4 Single Guys in Barcelona
 

We are headed to Barcelona and Catalonia in September for 10 days and would appreciate advice on what area to stay in Barcelona. Also, recommendations on hotels would be appreciated - in the $100-150 a night price range. What are the best beaches? We want good night life but not too overrun with tourists. What do you think of Stiges or Tossa de Mar?

First question, and no offense but let's cut to the chase: Are you gay? 'Cause that affects the answer.

No. Just single friends in our mid 20's. Definitely interested in meeting women.

check out the message boards at this site <BR> <BR>lots of info about hotels, transportation, etc. and there are several people living in barcelona who post regularly <BR> <BR>http://www.madridman.com/

Hi Jack. I don't have a specific hotel recommendation but, in Barcelona, I'd think you guys might enjoy staying in a hotel on La Rambla, the main pedestrian thoroughfare, or somewhere else in the Barri Gotic. Three fun tapas (actually Basque pinxto) bars my girlfriend & I went to were: Txapela (Passeig de Gracia, 8-10, on the east side of Passeig de Gracia, north of the Plaça de Catalunya); Sagardi (Argenteria 62, near the church of Santa Maria del Mar) and Basca Irati (Carrer Cardenal Casanyes, 14, between La Rambla and Plaça del Pi). All three of them -- especially the latter two -- had lots of younger, and (presumably) single, people.

By september I would not worry too much about tourists on the beach, they have already left. <BR> <BR>If you want nightlife on the beach, probably Sitges is a much better bet than Tossa de Mar. However, be aware that it is one of the gay capitals of the Mediterrenean. It should be at its best on weekends, since the season ends in august. In any case, nightlife in Barcelona is quite intense. <BR> <BR>For a nice beach, it would depend a lot on your expectations. If you have been to Hawaii or the Caribbean, you may be dissapointed. I found that the most beautiful beaches are on the Costa Brava (north of Barcelona) an not in the Costa Daurada, to the south. <BR> <BR>As to where to stay, I'd say try hotels on Passeig de Gracia, like the Condes de Barcelona. It is quite popular, and may be a little more than your budget. If not, try the Tryp President, on Diagonal. Staying on La Rambla (on the Oriente near the port or at the Meridien almost on Plaza Catalunya) may be quite noisy. <BR> <BR>For tapas, try Cerveseria Catalana, on the corner of Mallorca and Rambla Catalunya (not La Rambla). Best montaditos in the world.

I was in Barcelona last September and had a great time. We did however encounter a major problem when we tried to book a hotel during a major Catalonian holiday weekend. I think it was in mid Sept. My recommendation-book hotel before traveling to Barcelona.

I forgot about that! <BR> <BR>If you are going on Sept 21-24, you will be there during La Merce! <BR> <BR>Great festival, but please DO book in advance. Chances are you'll have a hard time getting a hotel if you don't book ASAP.

I'll be there the last week of august with 3 friends...yes I'd like the info for gay travellers. Also, whats the La merce fest?