Our journey to China started in Munich, as it often does, but this time we added a little twist: a stopover in Barcelona. The route from Barcelona via Frankfurt to Shanghai was much cheaper, so we turned the extra leg into a short city break with good food, a familiar hotel area, and a relaxed start before the long flight east.
A Short Stop in Barcelona
We flew with Vueling on Wednesday morning, and after an easy two-hour flight we took the bus into the city and checked in at Motel One near Arc de Triomf. Barcelona has always stayed in our memory in a very positive way, although this time the smell in some parts of the city made the experience a little less charming.
After check-in, we walked from Placa Catalunya along the shopping street, back down La Rambla toward the harbor, and through the old town to the hotel. Parts of the city were blocked because the Pope was expected for commemorations around the 100th anniversary of Gaudi’s death, which made the walk feel a bit different from our usual Barcelona rhythm.
Food Finds Before the Flight
Lunch was the first lovely surprise: La Cevicheria Nikkei. We had the lunch menu and a poke bowl, and the ceviche was genuinely excellent, fresh, bright, and exactly what we wanted after the flight.
In the evening, we went down to the beach and had dinner at Honest Greens Barceloneta. It is easygoing, fresh, and the value for money is really strong. The next morning, we had brunch at Lato before getting ready for the longer travel day ahead.
Lounge Time and the Long Haul
Nearly four hours in the Barcelona lounge passed surprisingly quickly before our Lufthansa business class flight to Frankfurt. After a short stop in the Senator Lounge, thanks to our Amex Platinum access, it was time for the final leg.
The Airbus A350-900 took us to Shanghai in just over eleven hours. The flight was smooth, the food was very good, and business class made the long journey feel calm and comfortable.
Final Thoughts
This little detour was more than just a way to save money. Barcelona gave us a soft start, a few delicious meals, and a bit of sunshine before China, which made arriving in Shanghai feel even more exciting.
