Tips for a visit to Barcelona, Spain

Hello All,

I will be heading to Barcelona for my first time during Easter weekend. I am really excited!! I've done some research online (Fodor's, Google, etc.) but I would love to get some suggestions from those who have been there on places to see, restaurants to try, and all that fun stuff. So if you have any tips, suggestions, advice, warnings, etc... I would love to hear it.

FYI- I will be traveling alone.

Thank you.

Keep your valuables close especially in la ramblas.

visit the nou camp and say hi to Henrik for me if he is about .

have a wicked time, one of my favourite cities anywhere.

If you don't have a flight yet, there's some tips on this thread.

When I went, my favourite part was not really seeing the Cathedral by Gaudi, but to go to the gardens he designed, Parc Guell - http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/park-guell.html - there's a really good view of the city to the coastline. La Ramblas was also nice. Stank of sewage when I went though. oh, and if you stumble upon any little markets, try some olive tepanade, it's so tasty!

I hope you've already bought your planet tickets. My hubby just checked for the weekend before, and the cheapest were about 400 EUR.

I'm going there next week with work and can pick up some tourst guides etc and bring them back for you if you wish!

can you also pick up some sunshine and warmth

Do the open top bus tour as it goes round all the main tourist attractions and you can jump on and off. Think you can get a one day or two day ticket if I remember rightly.

Great place, have some good memories from there...

Depends how long you´re staying there. I would recommend the Miro museum, and Dali´s birthplace in Figueres (worth the time to get there - make it a day trip). Absolutely cool!

If you like to do what the spanish do, head to "El Corte Ingles" for some good shopping. Eat local food at a local restaurant. If you like garlic, Alioli is a Catalan specialty, a kind of garlic mayonnese. In town itself, there´s also a bunch of good ethnic restaurants, had the best falafel I ever had there. Another day trip would be the Torres winery outside of town (haven´t seen it myself, but on my next list of things to do.)

Nightlife is great too...great place, I´m jealous!

Barcelona is indeed fantastic.
We went to Figueres, but then we were there for a week, so it was worth it. Decide for yourselves how much you like Dali, and whether you want to spend all that time travelling - the coast road on the way back is a bit scary!!

There is a fantastic restaurant just off Las Ramblas that you must go to - we were there with a friend who is a chef and they were just as excited about the food as we were. And all four of us were delighted about the price - it is seriously good value. Not surprisingly, you have to queue to get in... I'm going to try to remember to fish out the name for you, I think I have it at home somewhere.

Found the restaurant, it's La Fonda (on Escudellers, number 10) just to the East of Las Ramblas.

Mind your bag at all times. My mother's bag was stolen there - some guys walked past her, cut through the strap with a knife and took off at speed through the dark lanes. And while I was walking down Las Ramblas someone was unzipping my backpack. I didn't notice at all but my bf caught them just in time. Two experiences which really spoiled a great city for us unfortunately

The very first thing that happened to us in Barcelona was a run-in with pickpockets in the subway! Walk on the escalator, don't stand, and if someone drops something in front of you like a packet of cigarettes, just step on it and keep walking. They didn't get anything, so I could just look at it as local color, but I can see where losing something can really damage your image of a city.

Anyway, my favorite thing was just walking around the Eixample - wonderful bits of modernisme were everywhere, in a stained-glass shop window or an ornate door handle, or the blue-tiled underside of a balcony. I second the Parc Güell too - amazing.

Yeah I head Barcelona holds top stop in Europe for pickpocketing of tourists so watch yourself!

When my hubby was there a couple years ago, he saw someone rip off a lady's handbag. Fortunately for her, just about everyone in the vicinity took off after the guy, and he dropped it.

