the ultimate trip report Barcelona
Oct 27th, 2016, 01:51 PM
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the ultimate trip report Barcelona
Got back from Barcelona recently and wrote an article about it. Now everyone is arguing with me that I have shown Barcelona in a bad light.
Maybe it was my experience but i don't think it was that amazing.
Raval is Barcelona’s historic core and with Gothic quarter nearby, beaches, restaurants and theaters, it is where you want to be as a first time visitor.
Unfortunately, all is not rosy in Raval.
We stayed in Raval and while the hotel and the location were amazing, the same cannot be said of the neighbourhood. Dirty streets with rats scurrying around, drug addicts laying in the streets and trash everywhere. Crime is rampant in this tourist hot spot and you should really be careful with your belongings. Recent immigrant surge to hit Europe can be seen in all of its glory with police chasing and beating the illegal vendors all day long. We have witnessed two robberies in broad daylight.
Barcelona is a buzzing city with amazing restaurants that serve some of the best paella in the world, world famous art installations and lots and lots of Gaudi. In fact, majority of tourist souvenirs center around his creations.
Despite the negativity and the downturn economy, there is still plenty to do and keep you busy.
PLACES TO SEE:
I don't know how to add images here so I will leave a link to the post:
(no, i am not promoting my blog, i am not being paid for it, I just want to share information)
http://befreeandtravel.com/barcelona/
cheers,
Dmitry
Maybe it was my experience but i don't think it was that amazing.
Raval is Barcelona’s historic core and with Gothic quarter nearby, beaches, restaurants and theaters, it is where you want to be as a first time visitor.
Unfortunately, all is not rosy in Raval.
We stayed in Raval and while the hotel and the location were amazing, the same cannot be said of the neighbourhood. Dirty streets with rats scurrying around, drug addicts laying in the streets and trash everywhere. Crime is rampant in this tourist hot spot and you should really be careful with your belongings. Recent immigrant surge to hit Europe can be seen in all of its glory with police chasing and beating the illegal vendors all day long. We have witnessed two robberies in broad daylight.
Barcelona is a buzzing city with amazing restaurants that serve some of the best paella in the world, world famous art installations and lots and lots of Gaudi. In fact, majority of tourist souvenirs center around his creations.
Despite the negativity and the downturn economy, there is still plenty to do and keep you busy.
PLACES TO SEE:
I don't know how to add images here so I will leave a link to the post:
(no, i am not promoting my blog, i am not being paid for it, I just want to share information)
http://befreeandtravel.com/barcelona/
cheers,
Dmitry
Oct 27th, 2016, 06:04 PM
#2
Actually, the place to stay in Barcelona is the Eixample, as I wrote after my visit last fall:
https://mytimetotravel.wordpress.com...s-the-ramblas/
And here:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...omment-9473525
When I visited Barcelona in 2004 I did stay near the Ramblas, and didn't care much for the city, aside from the Gaudi sights. Staying in the Eixample I had a very different reaction. So, despite the conventional "wisdom", I would say that the Raval is NOT the place for a first time visitor to stay. And the Ramblas is best avoided altogether.
https://mytimetotravel.wordpress.com...s-the-ramblas/
And here:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...omment-9473525
When I visited Barcelona in 2004 I did stay near the Ramblas, and didn't care much for the city, aside from the Gaudi sights. Staying in the Eixample I had a very different reaction. So, despite the conventional "wisdom", I would say that the Raval is NOT the place for a first time visitor to stay. And the Ramblas is best avoided altogether.
Oct 28th, 2016, 02:34 AM
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Very few stay in Raval as a first time vistor, used to be very seedy until not long ago, but things are changing, interesting part of town if you know where to go. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/barcelona/el-raval
And so many plain fantastic districts in central Barcelona.
El Born (use to stay here): http://www.barcelona-life.com/barcelona/born
Poble Sec (for the fabulous tapas bars, restaurants and after the theaters in the close by "theater city": http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/...to-bodega.html
http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/...el-teatre.html
Gracia (look forward to stay here next week): http://www.timeout.com/barcelona/things-to-do/gracia
Barceloneta, just inland from the Beach, is great vibe and always fun: https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2...taurants-spain
And so many plain fantastic districts in central Barcelona.
El Born (use to stay here): http://www.barcelona-life.com/barcelona/born
Poble Sec (for the fabulous tapas bars, restaurants and after the theaters in the close by "theater city": http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/...to-bodega.html
http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/...el-teatre.html
Gracia (look forward to stay here next week): http://www.timeout.com/barcelona/things-to-do/gracia
Barceloneta, just inland from the Beach, is great vibe and always fun: https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2...taurants-spain
Oct 28th, 2016, 03:58 AM
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Really great photos - you have a very good eye.
I think your comments on this thread are fair enough. You saw some good things and some disappointing things and were balanced enough to point out both. I love Barcelona but we all have different tastes and different experiences which can hinge on all mannner of things. The only bit I would take issue with is that there is no 'must' in terms of area to stay. We were on the cusp of Vila Olimpica/El Born which is not exactly tourist central but absolutely loved it.
I think your comments on this thread are fair enough. You saw some good things and some disappointing things and were balanced enough to point out both. I love Barcelona but we all have different tastes and different experiences which can hinge on all mannner of things. The only bit I would take issue with is that there is no 'must' in terms of area to stay. We were on the cusp of Vila Olimpica/El Born which is not exactly tourist central but absolutely loved it.
Oct 31st, 2016, 09:18 AM
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We just returned from Barcelona a couple of weeks ago. Stayed at Hotel Grand Central, near the Cathedral. We walked to all areas of the city, and did not have the negative experiences described.
The city is filled with tourists, and is very crowded. People with suitcases, everywhere. The streets were littered, but perhaps, that is due to the density of people.
There was a large police presence, but never saw them dealing with the vendors in the street. They seemed to ignore them. Having read about crime, we were cautious, and did not see or experience any. A fair number or non-aggressive panhandlers.
Streets were always filled, and we were very comfortable being out after dark. Love all the outdoor eateries, and the markets. Lots of elderly people walking in all the neighborhoods.
The city is filled with tourists, and is very crowded. People with suitcases, everywhere. The streets were littered, but perhaps, that is due to the density of people.
There was a large police presence, but never saw them dealing with the vendors in the street. They seemed to ignore them. Having read about crime, we were cautious, and did not see or experience any. A fair number or non-aggressive panhandlers.
Streets were always filled, and we were very comfortable being out after dark. Love all the outdoor eateries, and the markets. Lots of elderly people walking in all the neighborhoods.
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