Last updated on July 3, 2017
Experience the world like a local with personalised travel itineraries created by TripUniq‘s global destination experts.
I don’t know about you, but for me, travel is all about getting under the skin of a new destination. It’s about getting a feel for what it would be like to actually live there.
I don’t want to merely “see the sights”, I want know where the locals eat and drink. I want to know where the they hang out. I want to understand. And I want to do it quickly.
The guys at TripUniq feel the same way and have created a beautiful travel app that connects you with local experts. These local experts will create personalised itineraries for you based on your specific preferences from just €5 per day, which allows you to fast-track your immersion and enjoy more authentic experiences.
It’s available worldwide, but I tried it out in my home town of Barcelona.
How TripUniq works in a nutshell:
- Go to tripuniq.com from your laptop or app, enter your travel dates and indicate your preferences
- A local expert will be assigned based on your preferences. After you place the order you can chat with him/her
- In a few days you will receive customized daily itineraries through their app (maps available offline)
My Experience with TripUniq
I just want something new to do and see in Barcelona…
I live in Barcelona and have written about it extensively over the last few years, but I was curious to discover the city through the eyes of another local. After all, Barcelona is one of those places where there’s always more to uncover.
Connecting with a local hero
After downloading the app I chose a local hero called Mercedes to create my itinerary. Self-described as being a “passionate and curious girl who loves to snoop around the corners of her city”, I decided she would be the perfect person to help me seek out new places around the city, whether it be foodie spots, cultural gems or one-off boutiques. She didn’t disappoint.
Chatting and sharing a few of my favourite things
Mercedes responded the same day and asked me a few questions about the types of places I would like to experience.
I replied in earnest: “Local foodie spots. Places to drink local wine. And quiet beauty spots around the city,” I requested. “I’ve already seen Barcelona’s famous museums, so it would be great to hear if there are any less-known places you’d suggest.”
Delivery
Within a day or two I had a full-on personalised itinerary with over 50 recommendations that had been tailored to my likes and dislikes, as well as an interactive map with all of the locations mapped out.
Mercedes had even suggested what time to visit each place and explained the best ways to travel between them. The detail was incredibly useful and allowed me to see more in less time, which I suppose what this service is exactly meant to do.
I also loved that she included a brief summary about why I would like each venue, even suggesting what to eat and drink at each.
What’s more, the map and itinerary is available even if you have no internet offline, meaning you can always count on it as you travel around the city.
Highlights from My Personalised TripUniq Barcelona Travel Itinerary
The itinerary is fundamentally a list of recommendations and there’s no pressure to do everything. I picked out places that I hadn’t heard of before and set out for 2 days of Barcelona hedonism, discovering new places as I went.
Here were a few of my favourite places, along with Mercedes’ summary.
1. Palau de la Música Catalana ~ An Architectural Feat of Catalan Modernism
Palau de la Música Catalana was built between 1905 and 1908 by Catalan architect Lluis Domenech i Montaner and is one of Barcelona’s most impressive examples of Catalan Modernism.
Address: Carrer Palau de la Música, 4-6 (08002) Barcelona
2. Plaça Sant Pere ~ A Calm Corner of the Old Town
Plaça Sant Pere is a small square hidden away in the Sant Pere neighbourhood, right below the better known neighbourhood of Born.
Address: Plaça de Sant Pere (08003) Barcelona
3. Bar del Pla ~ Quality Tapas & Wine in the Bustling Born Barrio
I’ll admit it, I’d already heard of Bar del Pla. But I was so impressed that Mercedes chose this spot out of the hundreds/thousands of options in the nearby area that I decided to return again. It’s one of my favourite tapas bars of all time and also one of the very best places to drink wine in Barcelona. Kudos to Mercedes.
Address: Carrer Montcada, 2 (08003) Barcelona
4. Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar ~ An Icon of Catalan Gothic Architecture
One of the most beautiful churches in Barcelona, the Santa Maria del Mar church was built in just 55 years, from 1329 to 1384. Its structure comprises three naves, underpinned by looming columns set 13 metres apart, a distance unmatched by any other Medieval structure still in existence.
Address: Plaça de Santa Maria del Mar (08003) Barcelona
5. La Cova Fumada ~ Authentic Tapas Bar in the Old Fisherman’s Quarter
With its shabby facade and lack of a sign out front, it’s unlikely that you’d every notice this ancient tapas bar, which is a shame because it’s unquestionably one of the best tapas spots in Barcelona. Again, kudos to Mercedes for recommending it.
Address: Carrer Baluard, 56 (08003) Barcelona
6. Can Maño ~ Seafood Sensations by the Sea
Another one of La Barceloneta’s famous seafood restaurants, Can Maño is hidden down a quiet side street which you would be unlikely to discover by accident. A genuine local hotspot.
Address: Carrer del Baluard, 12, (08003) Barcelona
7. Fundació Joan Miró ~ A Shrine to Barcelona’s
The Fundació Joan Miró is a shrine to the legendary Catalan artist Joan Miró. It mainly features works from his own private collection, but it’s also a celebration of modern contemporary art.
Address: Parc de Montjuïc (08038) Barcelona
8. La Isabela (Hotel 1898) ~ Chic Rooftop Terrace on Las Ramblas
One of the prettiest hotel roof terraces in Barcelona, La Isabela takes its name from an island in the Philippines. The hotel used to be the headquarters of a tobacco company which had deep roots with the islands. Its central location right on Las Ramblas makes it an ideal escape after a busy day of exploring the city.
Address: La Rambla 109 (08002) Barcelona
9. Plaça de Sant Just ~ A Real “Wow” Moment
Nuzzled away deep in the heart of Barcelona’s ancient Gothic Quarter, this idyllic little square is like stepping back in time. Another beauty spot that most tourists miss due to it only being accessed via a series of labyrinthine streets.
Address: Plaça Sant Just (08002) Barcelona
10. Plaça Reial ~ A Hedonist’s Utopia
This handsome square is located just off Las Ramblas and is heaven for hedonists. Not only are there tons of great places to eat and drink (don’t miss Ocaña, which is one of my favourite bars in Barcelona) but there are excellent nightclubs here too. Check out Sidecar for live bands and alternative vibes or Jamboree for hip hop and house.
Address: Plaça Reial (08002) Barcelona
Conclusion
When I was younger I would travel to a new destination and not worry if I didn’t experience the best of it because I assumed I would always return. “Never mind,” would tell myself, “we’ll eat there/do that next time.” But as I grow older, I realise that there are too many places to see and there rarely is a “next time”.
Now when I travel, I try to remind myself that it’s probably the only opportunity I will have to do and see everything I want.”Don’t hold back. See it. Eat it. Do it.” is my new travel mantra.
If you’re reading this, chances are you understand what I mean. If so, I fully recommend ordering a personalised itinerary from TripUniq. For a start it’s an absolute bargain, and secondly you are pretty much guaranteed to discover places that you wouldn’t have found on your own. I certainly did, and I actually live in Barcelona!
Make it Happen
Wherever you’re going next, whatever you dream of experiencing, visit the TripUniq website and/or download the tripUniq app now to get your personalised travel itinerary.