Evening 1 - sagrada familia - amazming cathederal designed (mostly) but Gaudi, still be built and has been for over 100 years (with breaks) and I doublt it will be completed for a while either - went for a calzone in a pizz place just up the Gaudi road from the sagrada familia

Evening 2 - Walked down La rambla with many modernist buildings on the street including multiple by Gaudi, one with a dragon on the roof has recently opened for viewing inside. Also looked at a gaudi building on the "Gran Via les Corts Catalanes" street which used to be an apartment building but is now (part of it) open to tourist and you can see how different the interiror is to normal buildings. Went for a drink in a very nice bar with a very different decor called "bosc de les faces" which is near the bottom of La Rambla, the sea end, down a side street where the museum "Museu de Cera" is. Walked over the bridge, at the sea, at the end of La Rambla onto an area of bars and clubs for food in the evening (place called las tapas).

We also popped into the Plaça Reial, which should be very good at night but was disapointing on a wed evening.

I have also been told the port olymic is the place to br at night but didn't get there

Evening 3 - wrote this

One warning, check the Metro, bus and tram times if you staying out of town as they mostly finish around 12, with then just a few night buses running

Was just there the last few days. Sagrada Familia was amazing - gotta see that.

Found a fantastic restuarant just off La Ramblas called Santa Monica. Sorry can't think of exact address !

playing with the idea of going there for ca 5 days.
I'd like to do some beach only days though. What are the beaches around Barcelona which u can reach by public transport. What are nice villages with beach around Barcelona where I can stay overnight in some nice (cheap) hostels or B&B's?

Hi everyone,
I've just found out that I'm getting sent to Barcelona for a week to work.
Does anyone know any decent bars there to hang out in in the evening?

Cheers.

Never call a Catalan spanish and in conversation with a Catalan say these words
"Viscar Catalunya" = long live Catalonia

Can most people there speak English?

Can anyone recommend a hotel (that will accom 4 adults in 1 room) in Barcelona - or which areas to stay in and which to avoid.
thanks

@SleeplessInMunich - Most: no. Some: yes. If you are taking a taxi, I've found that it's a good idea to know where you're going (or have a map if you can). I've had many too many trips in a taxi in Spain (Barcelona and Madrid) where the taxi driver had no idea where he was going, but would just keep driving. I don't think there was anything intentional or dishonest about it, they just didn't know where they were going. Of course, if you're heading to well known landmarks, squares, areas then all should be ok.

I've never had any problems in Barcelona, even down in the port area that they're trying to revive (even though a midnight walk back to the hotel could make you feel vulnerable if you're alone) - sorry don't remember the name of the area.

I've stayed at Hotel Atenea Mar, but it's not near anything. I would recommend a place in the city center. I have work collegues who stayed downtown while I was on the outskirts (nearer our office there) but don't have the name of the place. PM me if you'd like me to try and get it - they said it was less expensive that the hotel that was "officially sanctioned" by my company, plus right downtown and near the metro.

Barcelona is definitely a great great place! I had a terrific time there.
All the great places to visit have already be mentioned, but as for the nightlife I would recommend the following:
La Paloma!!! It’s the cooooolest club I have ever been to. It was fantastic. The place really looks amazing, it’s in an old theatre or so!
La Champagneria !!! It’s an almost legendary place where u will meet the natives. It looks pretty cool as well, it’s very small and you get a bottle of Cava (champage) plus two “sandwiches� for very little money! The atmosphere there is great!
Les quinze nits at Placa Reial is a very nice restaurant. The place looks really nice and the food is very good and very cheap!
La Oveja Negra ist a place where everybody ends up at some point (at least everybody I know who went to Barcelona has been there). They have pitchers of Sangria with popcorn for free! It’s very international with people from all over the world!

God, I wish I could go back there!!!

when does it start getting warm enough to swim?

