Exploring Lleida: A Cultural Journey with Friends

Friday's Slow Pace in Lleida

Today was all about embracing the slower side of Lleida, a welcome change of pace after our more adventurous days. Lena and I decided to take our time, soak in the local atmosphere, and simply enjoy being present in this beautiful city. It’s amazing how much you can discover when you’re not rushing from one landmark to another.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Bokoto Lleida. I had read some great reviews about their Japanese cuisine , and since Lena and I both enjoy sushi, we thought it would be a nice change from the usual Spanish breakfast fare. The restaurant had a cozy atmosphere , and the staff were very welcoming. I opted for a classic salmon nigiri, while Lena tried one of their special rolls. Both were delicious and fresh, a perfect way to start the day. It’s funny, finding excellent Japanese food in the heart of Spain, but it just goes to show how diverse and cosmopolitan Lleida can be.

After breakfast, we strolled over to the Parc dels Camps Elisis, a green oasis in the middle of the city. The park was beautifully landscaped, with lush gardens, vibrant flowerbeds, and winding pathways. It was a perfect spot for a leisurely walk. We spent a couple of hours simply wandering around, enjoying the sunshine and the peaceful atmosphere. I even took some photos of the Mermaid Fountain, which was quite charming. There were families having picnics, couples strolling hand-in-hand, and locals jogging. It was a slice of everyday life in Lleida, and I loved being a part of it.


Immerse yourself in the lush landscapes and vibrant atmosphere of Parc dels Camps Elisis, Lleida's serene urban oasis.

Sometimes, the best travel experiences are the ones where you simply allow yourself to wander and discover the hidden gems of a place at your own pace.

Next on our list was the Plaça de la Font dels Tritons. This square is home to a beautiful neoclassical fountain featuring sculptures of tritons. The square itself was quite charming, located behind the Mercat del Pla and near the stairs leading up to Seu Vella. We sat by the fountain for a while, enjoying the sound of the water and watching people go about their day. It was a lovely, peaceful spot, perfect for a moment of reflection.


Explore the serene beauty of Plaça de la Font dels Tritons, a perfect blend of art and nature in the heart of Lleida.

After our relaxing morning, it was time for some shopping. Lena had been wanting to check out ALE-HOP, a shop we had passed by a few times. It turned out to be a quirky store with all sorts of fun and unusual items. We ended up buying a few souvenirs for our friends back in Berlin. I even found a funny little gadget for my desk at work that I know will give Lena a good laugh.


Discover ALE-HOP in Lleida: A unique gift shop offering a delightful blend of local artistry and quirky souvenirs to cherish.

For lunch, we decided to try Restaurante Casa Tiell, which was recommended for its traditional Catalan cuisine. The restaurant had a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere, and the menu looked very appealing. I opted for the *arroz cremoso*, a creamy rice dish that was absolutely delicious, while Lena chose one of their grilled meat options. We shared a bottle of local wine, and the whole meal was just perfect.


Experience authentic Spanish cuisine at Restaurante Casa Tiell in Lleida, where tradition meets flavor in a cozy atmosphere.

As the sun began to set, we made our way to Restaurant Lo Caragol for dinner. This restaurant is known for its snails, a local delicacy, and I was determined to try them before leaving Lleida. The restaurant had a warm and inviting ambiance, and the staff were very friendly. I ordered the *cargols a la llauna*, snails cooked in a traditional style, and Lena went for another Catalan dish. The snails were surprisingly good – tender, flavorful, and not at all what I had expected. It was a true taste of Lleida, and I’m glad I tried it. Lena enjoyed her meal as well, and we both agreed that Lo Caragol was a great choice for our final dinner in the city.


Experience authentic Catalonian flavors at Restaurant Lo Caragol in Lleida - where delicious meets affordable.

Before heading back to the hotel, we took a leisurely stroll through the city center, enjoying the evening air and the twinkling lights. Lleida has a certain charm at night, a quiet beauty that’s different from the hustle and bustle of the day. We stopped for a quick *cerveza* at a local bar, just to soak in the atmosphere a little longer.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit Aiguamolls de Rufea, a nature reserve just outside the city, and Plaça d'Espanya [if last day of trip, merge in “Trip end”]. It will be nice to get out of the city for a bit and explore the natural beauty of the region. We're also planning to check out On The Rocks bar in the evening [if last day of trip, merge in “Trip end”].

Overall, today was a wonderful day of relaxation and exploration. It reminded me that sometimes the best travel experiences are the ones where you simply allow yourself to wander and discover the hidden gems of a place at your own pace. I’m grateful for these moments of peace and connection, and I’m looking forward to what tomorrow brings.

Lena and I are both looking forward to tomorrow, but for now, it's time to rest and recharge. I'm already anticipating the adventures that await us as we continue to explore this captivating corner of Spain.