Barcelona question
Oct 28th, 2016, 01:41 PM
#1
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Barcelona question
My wife and I have traveled all over France and Italy on our own and have used Fodor's as a wonderful resource for things to do and see on those trips. We are now thinking of a visit to Spain during April for a week and spending that week in Barcelona. From the research I have done thus far, it appears the architecture (Gaudi) is an attraction. There are parks for which you need tickets to visit. What other attractions are there for us to put on our list? I am wondering if a week is too long or maybe we will be disappointed with Barcelona compared to Paris, Rome, Florence, etc. Your thoughts are appreciated.
Oct 28th, 2016, 02:05 PM
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We spent almost two weeks in Barcelona a few years ago and didn't get bored, but I can only speak to my experience. I've been to Paris, but not Rome or Florence, but am not sure where I would start trying to compare Barcelona to Paris.
I would start with my local library and get them to request for me every guidebook possible on Barcelona.
If you like food, there is plenty of good food in Barcelona, and don't miss the markets (the Boqueria at least).
If you like architecture, and I am not sure if you do or if you just think you should see some Gaudi while you're there, well, there is some great architecture, yes. Some suggestions, besides the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell, include: Casa Battlo, Casa Mila, the Palau Guell, and La Pedrera for Gaudi.
Other architecture I think is worthwhile includes the Palau de la Musica Catalana, the church of Santa Maria del Mar, the Hospital de Sant Pau, Casa Amatller, and others I'm sure I am forgetting.
There are good parks and museums. We especially enjoyed all the art museums, the Museu d'Historia de Barcelona, and extra especially the Museu d'Historia de Catalunya. It really put Barcelona and the region into perspective historically. Oh, and the Maritime Museum was good, but we like maritime museums in general.
And the ocean is right there, and a whole lot of other stuff. But none of that is important if it doesn't appeal to you. Perhaps you can say more about what you're looking for in a destination, or why Barcelona is appealing, or anything else that might help you get better advice. Hope you find a destination and a plan that suit.
I would start with my local library and get them to request for me every guidebook possible on Barcelona.
If you like food, there is plenty of good food in Barcelona, and don't miss the markets (the Boqueria at least).
If you like architecture, and I am not sure if you do or if you just think you should see some Gaudi while you're there, well, there is some great architecture, yes. Some suggestions, besides the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell, include: Casa Battlo, Casa Mila, the Palau Guell, and La Pedrera for Gaudi.
Other architecture I think is worthwhile includes the Palau de la Musica Catalana, the church of Santa Maria del Mar, the Hospital de Sant Pau, Casa Amatller, and others I'm sure I am forgetting.
There are good parks and museums. We especially enjoyed all the art museums, the Museu d'Historia de Barcelona, and extra especially the Museu d'Historia de Catalunya. It really put Barcelona and the region into perspective historically. Oh, and the Maritime Museum was good, but we like maritime museums in general.
And the ocean is right there, and a whole lot of other stuff. But none of that is important if it doesn't appeal to you. Perhaps you can say more about what you're looking for in a destination, or why Barcelona is appealing, or anything else that might help you get better advice. Hope you find a destination and a plan that suit.
Oct 28th, 2016, 02:13 PM
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I found 5 days perfect for the city itself, not counting day trips (and there are many you can take from Barcelona); you might want to look at my trip report. (To find it, click on my screen name and then scroll down to the section on trip reports.)
But honestly, it depends on what you want to see and do, and to decide on that, you would do well to consult a few good guidebooks. There are many that provide competent coverage of the city. You can begin by clicking "destinations" at the top of this Fodor's page.
But honestly, it depends on what you want to see and do, and to decide on that, you would do well to consult a few good guidebooks. There are many that provide competent coverage of the city. You can begin by clicking "destinations" at the top of this Fodor's page.
Oct 28th, 2016, 03:33 PM
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I love Barcelona, but a whole week might be a little bit much if you're not specially interested in architecture. You can easily combine it with a few days Madrid, some three hours away on the high-speed train.
