Where to stay in Barcelona during La Merce?
May 17th, 2015, 08:20 AM
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Where to stay in Barcelona during La Merce?
We are arriving in Barcelona Sept. 24 after long flight from California. I just saw that although dates aren't posted yet this will be during the La Merce festivities. On the one hand we are thinking that is great to be there for something like this, and on the other are wondering about dealing with crowds. Our flight comes in around 6 pm on the 24th, so I wanted to ask for recommendations on hotels and parts of the city to stay in that wouldn't be as impacted by traffic and crowds so we can get to hotel from airport easily. We would like to walk to areas with La Merce activities but not have them going on right outside our hotel. I am looking at the Eixample area, but also found a place in El Born that looked nice (K&K Hotel Picasso). Looking at places in low $200 range or less. (This is my time to post a message, so I hope I asked this clearly, thank you)
May 17th, 2015, 10:10 AM
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It's their main festival, so lots of activities, that's for sure.
Most activities take place in the Barri Gotic, such as around the cathedral, placa de Sant Jaume, placa del Rei and on Via Laietana (site of the fire run). Basically from Barceloneta up to placa Catalunya, from the Ramblas to Via Laietana. Last year some concerts and things were on avinguda de Maria Cristina, also, which runs south or SE from placa Espanya.
to get an idea http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.c...-la-merce.html
Eixemple would be safe to avoid all that . El Born is just east of all that to-do, starting around via Laietana, I believe, so abuts it. I wouldn't stay there myself if you were close to via Laietana but that K&K hotel is all the way on the other side, on the park. I can't say for sure, it would probably be okay and certainly walkable to the events. As for traffic, that's farther from the airport, anyway, than the Eixemple area, for example, but I imagine one would go along Gran Via and then down from around the Arc de Triomphe rather than along Ronda Literol across the Barri Gotic and near the sea. I imagine that route won't be good that day. I'm just speculating, however. Barcelona airport isn't that far out that I'd decide on that reason.
I'd stay in Eixemple but I like that area anyway. I really like the NH Hotel Barcelona Calderon which is just about a block or two NW of placa Catalunya and right on rambla de Catalunya (which is not the main ramblas you hear about) with lots of outdoor cafes. It's close to Passeig de Gracia, also, so very well located for transportion choices. But that would be farther from some of those activities, although I do walk from there down to the Barri Gotic myself. It's above your price for a superior room, which is what I booked (more like 236 euro). It looks like the K&K is about that rate anyway (223 euro which is at least $250) for a "classic" room, whatever that is. If it's the smallest, then that isn't as good as the NH for a superior.
I also really liked the Hotel Jazz when I stayed there and it's rates are a bit cheaper, more like what you want http://www.hoteljazz.com/default-en.html
It's very close to placa Catalunya but a bit off from the Ramblas, which I liked as it's not as noisy. It would be close to walk to those activities. It might be noisier than Eixemple, though, if a lot of stuff is right at placa Catalunya but probably not too bad as it is removed a bit from it.
Most activities take place in the Barri Gotic, such as around the cathedral, placa de Sant Jaume, placa del Rei and on Via Laietana (site of the fire run). Basically from Barceloneta up to placa Catalunya, from the Ramblas to Via Laietana. Last year some concerts and things were on avinguda de Maria Cristina, also, which runs south or SE from placa Espanya.
to get an idea http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.c...-la-merce.html
Eixemple would be safe to avoid all that . El Born is just east of all that to-do, starting around via Laietana, I believe, so abuts it. I wouldn't stay there myself if you were close to via Laietana but that K&K hotel is all the way on the other side, on the park. I can't say for sure, it would probably be okay and certainly walkable to the events. As for traffic, that's farther from the airport, anyway, than the Eixemple area, for example, but I imagine one would go along Gran Via and then down from around the Arc de Triomphe rather than along Ronda Literol across the Barri Gotic and near the sea. I imagine that route won't be good that day. I'm just speculating, however. Barcelona airport isn't that far out that I'd decide on that reason.
I'd stay in Eixemple but I like that area anyway. I really like the NH Hotel Barcelona Calderon which is just about a block or two NW of placa Catalunya and right on rambla de Catalunya (which is not the main ramblas you hear about) with lots of outdoor cafes. It's close to Passeig de Gracia, also, so very well located for transportion choices. But that would be farther from some of those activities, although I do walk from there down to the Barri Gotic myself. It's above your price for a superior room, which is what I booked (more like 236 euro). It looks like the K&K is about that rate anyway (223 euro which is at least $250) for a "classic" room, whatever that is. If it's the smallest, then that isn't as good as the NH for a superior.
