A short trip to Barcelona
Aug 31st, 2015, 06:57 AM
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A short trip to Barcelona
Barcelona trip report
I want to start off by thanking everyone who contributed information and tips. This was a last minute trip so I had to scramble to get things organized. Given the nature of this trip, I thought I would give some random thoughts on Barcelona for anyone else who might be thinking of going.
The background:
This was a short one –week trip to Barcelona to meet an old friend. We have very different tastes so we compromised - a bit of sight-seeing and a bit of beach time.
Overall observations:
Barcelona is a wonderful city. I had read a lot of negative things about Barcelona, particularly about the pickpocketing. I would say this…I had no trouble at all. I might have just been lucky but I took the precautions and warnings seriously. I wish I had not wasted so much time worrying about it. As a mostly solo traveller, I always keep copies of my documents, have two credit cards and keep my valuables in the safe. I keep my handbag close and don’t leave my phone or wallet open to theft. One evening while sitting on Rambla Catalunya with my travelling companion, I took a glance around. My friend’s purse was on a chair beside her, the woman sitting next to us had her phone on the table adjacent to the street and the other table had a group of teenagers with purses hanging off their chairs. I am sure Barcelona has a problem (the native Barceloneans (?) said so) but this kind of behaviour is asking for theft. In any case, I read many posts over the past few months where people were not wary about going to Barcelona….GO. It is beautiful and I felt safe.
Things I loved about Barcelona
The People – The people were so friendly. For those who worry about language barriers…don’t. I teach English so I wasn’t too concerned about that and there is no need to – there was always someone who could speak English. I was very impressed with how many people spoke fluent English.
Back to the people…so often a trip can be made so much more pleasant with good “people experiences”. I would go back to Barcelona because of the people. Everywhere I went, I found people wanting to accommodate…not every tourist experience is like this.
The Food – I am not a foodie and I am quite picky about what I eat, especially on vacation. I don’t eat seafood and I don’t particularly like meat. I found I had little trouble finding delicious, budget-friendly food.
The Architecture – I go to Europe for the architecture. I need my dose every once in a while to keep me happy. I had not much knowledge of Gaudi and modernism but I found it very inspiring. I feel I need another visit to fully appreciate everything Barcelona has to offer.
The Beach – Long gone are those days where I could sit from morning till night on the beach. (I could but with age, I have more varied interests and I couldn’t imagine spending a whole vacation on the beach without sightseeing). We went to 3 different beaches and they were all very clean. There are facilities all along the beach with washrooms and shower facilities. There are also places to eat and drink. I saw a woman travelling solo on the beach and although a man selling beach blankets sat down next to her, she ignored him and he went away. In other words, don’t be deterred from visiting the beach alone.
Next post: What worked…what didn’t….
I want to start off by thanking everyone who contributed information and tips. This was a last minute trip so I had to scramble to get things organized. Given the nature of this trip, I thought I would give some random thoughts on Barcelona for anyone else who might be thinking of going.
The background:
This was a short one –week trip to Barcelona to meet an old friend. We have very different tastes so we compromised - a bit of sight-seeing and a bit of beach time.
Overall observations:
Barcelona is a wonderful city. I had read a lot of negative things about Barcelona, particularly about the pickpocketing. I would say this…I had no trouble at all. I might have just been lucky but I took the precautions and warnings seriously. I wish I had not wasted so much time worrying about it. As a mostly solo traveller, I always keep copies of my documents, have two credit cards and keep my valuables in the safe. I keep my handbag close and don’t leave my phone or wallet open to theft. One evening while sitting on Rambla Catalunya with my travelling companion, I took a glance around. My friend’s purse was on a chair beside her, the woman sitting next to us had her phone on the table adjacent to the street and the other table had a group of teenagers with purses hanging off their chairs. I am sure Barcelona has a problem (the native Barceloneans (?) said so) but this kind of behaviour is asking for theft. In any case, I read many posts over the past few months where people were not wary about going to Barcelona….GO. It is beautiful and I felt safe.
Things I loved about Barcelona
The People – The people were so friendly. For those who worry about language barriers…don’t. I teach English so I wasn’t too concerned about that and there is no need to – there was always someone who could speak English. I was very impressed with how many people spoke fluent English.
Back to the people…so often a trip can be made so much more pleasant with good “people experiences”. I would go back to Barcelona because of the people. Everywhere I went, I found people wanting to accommodate…not every tourist experience is like this.
The Food – I am not a foodie and I am quite picky about what I eat, especially on vacation. I don’t eat seafood and I don’t particularly like meat. I found I had little trouble finding delicious, budget-friendly food.
The Architecture – I go to Europe for the architecture. I need my dose every once in a while to keep me happy. I had not much knowledge of Gaudi and modernism but I found it very inspiring. I feel I need another visit to fully appreciate everything Barcelona has to offer.
The Beach – Long gone are those days where I could sit from morning till night on the beach. (I could but with age, I have more varied interests and I couldn’t imagine spending a whole vacation on the beach without sightseeing). We went to 3 different beaches and they were all very clean. There are facilities all along the beach with washrooms and shower facilities. There are also places to eat and drink. I saw a woman travelling solo on the beach and although a man selling beach blankets sat down next to her, she ignored him and he went away. In other words, don’t be deterred from visiting the beach alone.
Next post: What worked…what didn’t….