I am hoping someone out there can help me settle a disagreement with my husband. We are planning to drive to Spain for the Pfingsten holidays in June. I looked it up with Mapquest and it gave me route past the Bodensee and then Switzerland and then driving straight down through Lyon. But my husband's Spanish collegue at work is telling him to drive to Karlsruhe, then through Mulhouse and down. I think it will be a more scenic pleasant drive through Switzerland but my husband wants to do what the Spanish guy says. Any opinions? Also, while I am at it, does anyone have a guess of what the tolls will cost us? Thanks,

I did the same trip a year or two ago. I drove from Augsburg to Malaga via Barcelona. You can make Barcelona in about 15 hours from Munich. If going straight to Barcelona, I´d recommend leaving around 0400 in the am and you´ll arrive sometime around 1900. I wasn´t in a great hurry so I spent the night in Montpellier, France, then drove through to Malaga the next day.

My route from here was via Karlsruhe and then I think Mulhouse. I know I chose not to go through Switzerland, primarily because they required a yearly Autobahn Vignette. I thought this was ridiculous since I was going to spend a total of 2 hours or so in the country!

The trip was fun, but expensive as far as gas/toll costs. Much cheaper to fly, or take a bus unless you split costs with several people. I don´t remember the actual numbers any more, sorry. Drive carefully.

Thanks for the info! It looks like my husband wins!

I had originally planned to go this weekend (and with this weather, wish I had made it this weekend) but am going end of May.

So, same question that someone else ask before - is it warm enough to swim the end of May?
Thanks

Oh - I will be there the end of may as well - for a conference. But by myself

Terrassa is beautiful, go check it out, great architecture and the like as well as friendly locals.

For those of you heading to Barcelona( BCN) in May-June, you will absolutely love it! I agree with previous postings! WATCH your bags in Las Ramblas and around Paseo de Gracia! I was in BCN last month for 4 days and there is a woman that constantly looks for tourists in front of Casa Battló which is the Antoni Gaudí house on Paseo de Gracia. Just always keep your wallet and things where you know they are safe. If you pay close attention you will be fine.
Swimming in May: I lived in Spain, and not sure about swimming during the month of May. Water might be a bit cold, June would be better, but it is a possibility.

Barcelona has to be my favorite city, see as much as possible!
La Sagrada FamiliaLa Pedrera, Park Guell, Casa Battlo´- costs 11€ to see the inside , at least a part of it, not really worth the money, the outside alone is absolutely astonishing...definately head down Las Ramblas to Placa Reil and other plazas, great shoppingo n the side streets.

Recommended Restaurants: La Fonda and Le Quinze Nits in Placa Reil, most of the way walk down the Ramblas to get there...

APPROVECHAS!

I don't want to interfere in the, erm, discussion between you and your husband, but I think the scenery along the Swiss route is certainly more spectacular (though if he's driving that won't count as a valid argument ). The drive through Switzerland would take about four hours - this is in reply to whoever said he didn't want to buy the Swiss vignette for a total of two hours in the country. I'm afraid I don't know how much the tolls would cost, all I can tell you is that the vignette for Switzerland costs 27 euros.

Hello,

I'm planning my first trip to spain next month. I am travelling alone though. Has anyone any tips or recommendations on where to go and what to do?

Topics merged by admin

Have you read these threads?

are you mad barca is party city...tip leave hotel follow the noise to nearest bar

SleeplessInMunich,

the easiest Advice is that Las Ramblas is for tourist...it has cleaned-up in the last 10 years but for most natives it's like Leceister Sq in London.

I use to live in Barcelona - ten years ago so not so actual. Anyhow,
If you want to hang out with the natives (schicky mickey (Pejos) but beatufil girls)...go to Barrio Alto. There are loads of bars and restaurants. Some old names still exist like Universal and Mas y Mas (they are on Mario Cubi street). Some great restaurants here as well.

If you prefer more funky on the other side of Fontanna (train station) is where the alternative types hang-out. The open air clubs don't start yet and they are in Sant Montjuic - i.e. La Terrazza.

Stanford

PS. If you want to spend some money consider staying at Hotel Florida one of the most beautiful hotels in the world...I got engaged there.

http://www.hotellaflorida.com/

PS. When I lived there, I saw loads of tourist pickpocketed - Las Ramblas is the worst place in the world...I even stopped one guy and took him to the police who did nothing!!!

