A solo birthday trip across Europe, with football in almost every city
3 stops16 Oct 2026Solo · birthday trip2 matches
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Stops on this trip
1
Barcelona
Spain · 16–19 Oct 2026
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Barcelona was amazing, way better than Madrid. Good food, friendly people, and it's so walkable. I got lost a couple of times, but I figured it out quickly. On my first night I saw a flamenco show. I love learning about other cultures, so it was the perfect start. I also learnt to make paella at a cooking class.
CultureA flamenco show on my first nightFoodLearning to make paella at a cooking classSightsPark Güell and the Sagrada Família
What I did
Fri 16 OctFlamenco show
My first night, at the Theatre Flamenco Barcelona City Hall, just off Plaça de Catalunya.
Sat 17 OctEspanyol v Atlético Madrid
At Espanyol's stadium in Cornellà, just outside the city.
Sat 17 OctBirthday dinner at Besta
The 12-course tasting menu at Besta, a seafood-focused, Michelin-listed bistro in the Eixample.
Sun 18 OctPark Güell
Gaudí's park on Carmel Hill, with views over the whole city.
Sun 18 OctSagrada Família
Gaudí's basilica, under construction since 1882. My visit inside was cancelled, so I saw it from the street.
Sun 18 Oct99 Cheesecake
Mon 19 OctPaella and tapas cooking class
We made seafood paella from scratch, then ate it.
La LigaEspanyol 0–1 Atlético Madrid
Very boring game. Atlético won it with an 89th-minute goal from Álex Baena off the bench.
LikedGood food, friendly people and how walkable it is.
Didn't likeGetting lost a couple of times early on, and a very boring Espanyol game.
84 / 100 Would I return? Yes
2
Marseille
France · 20–22 Oct 2026
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Marseille was a rest stop. I didn't do much, and there didn't seem to be much to do anyway. The seafood was amazing, though. I walked up to Notre-Dame de la Garde, the basilica on the hill. It's a tough climb, but the views were worth it. Marseille also has the easiest public transport I've ever used: just two metro lines, and I didn't get lost once.
FoodAmazing seafoodViewsWalking up to Notre-Dame de la GardeFootballA tour of the Stade Vélodrome
What I did
Tue 20 OctThe Old Port
My first afternoon, around the Vieux-Port and the church of Saint-Ferréol les Augustins on the harbour.
Wed 21 OctSunset at Notre-Dame de la Garde
The basilica sits on the highest point in Marseille. It's a steep climb, but the view over the city and the sea at sunset was worth it.
Wed 21 OctSeafood by the Old Port
Thu 22 OctStade Vélodrome tour
Home of Olympique de Marseille. The tour takes you down the players' tunnel and past plaques of club legends like Habib Beye.
LikedThe seafood, the views, nice weather and the easiest transport system I've ever used.
Didn't likeNot much to do.
83 / 100 Would I return? Maybe: As a day trip from Nice.
3
Milan
Italy · 24–26 Oct 2026
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Notes coming.
What I did
Sat 24 OctThe Duomo and its rooftop terraces
Milan's Gothic cathedral took almost six centuries to finish. Up on the roof, you walk among its spires and statues.
Sat 24 OctInside the Duomo
Sat 24 OctCannoli and pizza
Sun 25 OctInter v Fiorentina at San Siro
Inter's home, which they share with AC Milan. 74,642 people were there.
Sun 25 OctCastello Sforzesco
The 15th-century castle of the Sforza family, who once ruled Milan.
Serie A · San SiroInter 2–1 Fiorentina
Fiorentina led from the 65th minute. Thuram equalised in the 91st, and Zieliński scored a 98th-minute penalty to win it and put Inter top of the table.
