I'll be danged if the Hotel Sagrada Familia was an attraction. I'm hoping you mean the cathedral itself . . .

First, get a map. You're not far from the Passeig de Gracia, Casa Batllo or Casa Mila; or Parc de la Ciutadella or the Arc. You're walking distance from the Barri Gotic, the Born district and even the Picasso Museum and the top of La Rambla. You're not close to Montjuic, the Columbus Monument, and others, and the Parc Guell needs a separate set of transport from any other major attraction. Most major sites are easily accessible by metro except Parc Guell.

How much time you spend is going to be determined by your interests. E.g., if you don't go into Casa Batllo, it's five minutes to stare and take photos. Ditto Casa Mila (although its main attraction is the roof). Parc Guell could be mere moments to look at the dragon or hours wandering about.

I'm sure the monastery's name is easily googled . . . And it's an hour+ from the city by train.

hahaha no I did not mean the hotel haha oops.

I agree with BigRuss. It's too difficult to plan your days without a map (or a guide). I'm using Rough Guide Map Barcelona (ordered from Amazon) Its nice because it has most of the attractions on it plus some popular restaurants and hotels.

If it's the Monestir de Pedralbes it's within the city limits. Close to Reina Elisenda FGC station, terminus of line 6. It's definetely worth a visit. But you probably mean the two near Reus, Poblet and whatsitsname..

Collserola park is not exactly a park like Güell or Ciutadella. It's the name of the small mountain range that forms the border of BCN to the hinterland and suburbs. You can hike (actually just walk as it is not a strenous hike) the car free Carretera de les Aigües with stunning views over the city. It winds at half height of the hills around the city, so you can walk as short or long as you want.

In the old town, the Raval neighborhood, I recommend a visit to the Antic Hospital de Santa Creu. There is a nice outdoor cafe in the enclosed courtyard, away from the hectic city.

Since you have enough time to play around with, you could also explore Gràcia. Feels like a small town within the big city. Or walk the boardwalk from Barceloneta to Port Olimpic.

You probably know this already, but Pans & Company is a fast food chain. The Baguette style pans are not bad and come in many variations, but it will probably be not the most exciting culinary delight Barcelona has to offer

Your neighborhood is just fine. Slightly off the Plaça Catalunya center of the universe, but by far not dead or "sketchy". When you look for places for breakfast.. Well, that depends on whether you mean a Mediterranean breakfast (espresso style coffee with hot milk plus pastry or toast w/ jam) or if you look for a hearty hot American or British breakfast. The first you get at any bar (bar = cafe + pub, not nightclub) or the neighborhood bakery (recommended, fresh ensaimadas from the oven plus a big cafe amb llat/ con leche). The latter I have no clue, unfortunately. There is one nice bakery on Diputació @ Napols, but that is four blocks away and you will definetely find one much closer to your place.

Breakfast is an expensive meal, I thought the whole point of an apt was to eat in for meals like that? I can understand not wanting to eat in for dinner, I don't either, but I would think breakfast would make more sense to have in the apt.

Hmm.. as I said, breakfast is not a "meal" in Spain. I usually paid 1.50 for the coffee, and 1.50 -2.00 for the pastry or toast. Even with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice you hardly pay €5 altogether -- unless you do so at really fancy places like the cafe of the 5* Casa Fuster hotel (which you may recognize if you have seen Woody Allen's Vicky, Cristina, Barcelona movie). But it's rooftop terrace is THE spot to squander €20-30 on two drinks with a stunning view over the city.

Nicole

Reading your other thread, i though that you were asking for a friend of yours..
I see now that after the detailed help you received from this forum, regarding your other threads for Greece and then for Italy, you changed your plans again, having now Spain in mind.

Hope that you will materialize this trip, and i would be glad to read a trip report once you are back

No, this is for the friend actually. I myself am going to Italy (Cinque Terra, Florence, and Pisa), but I am helping a friend plan a trip to Barcelona. Her husband is going for business and she is tagging along, but doesn't have time to plan.

I'm not sure why you keep following my threads to post about my changing plans, it's a little weird. But any way, thanks everyone for the help!!

Dear Nicole,

There is no reason to be worried about, i am not a weirdo... i just happened to read most of the threads on this forum, not only yours....