HI am heading away to Barcelona for the week if anyone has any tips or advice I would really love to hear?

Show all answers

chicagowoman

I have been there several times and never had problems with pickpockets. Perhaps that is because I wear a small cloth purse under my clothes. I keep my passport and money in there and it is still easy to dig out when needed. I met people that actually had their purses slashed and their wallets removed from behind. So, you do have to be very careful if you insist on carrying a purse or backpack.

First thing to do:
Antonio Gaudi is a world renown Spanish architect that designed many buildings and a park in Barcelona. They are amazing and engineering marvels - particularly La Sagrada Familia. La Sagrada Familia is still under construction. It was started in 1882 while he was still alive but has been halted several times. It was also partially destroyed during the Spanish Civil War. However, construction has been going strong and I was amazed at how much progress they had made in between my last two visits which were 5 years apart. Gaudi had ideas about engineering that were way ahead of his time. However, modern engineering methods have now far surpassed him and are causing the cathedral to be completed much more quickly than the progress in the past. It is beyond describing and even if you aren't into architecture it is worth seeing.

If you are inspired to see more Gaudi after that it is easy to see Casa Batlo and Casa Mila (aka La Predera). This is because the other thing that you almost HAVE to do is walk the La Ramblas. It is the main thoroughfaire from the water into the city. There is a beautiful art nouveau market and a cute little art nouveau bakery that has amazing treats. Tons of street performers (probably a lot of pickpockets), and people from all over. As you get further from the water, you will come to La Placa de Catalunya if you keep going more or less in the same direction you will hit the Passeig de Gracia. On this street there are lots of trendy shops (good shopping) and two more of Gaudi's masterpieces. You can't miss 'em. Casa Batlo is on your left and looks like it is covered in fish scales. Casa Mila is a few more blocks up on the right and has bizarre twisted balconies, undulating front surfaces, and humanoid looking chimneys. Both places have tours. Very cool. You can stop for lunch or dinner at the restaurant Bilbao just a few more blocks up and over near Casa Mila for some authentic Catalon food. Mmm...

Some other Gaudi options include tours of the Palau Guell and Parc Guell.

I was a bit disappointed with the Mies Van de Rohe Olympic pavillion. I guess I was expecting more and it was pricey to see. I would recommend skipping it. Also, Barcelona has many good musuem but they sport mostly lessor works of great artist like Miro and Picasso. They are worth seeing if you are into these artists. Public transportation is the best way to get there combined with your own two feet. Check your map carefully. We were stupid the first time and misinterpreted the distances on the maps. We were staying in the Placa de Espanya and took a cab to a train, the train to the funicular, and then walked around. By the time we realized that the steps in the Placa de Espanya go up to the Olympic area with all the museums, we felt really stupid. We could have gotten there a LOT faster and cheaper by just walking up the steps next to our hotel. Duh.

Also, well worth doing is a day trip to Montserrat. Be forewarned though, it is not for those with a fear of heights. Also, you should dress in layers even on a hot day. On top of the mountain, it can sometimes have snow even in the summer. You can hike around to the different stations of the cross if you are religious or even just curious. It is lovely. Even if you aren't into that, the views are spectacular.

In Barcelona, leave yourself lots of time to enjoy the culture, wine and food. Relax in cafes - but try to do so away from the main tourist areas to get the true feel of the city. Walk around the Bari Gotic (it doesn't really take long) and other areas to see the cool old medival parts of the city and the more "modern" art nouveau buildings. Barcelona is a beautiful and romantic place!

Joan el guiri

Buy the Time out guide.

derf

Stay in or near the Ramblas or in the Gothic Quarter just to the east. This is a good base from where you can explore the city's sights by day including Gaudi's masterpiece, the unfinished Sagrada FamГlia Cathedral, and Parc GГјell in the north. Or maybe visit the 98,000 seater Nou Camp stadium the home of Barcelona football club. See http://www.spain4uk.co.uk/places/barcelona.htm for more details

pinky perky

Yea keep a tight hold of your bag, lots of pick pockets there!

Lil' Miss!

Its a great place,& im sure your have a great time! But whatever you keep a tight grip on your money & things like your camera etc...Like most places there are lots of pick pocketers but in Barcelona they are in a leuge of there own! Its a lovely city,enjoy yourself,dont let your get away get ruined by robbed.

Billy The Newfie

Watch out for the Gypsy pickpockets, They really are good at their trade.

mikey31

You HAVE to go to the cathedral it is simply breathtaking

hepp t

Have a nice trip lucky you going away on holiday , be safe , don't talk to strangers don't talk english no use there won't understand a word your saying , enjoy your self as much as possible, if your lost go to the police station , if you catch a guy smileing at you he's only doing it becase he knows your not from around here, buy really good useful things that you know would be useful at home, meaning don't waste your time on buying things spend more time being adventtous, and shout out loud I'm in a new planet , people will look at you as if your famous lol have a great time!

scratchy

Barcelona is a wonderful city and is best seen on foot. Make sure that you go to the Gothic quarter although I would not wander around there at night by myself it has lots of alleys and narrow lanes. Good shops in Gothic quarter for amber jewellery. Take care on Las Ramblas for scams and pickpockets. If you stop at a pavement cafe make sure you know what size jug of sangria you are ordering or they will bring you the biggest and most expensive. If you do not like heights do not walk up the stairs at the Sagria Familla it is very claustrophobic and you have to keep going one way before you are able to come back down.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: