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Returning to Barcelona: A Love Rekindled
I hadn’t been back to Barcelona, Spain since I was 21 years old. Stepping into the city again, now as a mother, entrepreneur, and someone who appreciates art to the fullest, felt like reuniting with an old friend. The city felt familiar, yet entirely new. I could not wait to explore and share this experience with my husband and son and go on this 3 week journey with them through Spain and Portugal...
Park Güell was a dream! This was my first time visiting. The mosaic benches, the whimsical gingerbread houses, curved arches —it all felt very fairytale like! I found myself snapping photos of every mosaic tile and soaking in all the whimsical architecture.
Then there was the Sagrada Família. Climbing the Passion Tower was a workout, but the view? Worth every step. The way the stained glass bathes the interior in jewel tones reminded me why I fell in love with makeup: I was already imagining a new eyeshadow palette inspired by those vibrant hues. The ceiling was a sight! The flower outlines and intricate designs was one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen. My neck was so sore after our tour because I was always looking up in awe!
We also revisited Casa Milà, one of Gaudí’s most iconic masterpieces. Touring the apartment was fascinating, but the real magic was in the attic—with its brick arches and industrial charm, it felt like stepping into a secret cave. And the rooftop sculptures? Pure whimsy. Those chimneys, twisted and dreamlike, are the kind of bold creativity that reminds me why I love art so much.
We also visited the Barcelona Pavilion, designed by Mies van der Rohe in 1929. It’s a masterclass in modernism—clean lines, reflective pools, and the raw beauty of stone. The way light plays off the travertine and onyx, the stillness of the water, it all feels effortlessly elegant. Definitely worth seeing this beautiful architectural sight!
At the Miró Museum, I was blown away by the sheer variety of Joan Miró’s work. I had no idea he experimented with tapestry art—seeing his playful, vibrant designs woven into fabric was interesting to see in person.
But the Picasso Museum truly stole my heart. To see the full scope of his genius—from the fine art pieces he created as a teenager to his later, “childlike” drawings—was incredible. His later works, with their vivid colors, bold lines, and focus on birds and trees, resonated with me the most. There’s something so freeing about how he embraced simplicity and joy in his final years. It’s a reminder that creativity only gets richer with time.
Of course, no trip to Barcelona is complete without beach time. Bodhi and I splashed our feet in the Mediterranean Sea and the sand remind me to slow down. And the Gothic Quarter—oh, how I loved getting lost in its narrow alleys, stumbling upon hidden plazas and tiny boutiques.
Madrid: A Whirlwind of Art and Elegance
From Barcelona, we hopped on a quick 2.5-hour train to Madrid. Our first meal was at Triana Restaurant and we had such a comforting meal. We kicked off our time in the city with a walking tour starting at the Plaza Mayor, soaking in the grand architecture and the lively energy of the streets.
The Reina Sofía Museum was a highlight—standing before Picasso’s Guernica was a powerful reminder of how art can capture emotion and history in a single frame. The Royal Palace was equally stunning, with its opulent, some of the colorful rooms that felt like you were stepping back in time.
We also visited the Caixa Forum Museum, a modern space that blends art and innovation. On our last day in Madrid, we ate at the roof top restaurant Azotea del Circulo. It had the most epic views of Madrid. We ate in the glass room where we got to admire the view from indoors. Lastly, we stopped by the Temple of Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple with the most breathtaking views.
Lisbon: A City of Soul with San Francisco vibes
Quick flight to Lisbon, I was struck by how much it reminded me of San Francisco—hilly, charming, and full of character. We stayed in the Alfama district, the heart of old Lisbon, with its narrow, winding streets and cobblestone charm. It was there that we met up with friends from San Francisco—Bodhi finally had a buddy to explore with, and my mom friend Jen and I got to enjoy some much-needed mom time.
My mom friend Jen and I escaped the kids and travel bustle and bustle for a day at the Serenity Spa, and it was pure bliss. The modern design, the lounge pods over water, the indoor pool—every detail was thoughtfully curated. One of the most beautiful spas I have ever been in. As someone who’s always researching beauty and wellness, I left feeling rejuvenated and full of inspiration.
No visit to Lisbon is complete without a trip to St. Jorge Castle. The views from the top were magnificent, and the history was palpable. We also explored the Timeout Market, where we tasted our way through Portugal’s culinary delights—each bite a reminder of how food, like beauty, is an art form.
And then there was the iconic Tram 28 ride through Alfama, a rollercoaster of twists and turns that had us all laughing and holding on tight. It was the perfect way to see the city’s vibrant heart.
Porto: Adventure and Whimsy
From Lisbon, we took the train to Porto, where we embarked on a Viator Tuk Tuk Tour. Cruising through the city in our own private tuk tuk was not only fun but a lifesaver in the summer heat. We saw all the major sights, including the oldest McDonald’s in the world—yes, it’s a UNESCO site, and yes, we had to stop for a quick photo op because of Bodhi's request!
The Livraria Lello bookstore was a dream. The grand staircase, the intricate woodwork, the history—it’s no wonder it inspired J.K. Rowling. We also stopped by the Majestic Cafe which is apparently where J.K. Rowling wrote her first book. The cafe was like stepping back in time. The details of the walls and decor were stunning.
But the real showstopper was the Piscina das Marés, an outdoor swimming pool built into the cliffs by the ocean. This pool was designed in the 60’s by Portuguese architect Alvaro Siza Vieira. The water was freezing, but plunging in the pool was exhilarating. We sunbathed a bit and ate/drank at the outdoor restaurant and bar. It was nice to get away from the city hustle and bustle and it was only a 25 min taxi ride from the city! A mile down from the pool is a Michelin restaurant designed by the same architect called Casa de Chá da Boa Nova. We did not go to the restaurant as it was not kid friendly, but hope to be back as we heard such great things about the food and architecture.
We also visited Porto’s Casa da Música, designed by Rem Koolhaas—a building that’s as bold as it is brilliant. I wandered through its many rooms, but the traditional tiled space stole my heart. It’s where parties and receptions come alive, wrapped in Portugal’s iconic azulejos.
Back to Lisbon
We hopped back on the train to Lisbon for two more days, where we met up with our other friends from San Francisco. Our highlight? Dinner at Gunpowder, a restaurant that blends Indian and Portuguese flavors in the most unexpected, delicious way. If you’re in Lisbon, do yourself a favor and book a table. It’s the kind of meal that stays with you long after the last bite.
Our Lisbon adventure ended with a visit to Pastéis de Belém bakery for the most authentic pastéis de nata. Flaky, creamy, and absolutely divine. And as a final treat, we took a boat ride with Ahoy Boat Tour, seeing Lisbon from the water as the sun dipped below the horizon. It was the perfect way to say goodbye to this incredible journey.
Bringing the Magic Home
This trip was so much more than just a getaway—it was a chance to pause, reconnect, and rediscover. Between the art-filled streets of Barcelona, the grand history of Madrid, and the soulful charm of Portugal, I found inspiration at every corner. But what made it truly special were the moments we shared: laughing with old friends, exploring new places with my family, and stepping away from our daily routines to just breathe and dream (and sleep in a bit)!
Hope sharing my itinerary helps inspire your travels! Sometimes, all it takes is a change of scenery to remind you what matters most—and to return home with a fresh perspective and new creative outlook made it all worth it.
Love,
Christina Choi
