Exploring Lleida: A Cultural Journey with Friends

Nature's Embrace and City's Pulse

Today was a day of contrasts, a beautiful blend of natural tranquility and vibrant city life here in Lleida. I started the day seeking serenity in nature and ended it soaking in the energetic atmosphere of the city center. It’s amazing how much variety this city offers, and I'm grateful to experience it all with my friends.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Restaurant La Clasca. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the promise of a traditional Catalan breakfast set the perfect tone for our adventures. It's always a pleasure to start the day with a good meal and great company. The restaurant, run by three sisters, is known for its rice dishes and seafood. Although we didn't have any of those for breakfast, what we did have was delicious.


Discover exquisite Mediterranean cuisine at Restaurant La Clasca in Lleida—where every dish tells a story of flavor and tradition.

A Morning at Aiguamolls de Rufea

After breakfast, we headed to Aiguamolls de Rufea, a restored wetland area just outside the city. It was a pleasant change of scenery from the urban environment. As someone who spends most of his days in front of a computer screen, I always appreciate the chance to reconnect with nature. Lena would have loved this place. She always said I need more nature in my life, and she is probably right.

The Aiguamolls de Rufea is a series of artificial ponds created on the right bank of the Segre River. These wetlands were created to restore a landscape near the Segre River and its natural communities. The area was once degraded by old mining operations, but in 2007, an ecological restoration project helped to revitalize the space. Today, it serves as an important habitat for amphibians, invertebrates, and aquatic birds.

As we walked along the trails, we were surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of nature. The air was fresh, and the atmosphere was incredibly peaceful. We spotted several species of birds, and I tried my best to capture some photos with my camera. It's moments like these that remind me why I love photography – preserving the beauty of the world around us. The Aiguamolls are located near the hermitage of Butsènit, midway between La Mitjana and the Utxesa reservoir. The wetlands are part of the scattered wetlands of the Lleida plain and the river path that runs through the Lleida orchard.

The main access to the wetlands is via the Camí del Riu, which also has a recreation area where you can have a picnic. The Aiguamolls de Rufea are about four kilometers from the city of Lleida. You can reach it by walking or cycling from the city.


Discover the serene Aiguamolls de Rufea, a natural park near Lleida, ideal for birdwatching and immersing yourself in nature's beauty.

Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.

Lunch at Restaurant La Masia

After our nature walk, we were ready for lunch. We chose Restaurant La Masia, known for its traditional cuisine made with local products. The restaurant is located on Calle Democracia. It offers home-style cuisine made with local products.

The atmosphere was cozy, and the staff was very welcoming. We ordered a variety of dishes, including some local specialties. The food was delicious and satisfying, a perfect complement to our morning adventure. Restaurants like La Masia are what make traveling so enjoyable – discovering authentic flavors and experiencing local culture. La Masia offers daily take away menus and weekend menus. They also have a catering service and packs for travel agencies.


Experience authentic Mediterranean flavors at Restaurant La Masia in Lleida - where tradition meets taste.

Afternoon at Plaça d'Espanya

With our bellies full, we made our way to Plaça d'Espanya in the afternoon. This bustling town square is located in the heart of Lleida and is a central gathering point for locals and visitors. Plaça d'Espanya embodies the lively spirit of this historic city. Surrounded by stunning architecture and vibrant greenery, it is a perfect blend of modern life and traditional Spanish culture. The square features cobblestone pathways that invite exploration of the many shops, cafes, and art installations that line its perimeter.

The square was alive with activity. People were strolling, chatting, and enjoying the beautiful August weather. There were street performers, artists, and vendors selling local crafts. It was a sensory overload, but in the best way possible. I took some time to sit by one of the fountains and simply observe the scene. It’s fascinating to watch people go about their daily lives in a different culture. The square often hosts events and festivals, showcasing Lleida's rich culture and community spirit.

Plaça d'Espanya is also a short walk from several notable landmarks, including impressive churches and museums. As the sun sets, Plaça d'Espanya transforms into an enchanting space with illuminated buildings and a lively ambiance, perfect for a leisurely evening stroll or a delightful dinner.


Discover the vibrant heart of Lleida at Plaça d'Espanya, a picturesque town square blending history and modern charm.

Dinner at Restaurante Teresa Carles

For dinner, we decided to try Restaurante Teresa Carles, a vegetarian restaurant known for its innovative and healthy dishes. As someone who appreciates sustainable living, I was curious to see what they had to offer. The restaurant elaborates daily vegetarian recipes in the Plaza Ricard Vinyes of Lleida. They use 100% natural products in a cozy and quiet place, with non-stop cooking.

The restaurant was founded in 1979. Teresa Carles was born in Algerri (Lleida) on October 15, 1958. In 1979, Teresa and Ramón opened the Paradís de Lleida, a small vegetarian restaurant.

I ordered a tasting menu, which included a variety of creative and flavorful dishes. I was impressed by the quality of the ingredients and the skill of the chefs. It was a delicious and satisfying meal, and I left feeling inspired to incorporate more vegetarian options into my own diet. The restaurant is known for its vegetarian cuisine since 1979.


Experience vibrant vegetarian cuisine at Restaurante Teresa Carles in Lleida, where fresh ingredients meet innovative culinary artistry.

Evening Drinks at On The Rocks

To cap off the night, we went to On The Rocks, a popular bar in Lleida. The bar is located on Carrer de Pere de Cabrera. The atmosphere was lively, and the music was great. It was the perfect place to unwind and reflect on the day. The bar is known for its vibrant ambiance and wide array of beverages. It is a perfect retreat for both locals and tourists. The bar features a stunning selection of cocktails, wines and beers. The spacious layout allows for both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations, making it a versatile spot for any occasion.

We ordered some drinks and chatted about our favorite moments from the day. It’s these simple moments of connection that make traveling with friends so special. As the night wore on, we made our way back to the Real Lleida Hotel, tired but content. The hotel's central location made it easy to walk to and from all the attractions we visited today.


Experience the ultimate blend of comfort and convenience at Real Lleida Hotel, ideally situated near shopping, dining, and major transport hubs.

Tomorrow is our last day in Lleida, and we plan to make the most of it. We’ll be visiting Plaça Ricard Vinyes and Parc de l'Aigua. I’m looking forward to exploring these last few spots and soaking in the final moments of our adventure. After breakfast at Restaurant Lantiquaritapes and lunch at Cantamanyanes, we plan to have a farewell dinner at Aggio | Restaurant Braseria. Before catching the train back to Barcelona, we may do some last minute shopping at Luxury.

As I lay in bed, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for this experience. Lleida has exceeded my expectations, and I’m so glad I had the chance to explore it with my friends. From the tranquility of Aiguamolls de Rufea to the energy of Plaça d'Espanya, this city has something for everyone. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best travel experiences are the ones you least expect.

I am also grateful that Lena encouraged me to start this blog. It has given me a new perspective on my travels, and I hope it inspires others to explore the world around them. I miss her dearly, but I know she is with me in spirit, cheering me on every step of the way. And who knows, maybe one day I’ll convince her to join me on one of these adventures.

I am looking forward to sharing more stories from my travels. Until then, stay tuned and keep exploring!