Oct 28th, 2016, 04:08 PM
#6
I'll pay Bedar later 
In any event, Here is my trip report (with photos) from last year. The first five chapters cover Barcelona, and also offer some hints on getting tickets, and when to go. Have fun. Hospital de Sant Pau was our favorite site.
<B>http://travelswithmaitaitom.com/spain-2015/</B>
In any event, Here is my trip report (with photos) from last year. The first five chapters cover Barcelona, and also offer some hints on getting tickets, and when to go. Have fun. Hospital de Sant Pau was our favorite site.
<B>http://travelswithmaitaitom.com/spain-2015/</B>
Oct 28th, 2016, 08:09 PM
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One park we enjoyed is Citadel park with an amazing fountain! We also enjoyed just walking through nice neighborhoods, such as Gracia and Sarria. Also visit Montjuic.
If you have the time, you could take a train or rent a car and drive to Girona and spend a night there. We loved Girona! If you click on my name, you will see my trip report. Not all of my reports are there because at some point I inadvertently changed my screen name, but some people have recently commented on my report from 2010, so it does appear.
We also found great restaurants in Barcelona! One favorite is Cerverseria Catalana (I think). We ate there twice. Great tapas!
If you have the time, you could take a train or rent a car and drive to Girona and spend a night there. We loved Girona! If you click on my name, you will see my trip report. Not all of my reports are there because at some point I inadvertently changed my screen name, but some people have recently commented on my report from 2010, so it does appear.
We also found great restaurants in Barcelona! One favorite is Cerverseria Catalana (I think). We ate there twice. Great tapas!
Oct 29th, 2016, 02:19 PM
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In fact, I was pleasantly surprised about how much more there is to do in Barcelona than I had thought. There is a lot to do there, very little has to do with Gaudi (I presume that is the reference to how if you don't like architecture, you won't like Barcelona as all cities have architecture, of course). It has parks (not just that Gaudi one), many museums, and many sites other than the Gaudi buildings, as well as the usual old quarters, interesting neighborhoods, markets, cathedrals, etc. It is also pretty cosmopolitan and has great food and tapas bars, etc. Plus major sites like monasteries, places from the World Fair, etc. Not to mention a beach and seaside, a great maritime museum, etc. I loved the Catalonia art museum.
Oct 30th, 2016, 03:12 AM
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Besides Gaudí, the Gothic quarter, Las Ramblas etc., Barcelona is also full of excellent and very different local atmosphere districts with lots to do, see and experience.
I use to stay in medieval and vibrant El Born, a cradle of Catalan identity and culture. Great tapas bars and restaurants and the best nightlife among the narrow streets and in and around beautiful Pesseig del Born. Many designer shops around: http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.c...s/el-born.html
The 14th Century Santa Maria del Mar Church in the heart of El Born is one of the finest Gothic buildings around. http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/en/page/423/.html
I love the laid-back Barceloneta-district just inland from the beach with the same name. Excellent seafood in many hole-in-the-wall places and cool bars. http://www.theguardian.com/travel/20...taurants-spain
And Montjuic is an adventure in itself, with the castle, the views, the musuems, the theaters, the Olympic sports arenas and the greens. http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/...-montjuic.html
The fabulous "theater city": http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/...el-teatre.html
And at the foot of Montjuic you'll find the great atmosphere Poble Sec district, few tourists and brillaint tapas bars and cafes all around. Two of my favourite restaurants in town are also close by, Xemei and La Perla: http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/...to-bodega.html
And the modern Eixample district is of course both elegant in itself, brilliant restaurants and more upscale nightlife: http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.c...barcelona.html
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...Catalonia.html
100 reasons to visit Barcelona: http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/en/
I use to stay in medieval and vibrant El Born, a cradle of Catalan identity and culture. Great tapas bars and restaurants and the best nightlife among the narrow streets and in and around beautiful Pesseig del Born. Many designer shops around: http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.c...s/el-born.html
