A journalist has expressed disappointment after spending eight hours in Barcelona, claiming she would have had a better time at Southend-on-Sea. Holly Kintuka, an audience writer for the Daily Express, visited the popular European city for a day trip but found it lacking compared to her expectations.
First Impressions of Barcelona
Kintuka began her day exploring the Eixample district, admiring the stunning architecture and iconic streets like Passeig de Gràcia. However, she avoided shopping to focus on landmarks and beaches. Her first official stop was the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, which she described as mesmerising despite the crowds. She did not pay for an inside tour but enjoyed seeing the church under construction.
Lunch and Disappointment
After lunch at Kala Brunch, where she praised the iced matcha latte and service, the trip took a downturn. Kintuka admitted her planning may have been poor but noted that landmarks like Arc de Triomf and Barcelona Cathedral seemed too far apart. She also visited Barceloneta beach, specifically Sant Sebastià, where she encountered nudists without warning. The weather turned cloudy, and she found the beach unremarkable, stating that a hot day in the UK at Southend-on-Sea would have been better.
Comparison to Milan
Kintuka compared her Barcelona trip to a previous day trip to Milan, which she enjoyed immensely. She felt Barcelona did not live up to its reputation and left her disappointed. Despite this, she is considering giving the city another chance with more time and better planning.
The journalist concluded that while Barcelona is beautiful, she found it boring and was eager to return home. She hopes to experience the city fully in the future but remains skeptical.
