Tom

Going to Spain in May with a buddy. Both of us are single and interested in hearing about great off beat restaurants and places to go. We are "out there" and want to have a good a good time. Going to Madrid, Seville, the southern coast, and Barcelona. Three nights in each. Help!

Michelle

Hi Tom,<BR><BR>I studied in Seville 3 years ago for 6 months. If you want off the beaten path places - I will help you out. (May I first say what a great trip you are going to have!!!) <BR><BR>In Seville, there is a bar (indoors and outdoors) called the Carbonaria. Even living there for 6 months, I could never find my way there without first getting lost - it is nestled in a maze of tiny streets and passage ways. Eventually, I always made my way there. A cab driver should be able to get very close in there - but you may have to walk a block or two asking people on the street. Very cool. They usually have someone playing music in the front room - but you must go out back and there will most likely be more casual music (people playing some flamenco guitar but not officially). At the carbonaria, get a pitcher of "Agua de Sevilla" to drink. <BR><BR>For a dance club that's not on a typical tourist's itinerary, there is a club called "Wall Street", believe it or not. <BR><BR>I don't know when you're going. But if it's the summer, the bars will all be open along the river which of course is lots of fun. <BR><BR>For bars filled with locals dancing in a flamenco style or "sevillana" style that's not the typical sit down at a tourist flamenco place, there is a whole street of them on the left side of the river, Guadalquivir, in the section of town called Triana. The street that I'm talking about runs along the river. This is where the locals are dancing in the traditional style. <BR><BR>For a fun bar in Barcelona (with a lot of tourists - but mostly european travelers) in La Oveja Negra. That's a fun place especially if you want to meet some people and just talk and drink.<BR><BR>As for restaurants - I was poor so I didn't eat out much ... can't really help you out in that department!<BR><BR>have fun!

Kristin

Wow - reading about the Carboneria brought back so many memories, Michelle! I studied for a year at the Universidad de Sevilla 11 years ago (ouch!) and spent way more time there than I should have. What a fabulous place!! Good to know it's still going strong. And I lived in Triana, so I can vouch for the flamenco there. <BR><BR>I think it should be warm enough in May for the river barge bars to be open - that is by far the best way to cool down after a long day. And Bario Santa Cruz always used to be lots of fun to wander around at night - people are usually spilling out of bars into the little alleyways and it turns into one big party.<BR><BR>Can you tell I'm jealous of your trip Tom? You will have a great time!! And you should find Spaniards (especially Sevillanos) to be very friendly, so definitely ask the locals for other places to hang out.

MARY

If you are going to Madrid, don't worry...there are tons of places to go....it is unbelieveable! You will enjoy. Try a little town call Majadahonda, it is just a town full of niteclubs. I too am jealous. Enjoy!

chris

May is absolutely the perfect time. Prices are off-season for accommodation. The day I left, first week in June ater 6 weeks motoring around, prices went up. In Granada (yes?) please go south, and a little west of the road up to the Alhambra -- damn can't remember the name, but it's in the Lonely Planet guide - funky as hell. Southern coast includes Tarifa. Cadiz (a miserable little town, t

chris

hit a wrong key there. Anyway, in Barcelona head of course to the gothic quarter. But hell, just get the Lonely Planet guide. Your best bet.

Cindy

I'm jealous. I wish I were going back to Spain this year. I'm desperately craving tapas with sangria, and hot oven baked spanish bread with their ultra chocolate cocoa. Have a great time!