The 14th Century Santa Maria del Mar Church in the heart of El Born is one of the finest Gothic buildings around. http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/en/page/423/.html
I love the laid-back Barceloneta-district just inland from the beach with the same name. Excellent seafood in many hole-in-the-wall places and cool bars. http://www.theguardian.com/travel/20...taurants-spain
And Montjuic is an adventure in itself, with the castle, the views, the musuems, the theaters, the Olympic sports arenas and the greens. http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/...-montjuic.html
The fabulous "theater city": http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/...el-teatre.html
And at the foot of Montjuic you'll find the great atmosphere Poble Sec district, few tourists and brillaint tapas bars and cafes all around. Two of my favourite restaurants in town are also close by, Xemei and La Perla: http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/...to-bodega.html
And the modern Eixample district is of course both elegant in itself, brilliant restaurants and more upscale nightlife: http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.c...barcelona.html
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...Catalonia.html
100 reasons to visit Barcelona: http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/en/
Dec 5th, 2016, 07:45 PM
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Catalan has the most evocative and exciting dance called
The Sardana which locals gather in the square in front of
Catedral Barcelona (close to Plaza Mayor)
Usualy early Sunday plus other times --check with Tourist info
under Chrisopher Columbus statue
Completely Catalan and not seen in other parts of Spain
The Sardana which locals gather in the square in front of
Catedral Barcelona (close to Plaza Mayor)
Usualy early Sunday plus other times --check with Tourist info
under Chrisopher Columbus statue
Completely Catalan and not seen in other parts of Spain
Feb 10th, 2017, 01:45 PM
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We're in Barcelona right now and are kicking ourselves that we only have a week here! We already felt short on time and then found out that this weekend is a festival weekend so now we have to pick and choose what to do. You won't have a problem filling up a week here.
We did one day trip to Montserrat while here too. That's probably not a must do in most people's book if they are only here for a week but we did really enjoy it.
We did one day trip to Montserrat while here too. That's probably not a must do in most people's book if they are only here for a week but we did really enjoy it.
Feb 11th, 2017, 12:05 AM
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Just a tip, fabulous flamenco dancers Farru and Pastora Galván perform at Tablao Cordobés right on Las Ramblas tonight, and a few more nights. Farru is the brother of world famous Farruquito (and IMO better than his brother), and Pastora Galván was voted best female flamenco dancer 2010 by Spanish critics. Here are the two, toghether with their flamenco family dynasties, in Tablao Cordobés a week ago: https://www.facebook.com/tablaocordo...5339523845207/
Feb 11th, 2017, 07:45 PM
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Barcelona is one of our favorite cities which we have visited numerous times.
Please carve out time just to walk the city and sit at cafe.
La Boqueria is one Europe's great markets.
La Rambla is a tourist magnet, but you will run into it.
The museums in Barcelona are not first rate, but the art is in the street. There are thousands of years history, architecture, and culture.
Poble Espanyol is cheesy, but a ride to the top of Monjuic is not.
La Sardana is usually danced in front of the Gothic Cathedral on Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings. If you think you can keep up, it is a relatively simple dance, join in.
My favorite book about the city and culture is called Barcelona by the now dead art critic Robert Hughes. He is crusty, knowledgeable and always literate.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0067AHWTO...ng=UTF8&btkr=1
Please carve out time just to walk the city and sit at cafe.
La Boqueria is one Europe's great markets.
La Rambla is a tourist magnet, but you will run into it.
The museums in Barcelona are not first rate, but the art is in the street. There are thousands of years history, architecture, and culture.
Poble Espanyol is cheesy, but a ride to the top of Monjuic is not.
La Sardana is usually danced in front of the Gothic Cathedral on Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings. If you think you can keep up, it is a relatively simple dance, join in.
My favorite book about the city and culture is called Barcelona by the now dead art critic Robert Hughes. He is crusty, knowledgeable and always literate.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0067AHWTO...ng=UTF8&btkr=1