I also really liked the Hotel Jazz when I stayed there and it's rates are a bit cheaper, more like what you want http://www.hoteljazz.com/default-en.html
It's very close to placa Catalunya but a bit off from the Ramblas, which I liked as it's not as noisy. It would be close to walk to those activities. It might be noisier than Eixemple, though, if a lot of stuff is right at placa Catalunya but probably not too bad as it is removed a bit from it.
May 17th, 2015, 11:55 AM
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Christina, thanks very for the detailed reply. That really helps to guide us in choosing a part of the city and where the activities will have the most impact. I read other good things about Hotel Jazz, it sounds like it would work well and be within walking distance of things. Thank you!
May 21st, 2015, 03:42 AM
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hi,
if you are arriving on 24th at 6 pm,I'm afraidthat this is the last day of the festival , so you only can see the "piromusical " (the show with fireworks, music and water) in plaça Espanya..It'seems that this year the rest of the events take between 18th to 24th....
if you are arriving on 24th at 6 pm,I'm afraidthat this is the last day of the festival , so you only can see the "piromusical " (the show with fireworks, music and water) in plaça Espanya..It'seems that this year the rest of the events take between 18th to 24th....
May 21st, 2015, 04:07 AM
#5
I think 5d8 may have been looking at the 2014 dates for La Merce. 2015 seems to be 23rd to 27th September, although the programme of events doesn't appear to be available yet.
Also don't forget to take a hat and wear long sleeves during the Correfoc as there are lots of hot sparks in the air. It is a spectacular event though and very enjoyable.
Also don't forget to take a hat and wear long sleeves during the Correfoc as there are lots of hot sparks in the air. It is a spectacular event though and very enjoyable.
May 21st, 2015, 06:56 AM
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From what I've read, the official dates haven't been announced yet although I've seen both, also. The only sure thing is it includes the 24th, and will include a weekend. So it could include the weekend before or after, either is plausible. But I think the 23rd to 27th seems more likely as otherwise, that is a very long period, longer than usual, I think (but could be wrong).
Darlaw, the public airport bus is excellent and happens to stop only about a block from the Hotel Jazz, so it is very convenient for that. At least upon arrival, you can get off at the metro stop Universitat which is only about a block away. Upon departure, it doesn't leave from there for some odd reason, you have to get on at placa Catalunya, which is several blocks away. Now I have no idea if that would be affected by the festival, sorry. However, given it is a small, flat fee, if it is delayed it won't cost you anything, just your time. YOu don't have to buy your ticket in advance, I bought mine at the airport upon arrival. Of course, you can take a taxi also--normally, that isn't that expensive (I've paid maybe 20-25 euro).
http://www.aerobusbcn.com/
Darlaw, the public airport bus is excellent and happens to stop only about a block from the Hotel Jazz, so it is very convenient for that. At least upon arrival, you can get off at the metro stop Universitat which is only about a block away. Upon departure, it doesn't leave from there for some odd reason, you have to get on at placa Catalunya, which is several blocks away. Now I have no idea if that would be affected by the festival, sorry. However, given it is a small, flat fee, if it is delayed it won't cost you anything, just your time. YOu don't have to buy your ticket in advance, I bought mine at the airport upon arrival. Of course, you can take a taxi also--normally, that isn't that expensive (I've paid maybe 20-25 euro).
http://www.aerobusbcn.com/
May 21st, 2015, 11:09 PM
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hi,
the original dates for this year was from 23th to 27th, but on 27th there are elections , and the City Hall decide change at least some of the events to the previos weekend (20th and 19th). I'm not sure if this change of dates affects all the events, but I think yes, probably all the events expected for the weeckend of 26th and 27th has change their dates to the weecken of 19th and 20th, because if not the festival will be very long....
the original dates for this year was from 23th to 27th, but on 27th there are elections , and the City Hall decide change at least some of the events to the previos weekend (20th and 19th). I'm not sure if this change of dates affects all the events, but I think yes, probably all the events expected for the weeckend of 26th and 27th has change their dates to the weecken of 19th and 20th, because if not the festival will be very long....
May 22nd, 2015, 12:22 AM
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And the Catalan regional elections this year are very serious business, dealing with the plans for separation from Spain (after 300 years) and leading up to general elections that might fundamentally change the post-Franco political landscape. http://www.theguardian.com/news/data...o-party-system
So 5d8 is right, the 27 week-end will be about politics, and the Mercè festival has been moved to September 18-24. http://ccaa.elpais.com/ccaa/2015/02/...63_330172.html
So 5d8 is right, the 27 week-end will be about politics, and the Mercè festival has been moved to September 18-24. http://ccaa.elpais.com/ccaa/2015/02/...63_330172.html
May 22nd, 2015, 09:40 AM
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I just checked back and was so happy to see additional replies. Thank you for clarifying the likely dates for the festivities, very helpful with planning.
Christina, thank you again for the info and the tip on the airport bus.
