Oh My Gaudi! Adventures in Spain

By David Lavrinovich, Former Imaginary Gardens Editor

As one of the most romanticized countries in Europe, Spain does not disappoint its visitors. With views that can’t be beat, the landscape and cities bewitch all who enter. Not to mention that Spanish culture is the perfect mix of busy excitement and slow leisure that will delight anyone. Having the opportunity to travel to Spain led me to fall in love with the country, and has fully convinced me that others would too. There is so much to explore in Spain and, with its vast history as well as the language barrier, it can be difficult to know where to start. However, these are the gems I have found that will make any trip to Spain unforgettable. 

Across the Country

While each city and region is unique, there are certain constants throughout Spain. One notable example is flamenco, a folk style of dance, which originated from the unique cultural blending that occurred when the Roma people settled in the region of Andalusia. Now, it has grown into a symbol of Spain’s heritage and dedication to outstanding performances. No photo can truly capture the graceful and stunning motions of a talented flamenco dancer; thus, no trip to Spain is complete without a flamenco show.

An underrated trait of all major cities is street art, and Spain’s urban areas are no exception. Alleyways, garage doors, and building walls can all be found decorated. Whether it be references to pop culture or Spanish iconography, street art adds so much character to the cities of Spain. Graffiti and murals alike are easy to spot, as most Spanish cities are incredibly walkable, meaning a leisurely stroll is bound to lead to a visual marvel at some point.

Food

The most important pillar of any culture is its cuisine. Many people say that the main dish to try in Spain would be paella, a rice and seafood dish, which is abundant throughout the country. And, while no one should be dissuaded from doing so, finding quality paella in Spain may be difficult for tourists. For starters, most locals won’t refer to it as paella, but rather by the simple name arroz, the Spanish word for rice. Thus, many restaurants in touristy areas will greatly advertise inauthentic and subpar paella because they know they can get away with it. Traditional paella takes at least an hour to cook, so to find high-quality paella, make sure to ask the restaurant how long the dish takes to prepare. 

Another hallmark of Spanish food is tapas, a style of serving multiple small dishes for a group to share. Visitors will find that delicious tapas is far easier to locate than paella. Several typical dishes may be found on a tapas menu, but the most noteworthy ones are patatas bravas, Russian salad, and croquetas. The first dish, patatas bravas, is potatoes served with a tomato sauce, often spiced with paprika for a small kick. It is also common to have additions like garlic aioli and fresh herbs to garnish, depending on the area. Russian salad is another potato dish, similar to an American potato salad, but with the addition of other veggies as well as tuna. Although it didn’t originate from Russia, this Spanish dish does bear a striking resemblance to Russian olivye, which is also a type of potato salad. However, the biggest crowdpleaser by far at a tapas restaurant is croquetas. A variation of French croquettes, these small rolls are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, not entirely unlike hushpuppies from the American South. Croquetas come in different flavors, but chicken and ham are the most common to find. For those of drinking age, a cocktail of red wine and soda known as tinto de verano can wash it all down. 

Foodies and non-foodies alike can rejoice at Spanish food markets, where many on-the-go treats can be sampled. Fresh meats, blended fruit juices, spices, and warm pastries are in abundance at these markets. Ultimately, I recommend starting with a bocadillo de ramas. This calamari sandwich is perfect to munch on while exploring all that these markets have to offer. To balance out the savory, a churro with a cup of rich, melted chocolate is the perfect dessert, and something that even Spanish locals will wait hours in line for. 

The last aspect of Spanish cuisine that every visitor must definitely try is Honest Greens. This chain restaurant, born in Spain, serves Mediterranean-style bowls. It is quite similar to CAVA in the United States, only a thousand times better. With fresh, filling ingredients and a menu that has no bad options, visitors can walk into any location across the country and know they’ll have a good meal. It’s the perfect palate cleanser to ensure your taste buds and stomach are ready to continue on their journey, trying new foods throughout Spain. 

Madrid

Spain’s capital city hosts many prominent attractions, including the most famous park in Madrid, El Retiro Park, which invites visitors to see various monuments and gardens. At the heart of the park lies a man-made lake, where you can rest your feet and row a rowboat throughout the scenery. It’s easy to see why the park is so beloved, as it is a sight to behold in both day and night, much like the rest of Madrid. 

