activity? Why?

Being a huge soccer fan, my favorite program trip was definitely the one to the Camp Nou. Having watched countless Barca games in the past on my TV, it was pretty amazing to be able to tour the legendary stadium and even get to sit in the same chairs on the side of the pitch as the players and coaches. The Basque Country trip was also amazing so be sure not to miss that! After Barcelona, San Sebastian might be the most beautiful city in Spain.

Is there a site in Barcelona that you would recommend to future students that may be a little more “off the beaten path”?

It’s always nice to branch out and explore different areas of Barcelona other than the toursity Eixample or Barrio Gotico so I’d really recommend exploring every barrio for yourself. Each one has its own unique vibe so you can experience them all and find out which is your favorite. My personal favorites are Gracia and Poble Sec.

If you had one perfect day in Barcelona where would you go, and what would you do?

This question is really difficult but I think I would start the day by going for a morning run in el Parc de la Ciutadella. Later, I would grab lunch with one of my Spanish friends and we would walk around the city for a bit. Come evening time I would grab dinner at one of my favorite restaurants depending on what I am craving and then make my way over to the Camp Nou for a Barca game. After, I would enjoy the nightlife with my friends.

What was something you were surprised to learn about Barcelona or Spain? Or what aspect of the country or city were you least expecting?

I really enjoying being able to experience living in a big city. Although I have visited big cities many times in the past, I have always wondered what it would be like to live in one of them, especially in a different country like Spain. Now I have a better idea of what I would like my living situation to be after I graduate from university. I also loved the change of pace from my life at UD. Being able to soak in a new and unique environment every day and being able to practice my Spanish was incredible!

What is one piece of advice that you have for future students coming to Barcelona?

If you really want to improve your Spanish and want to learn more about people who live in Barcelona I would really recommend finding Spanish friends. The summer before I came to Spain I met a few people online through a conversation exchange website and we became good friends. In Barcelona we were able to meet up several times and I will definitely come back to the city in the future to see them! My study abroad experience would not have been the same without them.