Thank you 5d8, Rubicund, and kimhe for the discussion on dates and the research to figure it out.
Appreciate the links kimhe and have saved them. I am eager to learn more about the elections and political events going on.
It looks like we will miss most of the festival then unfortunately, good reason to come back! We will be in Barcelona for 8 days before a cruise that goes to southern Spain and Portugal, ending back in Barcelona. I have questions about itinerary for those 8 days, with plans to go to Costa Brava area.
This is my first time on any forum so would like to ask if I should start another thread to ask about that? Thank you all again, really appreciate the time and input.
Christina, thank you again for the info and the tip on the airport bus.
Thank you 5d8, Rubicund, and kimhe for the discussion on dates and the research to figure it out.
Appreciate the links kimhe and have saved them. I am eager to learn more about the elections and political events going on.
It looks like we will miss most of the festival then unfortunately, good reason to come back! We will be in Barcelona for 8 days before a cruise that goes to southern Spain and Portugal, ending back in Barcelona. I have questions about itinerary for those 8 days, with plans to go to Costa Brava area.
This is my first time on any forum so would like to ask if I should start another thread to ask about that? Thank you all again, really appreciate the time and input.
May 22nd, 2015, 09:57 AM
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You should start a new thread for the 8 day itinerary, but here are some restaurant and tapas bar recommendations in Barcelona based om many visits in recent years (the last one two months ago).
For cutting edge tapas from heaven, Tickets, now ranked #57 on the S.Pellegrino World's best restaurant list. Had a fabulous 13 different tapas lunch here with some beers a few weeks ago for some 70€ pp. Very affordable for what you get. You must book 60 days ahead on midnight Barcelona time. Ten minutes after midnight, usually all tables are gone. http://www.barcelonabook.com/tickets...estaurant.html
Just plain fabulous tapas at Tapeo in El Born. The Coca de Sardina was one of the top three food highlights on our last trip to Barcelona. http://www.tapeoborn.cat/
Coca de sardina: http://www.tapeoborn.cat/tapas-menu/...ardina-en.html
Had one of the best meals of my life in Xemei, also on the same trip. The Bigoli en salsa Veneciana is something completely different from anything I've tasted before (from about 1.35 in this video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Lvcjtoh0tU
For a genuine Barcelona lunch, go to no fuss La Perla, almost vis a vis Xemei: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...Catalonia.html
And of course, 7 Portes from 1836, an institution in town. Tons of history in the walls, and I never leave Barcelona without having had the wonderfool seafood Arroz caldoso here. http://www.7portes.com/angles/index.php
The arroz caldoso: http://www.foodspotting.com/places/1...73-arroz-caldo
And regarding the elections and the political events, here are a couple of intro articles.
"Spain to split? Snap vote on Catalan Independence": http://www.cnbc.com/id/102467552
"Ciudadanos and Podemos: A new era in Spanish politics?"
http://www.euractiv.com/sections/ele...olitics-314335
For cutting edge tapas from heaven, Tickets, now ranked #57 on the S.Pellegrino World's best restaurant list. Had a fabulous 13 different tapas lunch here with some beers a few weeks ago for some 70€ pp. Very affordable for what you get. You must book 60 days ahead on midnight Barcelona time. Ten minutes after midnight, usually all tables are gone. http://www.barcelonabook.com/tickets...estaurant.html
Just plain fabulous tapas at Tapeo in El Born. The Coca de Sardina was one of the top three food highlights on our last trip to Barcelona. http://www.tapeoborn.cat/
Coca de sardina: http://www.tapeoborn.cat/tapas-menu/...ardina-en.html
Had one of the best meals of my life in Xemei, also on the same trip. The Bigoli en salsa Veneciana is something completely different from anything I've tasted before (from about 1.35 in this video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Lvcjtoh0tU
For a genuine Barcelona lunch, go to no fuss La Perla, almost vis a vis Xemei: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...Catalonia.html
And of course, 7 Portes from 1836, an institution in town. Tons of history in the walls, and I never leave Barcelona without having had the wonderfool seafood Arroz caldoso here. http://www.7portes.com/angles/index.php
The arroz caldoso: http://www.foodspotting.com/places/1...73-arroz-caldo
And regarding the elections and the political events, here are a couple of intro articles.
"Spain to split? Snap vote on Catalan Independence": http://www.cnbc.com/id/102467552
"Ciudadanos and Podemos: A new era in Spanish politics?"
http://www.euractiv.com/sections/ele...olitics-314335
May 22nd, 2015, 10:59 AM
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Wow, kimhe, great recommendations. The photos from Tickets are amazing! I will set my alarm! The link to that website/blog is also a wealth of good information. I'll look forward to getting more educated on the upcoming elections, and will ask about other plans with a new inquiry. Thanks!
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