Best Neighborhood in Barcelona?
Nov 29th, 2002, 12:23 AM
#3
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Any place you won't be pickpocketed or mugged, which means somewhere outside of Barcelona. <BR><BR>Check out www.bobarno.com/bata.htm <BR>www.photo.net/spain/barcelona http://www.adventureprone.com/travel...barcelona.html <BR>jones.tc/barna/scams.html <BR>
Nov 29th, 2002, 05:36 AM
#5
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Julie,<BR><BR>For some reason, a lot of people try very hard to make Barcelona sound as the unsafest city on earth.... it is not. Common sense is all you need...<BR><BR>Now for your question, what are your interests? Are you there for sightseeing? In that case, the Passeig de Gracia area is quite nice. The Condes de Barcelona is a great hotel.
Dec 1st, 2002, 01:56 AM
#7
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Dear Julie:<BR><BR>I agree that Passeig de Gracia is the best area to stay, as you can walk to most of the major sites from here, and it is an elegant street with upscale shopping, reminds me of the Champs only not as seedy. The Condes is nice, as is the Claris and the Majestic. Check their websites.<BR><BR>Las Ramblas is not as central.<BR><BR>Please be sure to go to Guadi park, a bit on the edge of town, but a great view and really fantastic fantasy architecture. There is a cafe there that is good for a drink. If you can help it, don't go on Sundays when the entire town shows up for a stroll....<BR><BR>Hope this is helpful.<BR>
Dec 1st, 2002, 08:23 AM
#8
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<BR><BR>Hi Julie. Passeig de Gracia is one of the main (as well as one of the most fashionable) streets running through the Eixample, Barcelona's "expansion" outside its old city walls. It also has two of Gaudi's most famous buildings: Casa Battlo and Casa Mila (La Pedrera), If you decide to stay on or near it, then the closer you stay to Plaça de Catalunya, the closer you'll be to the heart of Barcelona. <BR><BR>Whether Passeig de Gracia is the "best" location for someone depends on what they value, but it certainly is a nice location. Some people prefer staying right on, or near, La Rambla, and still others in the Gothic Quarter. A favorite hotel of many people in the Gothic Quarter seems to be the Hotel Colon, directly across from the Cathedral. <BR><BR>When we were there a few years ago, we stayed kind of "on the border" between the Gothic Quarter and the Eixample, only about a half-block from the Passeig de Gracia and very close to the Plaça de Catalunya, at the Hotel on the street Gran Via des Corts Catalanes. <BR><BR>I agree with Jean that, regardless of how some people make it appear, Barcelona is not the unsafest city on earth. We were there for six days and had no problems whatsoever, and I'm sure this is true of many other visitors to Barcelona. Crime does happen, of course, and there's no guarantee that you, or anyone else, won't be a victim. But using common sense and taking precautions (money belt, etc.) will greatly lessen your chances. <BR><BR>Hope you enjoy Barcelona; we loved it.
Dec 2nd, 2002, 12:23 AM
#10
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Recently on a busy Saturday afternoon I was walking around the Barri Gotic, close to the Cathedral and wandered off alone into an empty side street clutching my camera. Two young men were sitting on a doorstep, I noticed them look at me and then speak to each other - warning bells went off then but I continued in their direction. Walked past them, suddenly an arm came around my neck from behind and started tightening slowly. I blacked out, when I opened my eyes the two men were helping me to my feet and talking to me in Spanish (which I could not understand) and acting in a very concerned manner. I speak a little French and asked them why they had attacked me. They also spoke some French and told me that a tall man had tried to steal from me but had run away down the alley. But I remember quite clearly because I'd been looking around, that the narrow street was empty and they were the only people there. My camera (a cheap one!) was lying on the ground and they'd obviously searched me because some postcards and my purse containing a small amount of cash, which were in my left jacket pocket, were now in the right one. I tried to act as though I believed their story about the other attacker but I'm sure they knew that I was aware of what had really happened.
Dec 2nd, 2002, 05:43 PM
#11
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I loved the El Born area in the Gothic quarter of Barcelona. Great restaurants and shops. It was very crowded in the evenings so I felt safe walking around by myself in the evenings. I stayed at the Regencia Colon which was a 5 minute walk from this area. I'd definately stay in this area again.
Dec 2nd, 2002, 11:09 PM
#12
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El Borne is a very popular neighourhood with tourists as well as with (young) locals.<BR>It is a very charming medieval part in the center of the city. A mix of old history and a modern, artistic and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Lots of nice restaurants, shops, art galleries, authentic tapas bars, etc.<BR>Close to Ramblas, Museo Picasso, Basilica Santa Maria del Mar, the cathedral, Placa Catalunya, Paseo de Gracia with Gaudi's la Pedrera and Casa Batllo, Parc Ciutadella, the old harbour and the beach.<BR><BR>We are renting out a nice and comfortable apartment in this neighbourhood.<BR><BR>Check out our website:<BR>http://www.destinationbcn.com<BR>or<BR>http://www.destinationbcn.com/foto<BR><BR>for more info: [email protected]
Dec 3rd, 2002, 07:09 AM
#15
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I'm sorry lincasanova for bothering you with information about our apartment. A lot of people were happy they found us here. And besides posting info about our apartment I often make time to help people answering their other questions about Barcelona. <BR>I'm not just trying to sell.<BR><BR>
Dec 3rd, 2002, 07:32 AM
#16
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Hola Onthe<BR><BR>You won't find a lot of hostals in the Paseo de Gracia area, it is one of the most expensive areas of Barcelona.<BR>I heard about this one though which is on Paseo de Gracia:<BR>Hostal Residencia Oliva <BR>Pg. Gracia 32, 4th Floor <BR><BR>Don't know anything about the quality. <BR><BR>
Dec 31st, 2002, 03:01 AM
#20
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We have just returned from spending Xmas in Barcelona. We stayed at the Urquinoana Hotel at Placa Urquinoana, the hotel was very clean and pleasant and cheap at 85 euros. The area is excellend as it is a five minute walk to Placa Catalunya, The Ramblas, Cathedral Square. Also there is a metro station, bus stops and a taxi rank and the bus touristic stop. The airport bus service is excellent and stays at Placa Catalunya. Barcelona is really fabulous and dont miss the Fountain Show which is better than fireworks.