We were at barclona in March and I would recommend staying in apartments than hotels which r very expensive. For an apartment with a living room, kitchen (fully equiped), 2 double bed rooms and 2 single bed rooms, u'll be paying about 120Euros per night. And, the place is full of activity all day thru.

Woo Hoo - going to Barcelona on the 29th of May for a business trip !!! I don't suppose there will be any other TTers there then???

We were in Barcelona in April. I thought it was rather dirty. But the Hotel Majestic is nice.

@Mrs Coulter

You should have seen it 10 years ago - it has been cleaned-up since then. I met someone who was there 20 years ago - he said they didn't even have roads then!!!

Dirty but improved dirty!!!:)

HIGHLY recommended place. My friend and I stayed here a few weekends ago for 4 nights. Was perfect location and the 2 guys that run it were both very friendly. Is a B&B. They have several rooms and everyone shares 3 bathrooms (2 with showers) and a nice breakfast (fruit, yogurt, pastries, ham/cheese, roll etc..) They also have internet that you can use for free when they are there. We paid 65 total per night for the double room with 2 beds - also had a little chair, full lenth mirror, bedside table etc.. Was enough room. Only thing I didnt like is that there was no window in the room we had.

Best part is it is located nearly right at the Columbus statue - where La Ramblas begins. But was an extremely safe area and we were very please.

http://www.bonic-barcelona.com/en/bed_and_breakfast.php

Off to Barcelona for the long weekend in August. Lucky me. (hotel with aircon and pool).

Even better- my company has said they will pay for a meal as a thank you. Bearing in mind that I have a budget of EUR200 for 2 people I want something really special. Any suggestions where I should go? And I guess I should book?

I heard that chef Adrian Ferran is the boyo and that his restaurants are something else. Is that just hype? Anyone eaten at El Bulli or one of the others?

Anyone?
Anyone?

Plus tips for current funky bars would be nice (not the tourist stuff near Las Ramblas).

Thanks.

A pal of mine (from Barcelona) always talks about the "Oveja Negra".

I think I've been there.. it's a cool place that has really good Sangria and Fußball tables.

Er- thanks for your suggestions.

However I was looking for something a bit more up-market and with probably an older crowd e.g. Late 20s early 30s...

Any other suggestions?

What do you call the next age bracket? Dinosaurs?

I wanted to go here

http://www.neichel.es/

when I was last in Barca, but did not get round to it. Was recommended by a foodie, who thought it was fantastic. It's proper posh haute cuisine, so full of foie gras and truffles and the like.

No- fossils.

What I meant was that I presumed that the average age of the people in Oveja Negra was late teens, early 20s, bearing in mind it the following review:


...and so I was looking for an older (than that) crowd... perhaps not interested in Pool, cheap drinks, and not afraid of being ID-ed.

Hey I'm in my 30s so no slur from me.

@Speakfreak,

The older crowd and none smelly backpackers are up town. There are is a whole street with loads of bars and restaurants and is up-market.

Two long standing names are Universal and Mas y Mas. Anyhow, I'll get you the name of the street. (Name - Marià Cubí) You can't go wrong there...lots of lovely ladies and non-smelly tourists...

Since I'm not current here is a good web site:

World's best Bars

Still looking for the other info. Here is the link for the bar.

Universal

Review: Uptown fun for the rich set, Universal's name is apt as it's the place where two generations of nighttime revelers go -- while the 20-somethings bop around downstairs, those of a more sedate age can be found upstairs with the jazz DJ.

If you head for the Barrio Alto. and Marià Cubí Calle..there are about 10 or so bars and loads of funky little restaurants. There is a superb fish restaurant on the beginning of the area near Universal but I've forgotten the name.

Another Good bar is on Tibudabu (however it is spelt)

Great place - beautiful women

If you get time you may want to check out this hotel - it has a bar and pool. It is out of the way but the view is breathtaking - great tip if you are taking a women for a romantic weekend.

The Hotel Site is down but this is a review and picture of it.