Most people can agree that a trip abroad requires buying a memento to remember the excursion. Rather than a tacky souvenir from a tourist shop, visitors should peruse Salamanca, Madrid’s luxury shopping district. Offering both popular global brands and stylish boutiques unique to Spain, there’s no lack of desire for quality gifts or souvenirs. Browsing through this neighborhood is a shopaholic’s heaven. It certainly helps that the streets are gorgeously decorated with Las Meninas, sculptures of Spanish ladies in waiting that each represent different important concepts, such as Madrid’s fashion history, for example. 

One would not expect to find an ancient Nubian temple in Madrid, yet the Temple of Debod stands as another icon of the city. Egypt gifted the temple as a show of thanks for Spain’s assistance in restoring the Abu Simbel temples. Now, the Temple of Debod stands in a park, completely free for visitors to admire! While anyone is welcome to observe from the outside, there are limited reservations for entering that must be ordered in advance. Regardless, it’s a must-visit when in Madrid, especially since it is situated so close to the Royal Palace of Madrid. 

As the most stunning sight in the city, the Royal Palace of Madrid stands as a true emblem of Spain. Bigger than both Buckingham Palace in the United Kingdom and the Palace of Versailles in France, it is considered the largest functioning palace in all of Europe. With several gorgeous rooms and extravagant ceilings, its beauty is augmented by learning the history of the Royal families who lived there. The most hilarious noble to reside within the palace was Felipe V, who believed himself to be a frog! It was he who ordered the construction of a vast number of rooms within the palace, so that he would have adequate space to hop around. After visiting, travelers may be inclined to also hop, perhaps over to other cities, such as…

Barcelona

As both a coastal city and the capital of the autonomous Catalonia region, Barcelona offers the perfect blend of nature and cityscape. Walking along the beach and taking a dip in the sea can happen on the same day as exploring historical and modern sites. Not only do visitors get to experience the broader Spanish culture, but also the unique traditions within the Catalan community. Visiting Barcelona can feel like you’re getting two countries in one trip!

The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) is a museum dedicated to both historic and contemporary art, creating the perfect indoor activity when visiting Barcelona. It would be easy to spend the entire day there, with so many exhibits on display. Yet if there is only one thing you look at, it has to be the medieval Romanesque Art. These mural paintings were taken from their original historical sites with a technique that carefully strips the pictorial layer from the wall. This was done so that they may be safely preserved while still being accessible to the public. 

Despite not having a big name in Barcelona, BoBa is an ice cream and bubble tea shop that deserves plenty of love. The main draw of the shop is its zoo ice cream, where scoops are delicately shaped into cute animals like seals, reindeer, and lions. It’s bound to put a smile on the face of any kid or kid-at-heart. Plus, it makes for really cute and Insta-worthy pics. 

One can hardly visit Barcelona without hearing Antoni Gaudí’s name at least a dozen times. He was an architect and designer whose influence is baked into Barcelona. Park Güell is just one example of this, as it hosts not only one of Gaudí’s houses but also some of his creations. The outer ring of the park is speckled with various plants, birds, and other wildlife. Meanwhile, the center of the park contains aesthetically pieced mosaics and buildings such as the Porter’s Lodge, Sea Serpent Terrace, and the Laundry Room Portico. The park also offers a great view of the city and sea, as well as Gaudí’s most famous work, the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia. 

Last but certainly not least, the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia is the crown jewel of Barcelona. As an absolutely monumental Catholic church, it towers above most buildings and is visible from almost anywhere in the city. The only thing more breathtaking than the carved statues on the outside is the gorgeous stained glass on the inside. There are endless details to the church, making it ideal for multiple visits. Furthermore, it remains under construction, over a hundred years after its inception. The final touches are set to be completed in 2026, coincidentally aligning with the one hundredth anniversary of Antoni Gaudí’s death. Thus, making this year the perfect time to visit Barcelona and the rest of Spain.

What Are You Waiting For?

For students at Pellissippi State Community College, visiting Spain is not a far-off dream. If you now feel compelled to hop on a plane and travel to Spain, TBR Global Studies can help you get there. They offer opportunities for college students to study abroad in multiple countries, such as South Africa, Japan, Italy, and even Spain. Students at Pellissippi State especially benefit from financial assistance, making foreign travel incredibly accessible. The deadline for a Summer 2026 Study Abroad program with TBR Global Studies is January 30th, but remember that you can always apply next year!

Engaging with another country’s culture and history exposes you to new ideas and different ways of life, which is an incredible opportunity to grow as a person. It is especially important for students to have a college experience that is beyond textbooks, lectures, and homework. Тraveling abroad helps students develop real-world skills like problem-solving, communication, creativity, and applied learning. I certainly find that to be the case after every place I visit. Don’t let your college experience stay in the classroom; Spain is waiting for you!