Aug 31st, 2015, 08:14 AM
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Marvelous! Love the positive attitude and pro active thinking. As a solo traveler to Barcelona, I also enjoyed that city. I felt very safe while taking the precautions you mention and had a great few days there on my own before joining a group tour of Spain. I took in Palau Guell, the exquisite bijou Opera House, had lunch at several places along Las Ramblas and at an outdoor cafe in Catalunya Square.
I feel I accomplished my goal of trying as many as possible of those scrumptious tapas. The group tour then included the amazing La Sagrada Familia as well as an over view of the city. I must say the architecture is some of the most beautiful I have seen in my world travels.
The upscale hotel during my stay was located just off Las Ramblas and provided a safe, secure starting off point which set the tone for my impression and enjoyment of the city.
Can't wait to hear more of your experience.
I feel I accomplished my goal of trying as many as possible of those scrumptious tapas. The group tour then included the amazing La Sagrada Familia as well as an over view of the city. I must say the architecture is some of the most beautiful I have seen in my world travels.
The upscale hotel during my stay was located just off Las Ramblas and provided a safe, secure starting off point which set the tone for my impression and enjoyment of the city.
Can't wait to hear more of your experience.
Aug 31st, 2015, 08:14 AM
#4
"The People – The people were so friendly. For those who worry about language barriers…don’t. I teach English so I wasn’t too concerned about that and there is no need to – there was always someone who could speak English. I was very impressed with how many people spoke fluent English.
Back to the people…so often a trip can be made so much more pleasant with good “people experiences”. I would go back to Barcelona because of the people. Everywhere I went, I found people wanting to accommodate…not every tourist experience is like this."
I'm glad you felt this way. I've read comments from people who said Barcelona was not "welcoming." Our experience, like yours, was entirely opposite to that observation. We thought most everyone we met was friendly and engaging and helpful. Looking forward to reading more.
Back to the people…so often a trip can be made so much more pleasant with good “people experiences”. I would go back to Barcelona because of the people. Everywhere I went, I found people wanting to accommodate…not every tourist experience is like this."
I'm glad you felt this way. I've read comments from people who said Barcelona was not "welcoming." Our experience, like yours, was entirely opposite to that observation. We thought most everyone we met was friendly and engaging and helpful. Looking forward to reading more.
Aug 31st, 2015, 09:05 AM
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@Travelchat - stay tuned for my take on tapas 
@Maitaitom - your trip report kept me laughing and I read along until I left.
Thanks for all of you for being so kind. I never finished my Paris trip report and I am intent on writing this one!
@Maitaitom - your trip report kept me laughing and I read along until I left.
Thanks for all of you for being so kind. I never finished my Paris trip report and I am intent on writing this one!
Sep 3rd, 2015, 03:55 PM
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What worked and what didn’t
I will like to start with the positive. The best part of traveling in Barcelona is the transportation system. If your hotel is anywhere near Playa Catalunya, take the Aerobus. It is fast, easy and comfortable. I had an overnight flight and I hemmed and hawed (sorry – great expression that is underused) whether to just get a taxi or take the risk. I chose to take the bus as a bit of a challenge to myself. It wasn’t much of a challenge, it was so easy and I am so glad I did!
The bus is located right out the front doors of the airport (terminal 1 but there is one for terminal 2 as well). I bought a return ticket via a machine and off I went. They run minutes apart at all times of day and evening. I was so pleasantly surprised how cheap and efficient this was to use. I will post the link later on for those of you who wish to use the service.
The next thing that works is the metro. I am not a huge fan of using the metro but this one was so well-organized, clean and safe. We used it at all times of the day and evening. We bought a T-10 and used all but one ticket.
I would have preferred to do more walking but my friend likes to get to places quickly.
Next…being a tourist in Barcelona – works!
It is a great city to be a tourist. Actually, I found it to be almost too easy. It is easy to get around, easy to order tickets to all the major tourist spots. I highly recommend preordering the tickets. I also splurged for the Casa Barillo fast track ticket and given I was ill (for another post), it was the best 5 Euros I spent.
Next post…what didn’t work exactly as planned…..
I will like to start with the positive. The best part of traveling in Barcelona is the transportation system. If your hotel is anywhere near Playa Catalunya, take the Aerobus. It is fast, easy and comfortable. I had an overnight flight and I hemmed and hawed (sorry – great expression that is underused) whether to just get a taxi or take the risk. I chose to take the bus as a bit of a challenge to myself. It wasn’t much of a challenge, it was so easy and I am so glad I did!
The bus is located right out the front doors of the airport (terminal 1 but there is one for terminal 2 as well). I bought a return ticket via a machine and off I went. They run minutes apart at all times of day and evening. I was so pleasantly surprised how cheap and efficient this was to use. I will post the link later on for those of you who wish to use the service.
The next thing that works is the metro. I am not a huge fan of using the metro but this one was so well-organized, clean and safe. We used it at all times of the day and evening. We bought a T-10 and used all but one ticket.
I would have preferred to do more walking but my friend likes to get to places quickly.
Next…being a tourist in Barcelona – works!
It is a great city to be a tourist. Actually, I found it to be almost too easy. It is easy to get around, easy to order tickets to all the major tourist spots. I highly recommend preordering the tickets. I also splurged for the Casa Barillo fast track ticket and given I was ill (for another post), it was the best 5 Euros I spent.
Next post…what didn’t work exactly as planned…..
