Barcelona city break advice?

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SUE

Those tours olliedog mentioned cost about 20â‚¬ per person. They are very touristy, but they do have their value. I generally avoid them, but in this case, the bus was an excellent way to do the very spread out Eixample area.

You need to see: Eixample, Sagrada Familia and Parc GÃ¼ell, (all designed by GaudÃ). The Cathedral is in the BarrÃ Gotic, a nice place to take a walk around and check out all the buildings. It's the old city center.

A walk up and down Las Ramblas is imperitive. If you haven't done this, you haven't even BEEN in Barcelona. Check out all the little markets...each block has a different theme. One is pets, one is flowers, etc. Artists everywhere, and human statues set up all over the place. Also on the Ramblas...tourist souvenir shops and little boutiques...the best homemade ice cream (on, like every corner) you'll likely EVER taste, and wonderful chocolate shops. Stop at the CafÃ© de la Opera for churros and chocolate first thing in the morning.

One warning...if you eat on the Ramblas (and it's cheaper to just go a block off the avenue) you will pay about 5â‚¬ (exhorbitant!) for your drinks, yet, you'll probably be so thirsty you'll pay it, anyway...just a warning.

The Palau Musica is an architectural marvel! If you can get inside to either tour or go to a concert, it's well worth it. The Chocolate museum is really neat, history of chocolate, sculptures made of chocolate, and a gift shop at the end, with, you guessed it! Chocolate for sale. (kind of a local specialty, btw).

The Port Vell is a great place to go have good fresh seafood! There's also a big, modern mall, there, if you're interested in seeing what Spanish shops look like. But it isn't that different from an American mall.

And Montjuic. Poble Espanyol, a really neat Castle, pavilions housing art, and the Olympic Village are all there.

There's an amusement park, but I'Â¡m pretty sure that doesn't open until May. You can walk along the beach, though I'm not sure you can or want to go swimming this early in the year.

As for the trip to the city from the airport, you should either take the city train (the commuter), unless there's a metro train...I'm not sure about that, or the bus. A cab will be out of this world!

As for lodging: try gobcn.com. That's where we found our apartment, but it was too big for just two people, we were four. I wouldn't recommend that one anyway...a hostel is much more likely to fit your needs. (and, checking what people posted while I was writing, you can find rooms for less than 200â‚¬/ night! Just check around. We paid less than 100â‚¬, and, as I said, we were four).

GAVIN E

We have been to Salou twice and on both occasions visited Barcelona during our holidays.

If your partner is liking football, Then a trip to the Nou Camp stadium is a must.

Walk up the Las Ramblas, wich is a street full of shops, and there are human statues all along it.

There is a large aquarium there also if you are into fish and penguins etc.

And if you want a romantic night then a trip to the illuminated water fountain is good too.

One bit of advice is that there are pick pockets around.

Keep your belongings safe at all times.

I hope you enjoy.

little bird

When you arrive at the airport make your way outside and look for the bus stop on the same side you are on . You will see a line of taxis and the bus stop is near them ( depends on which door you exit by .) Take the bus and ask for Placa Cataluna (prounounced Cat-a-loon-nya) It will cost you about 4 euros each (about Â£3) Takes about 30 minutes and you will know when you get there becase everyone left on the bus will be getting off . You are now in the main square near the Ramblas . One very important thing to be aware of is that there quite a few thieves working in the city . Watch your wallet /handbag at all times . Dont put your bag on the floor in bars etc . Wear it across your body if you can as they snatch them off your shoulder if you are not aware . Avoid keeping your wallet in you back pocket .Look out for very nice people all smiles who might stop you to ask the time , or ask for a cigarette or distract you in some other way . While you are talking to them their partner in crime is stealing your wallet from your bumbag ,handbag or rucksack . I'm not joking . I lived there for 6 years and many of my friends were robbed on their first visit . Dont let this spoil your holiday . Just so long as you are aware you will be fine .I hope you have a great time . It's a beautiful place . Lots of restaurants and bars and very reasonable prices . Avoid eating and drinking in the Ramblas as they will rip you off . Have a great time .

luciebythesea@btinternet.com

I remember going with my Mum after handing my dissertation in at Uni, so several years ago but ate in a guide book recommended restaurant, can't remember name but it was where Picasso hung out and very near the Picasso museum (which i can't fault) but there was a FISH EYE in my soup it was disgusting! We still laugh about it now though!
Other than that VERY enjoyable, go to the Miro park on the outskirts with all the mosaics, it's beautiful, there's fab tapas but expect to eat late, late late - most people think about going out to eat at 10pm! I'll ask Mum as she'll remeber the name of hotel probably but it was central near the Ramblas, i think it's called.

Raven medusa

I went to Barcelona last year, it was wonderful. We went in Feb and it was so warm so you're bound to have good weather which is only adds to the pleasure.
Unfortunately it was all organised for me so i can't give you any advice with regards to hotels or prices and that side of things but I will say that the one piece of advice we were given was to watch out for pick pockets.
I didn't see any myself but apparently it can be quite bad, but I guess anywhere you go tourists are likely to be targeted.

Along the Ramblas is good, if you head towards the water front there are nice places to eat and it really is beautiful in the evening. There is a fab market there too, with THE best fruit stalls.
Also you will see the human statues, they are amazing but you must take extra care for the pick pockets here as they will target you while distracted. Keep all money/camera's in a bag you can fasten and wear it across your body.
If I remember correctly tubes are pretty good value for money, and although at first seem a little confusing, they go everywhere.

We visited alot of Gaudi's buildings and the park. The architecture there is so fantastic.

Have a great holiday, its a wonderful city.

Joeee

its a very nice place, its also cheap to tour the football stadium, (nou camp)

URBAN SOUL

very nice city,though be weary if out on la ramblas,usual urban riff-raff & low life!try to stay central.lots to see & do.
the subway/metro is good.buses too.taxi's not too dear.
shopping & good food a plenty.keep away from the barri gothic at night.

Gordon R

You will find Barcelona Hotels VERY expensive! We were going from Malaga to Barcelona and the best price was â‚¬ 600 for 3 nights,That included flights but you may find flights from the UK are cheaper than internal Sanish flights.Good luck

olliedog

Go on one of the open top tourist buses. A day pass will take you all around the city, you can get on and off anywhere and you can get your bearings.

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