Hello Fodorites

I need some guidance. I am planning a surprise 3 day break for my family to Barcelona. I have read the recent posts on accommodation - thats very helpful. However the question is should we stay central and move out on foot or stay a little farther and then catch the local transport assuming the costs will be cheaper on outskirts.

We will get there on Thursday am (9th April) to be back in Birmingham by Saturday nightfall.

We love sightseeing, especially historical and typically local -ie not malls and shopping precincts but definitely quaint streets..no back alleys tho !! My son does Art so we will surely want to see Anton Gaudi creations. Would like to tour a museum if possible too. Suggestions for evening life / sightseeing are welcome.

We are quite happy to travel on public transport and Hop On Hop Off seems a great option.

Would you please help suggest some relaxed pace itinerary which covers optimally. I am not for covering everything in one go. There will always be a second time.

Many thanks
Dharmesh.

Barcelona is a big city...taking the metro to get to some of the attractions is almost a must.
The very center of Barcelona is Placa de Catalunya ... Ho- ho buses depart from there.
If you are looking for an itinerary perhaps searching the Forum might give you some ideas.
( especially for things to do with children)

I would definitely stay reasonably centrally. although you don't give their ages, with children you are likely to want to go back to your accommodation for a rest, if not a siesta, in the afternoon and it's helpful if you can get back easily and then be able to go out again to eat without having to go too far.

something that you might be interested in is the musical fountain which plays every night [Font Màgica de Montjuïc] just up from the Placa d'Espagna and nearby there is the Poble Espanyol which is a collection of buildings in the style of every part of Spain, with shops and restaurants.

We stayed near here at the Fira palace [now a Crowne plaza] which had the advantage of very large rooms - again dependant on the age of your children, you might all be able to occupy one room. http://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotel..._-ESEN-_-bcncp

Thanks danon , annhig.

Yes, I am mindful of the fact that Barcelona is big. Thats why I was inclined to stay central. I have in the past stayed close to the Ramblas but that was then !

The children are 10 & 17 ...funny ages !! Both want different things that where I want to pick n mix a good itinerary. I will check the thread for that.

I did see one Holiday Inn which is a part of the IHG. Will check the Crowne Plaza link.

A cable car ride from the water to Montjuic might be fun for kids...there is small fortress on the top..
The beachfront is pleasant , the boardwalk is long with places to sit down and have a meal or drink.

Sorry, we don't travel with children so I cannot suggest much more in that direction.

Just home from a week-end in Barcelona, and it's incredible what you can see and do with some good planning in such a short time.

<We love sightseeing, especially historical and typically local>

The Montjuic hill right in the city centre is full of Barcelona history and cultural institutions. Fabulous views of both the city and the sea from the Castell at the top which also holds a dramatic Barcelona history.
http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/Engl...SJpH1t4T6vJumh
About the Castle: http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/Cast...R9O-WgosZ1dr_0

<definitely quaint streets>
Medieval El Born has got it all: http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.c...s/el-born.html

I love the bustling Barceloneta area, just inland from the fine and fun city beach with the same name: http://www.theguardian.com/travel/20...taurants-spain

Sagrada familia is a must, and get the audio-guide or do the guided tour. Will ad immensely to the experience. http://www.sagradafamilia.cat/sf-eng/?lang=0

The Palau de la Musica Catalana, and perhaps even a concert here: http://www.palaumusica.cat/en
On April 9th, the Orfeó Català (Catalan Choir) sings:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOQaVA22h2A
Spanish guitar music on Friday the 10th: http://www.palaumusica.cat/en/barcel...d=False&cycle=

For a traditional Barcelona meal in a nice, small and family run restaurant, I recommend Ca l'Estevet: http://www.restaurantestevet.com/wpre/

Fabulous both traditional and cutting edge tapas at reasonable prices at Tapeo, right by the 14th Century Santa Maria del Mar Church and the Picasso museum in the heart of El Born. As in famous Cal Pep, you can sit and eat at the bar: http://www.tapeoborn.cat/
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...Catalonia.html

You need reservations in both places.