What to do in barcelona in january?

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SUE

Cassie's suggestions are great, I would add, not to miss: Barrí Gotic, and Eixample. There is a tourist bus and one of its routes takes you through the Eixample, to the Sagrada Familia, and I think that was how we got to Parc Güell, as well. It was a full day. I usually eschew the use of those busses, because they are so...touristy...but given the size of the area involved, it turned out to be worth it.

You could also side trip to Mont Serrat, a cultural/historical/religious pilgrimage sort of thing. It´s a monestary which has ties to the Civil War resistance (to Franco, that is) and is home to the Black Virgin (I'm still not sure what the deal is, there, and I was right there last summer). There's a famous zoo, and the chocolate factory YUMM and the Palau Música, an excellent example of the Modernista architectural style, and if you can catch a concert, it´s supposed to be great. You could visit Casa Milá, or Casa Batlló, both designed by Gaudí. There´s also an incredible Picasso Museum, and up in Montjuic, in addition to the Olympic stadium and Poble Espanyol (not exactly what we expected, but a good day´s walking through neat architecture from every region of Spain) there´s the Fundacio Miró, a museum of Miró's art, both self done and gifts given to him by artist friends. That was good, because my son had been studying Miró in school.

You should definitely have churros and chocolate at the Café de la Opéra across La Rambla from the Opera. We thought that was wonderful! and if the ice cream places are open, and you´ve a hankerin´, I´ve never seen so many home-made ice cream shops in my life. It was all incredibly good, I put on ten pound in ten days.

At the Port Vell end of Las Ramblas, cross the bridge and get really good seafood at one of the restaurants there. I´m sure that´ll be open, even though you can go swimming up the way.

Cassie A

i went to barcelona over the summer and my sister lives there. in the winter it gets really cold. so the beach is out....u can go to las ramblas where there is a lot of stuff like acts on the streets and restraunts and shopping places. u can also go to la sagrada familia.u can also go see the castles, they are really kool.u can go to dahli's and gaudis museum and also go to parc guell. i hope that helps

Adrienne

Since you're only there for 4 days, I would recommend staying in Barcelona. Do the Bus Turistic for the first day or two after you arrive. It gives you a good overview of the city, and you can (and should!) get off at some of the stops. The things you absolutely cannot miss are are La Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera, the Picasso museum, and Parc Guell. I agree with Cassie that it's too cold to go swimming, but walking along the beach is so gorgeous and peaceful. You can also take a stroll along La Ramba and sip sangria while people-watching at one of the many cafes that line the street. Just keep a very close watch on your purse and other belongings.
You can skip the zoo and the Olympic Stadium- both were disappointing.
As for nightlife, it's very difficult to NOT have a good time in Barcelona! But don't go out much before midnight, as this is when the locals are finishing up dinner and getting ready for a night out. For a young, hip (and a little sleazy, but it's all part of the experience) crowd, don't miss Port Olimpic. It's lined with bars and you can finish your night at a club called Catwalk. Don't forget to stop on the way back to your hotel for some churros with chocolate.
You shouldn't run into too many crowds as January is a lull in the tourist calendar.
Most importantly, HAVE FUN!

Rose T

First thing: go to Palau de la Musica Catalana and buy a concert ticket. It doesn't matter which concert, but you have to see the inside of this building. It's crazy beautiful.

I definitely suggest buying a ticket on the tourist bus. It will take you right to the main sites, and you can get off and on as you please.

If you like art, don't miss MNAC. I'm still kicking myself for not going there two years ago!

If you're American, you might enjoy a visit to the grocery store in the basement of El Corte Ingles at Placa Catalunya. My Parisian friend suggested I go there just to see the difference between grocery shopping there versus Paris versus Atlanta. It was very fun and educational! Also, visit La Bouqueria, near the bottom of Las Ramblas.

Stroll Las Ramblas, enjoy the street performers, look at the items (including pets) for sale in the little booths, and soak up the atmosphere.

A great place to get a sandwich is Pans & Company. There are several locations throughout the city. Also, try churros y chocolate in a cafe/bar.

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