My husband and I are thinking of going to Spain after we attend a wedding in London this June. This is the first time we will be to either London or Spain. We were thinking of Barcelona only since it is convenient from london by either plane or train. (not sure yet which one we want to do). So we have about 3-4 days to be in Barcelona. Have heard many negative things about certain areas to avoid esp at night. we are not night people anyway but my husband loves to take pictures of unusual architecture and I love Spainish wine and the food! And Barcelona seems pretty cool in that respect. We are both in our mid 50's and relatively active. I am leaning toward The Eixample . One hotel in particular that looks cool was Europark. Another option would be to stay at an apartment. Curious as to peoples recommendations.
areas in Barcelona that are safe
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With only 3/4 days I would fly down. The train journey takes too much time out of your trip. Avoid Raval and most places are OK and Eixample is fine.
Take all the usual precautions when you move about the city and you'll be fine.
Definitely fly! Barcelona isnt the only place you can fly direct though. Check out the low cost airlines www.easyjet.com (but beware of all the extra charges and luggage allowances - they are very strict)
Hey Sum,
> We were thinking of Barcelona only since it is convenient from london...
So are Madrid and Bilbao/San Sebastian.
Paris would be an even better choice.
Enjoy your visit.
we haven't yet booked our flights but we can get a direct flight to london and then back to ny from barcelona. we prefer direct flights. I looked into the north coast briefly but the trip back would stop in Madrid. Are Bilbao/San Sebastian a better choice over Barcelona? I haven't even considered Madrid, only since I would prefer to be on the water. Paris is indeed closer but my husband is against it.
I've mentioned this often here, but I was thrilled with our apartment rented from DestinationBCN; they have several rentals near Place de Catalunya, which is a good, central area.
So central, in fact, that we never had to use the Metro on this last trip..we walked everywhere, apart from a few taxi rides coming home from restaurants at night.
http://www.destinationbcn.com/
Coming from NYC, I do not think that any areas of central Barcelona should be termed "dangerous." You just need to watch your belongings..in all neighborhoods. It is not about where you walk, it is about protecting yourself, both here and in other large cities.
..and no, I would never say that Bilbao and San Sebastian are "better" than Barcelona. San Sebastian is fabulous, and Bilbao interesting and "cool," but for a first time visitor, especially one who does not put food first and foremost, I would choose Barcelona. (If you tell me that you think about food 20 hours in the day, I might send you for 4 days in San Sebastian, not to say that Barcelona is second-rate in the least in terms of eating!!)Especially since you have such limited time.
Barcelona is generally safe from the perspective of violent crime, but NOT safe in terms of petty theft - it's the petty larceny capital of Europe. So zip your bags and be sharp with your stuff. That said, I had no problems there and was traveling with two permanent distractions: tiny people who look like my wife.
Look at apartur.com for apartment rental companies. If your last stop in Euro-currency countries will be BCN (which sounds like the case), then if you get an apartment to rent, see if you can find one where they'll charge the deposit to your credit card instead of making you pay cash - this will save you the time, energy and exchange rate involved in leaving your rental with 300E or more in local wampum.
hahaha...I think about food a lot but maybe not 20 hrs a day! My husband is more the photographer and will eat when he's hungry. I will be choosing the restaurants for sure!
thanks all...I think I have a better idea of where to stay.
sounds like everyone likes staying in an apartment instead of a hotel? Is that the better choice? We have rented houses in the caribbean and mexico w/o a problem. Just thought it may be easier to stay at a hotel?
We rent apt. for longer than 3-4 days.
For the first time in the city, I would stay in a hotel.
Loved Eixample in Barcelona - felt very safe in that area. We stayed here and really liked it
http://www.splendomsuites.com/Splendom_eng.asp
It was an apartment with hotel service. We found everyone to be friendly and helpful. We didn't purchase the hotel breakfast we shopped at the little markets near the hotel and ate in our kitchen. We truly loved the neighborhood!!!