We will be visiting Barcelona for 3 nights in late January, 2000 and then Lisbon for 3 nights in early February. <BR>Would appreciate knowledge of best way to see <BR>these 2 cities and surrounding (100-150 mile radius) without renting a car. <BR>What are the "Don't Miss Things to See?" in both cities?

You will not need a car to see Barcelona. The metro or tourist bus is the way to get around Barcelona. We didn't go outside of Barcelona on our trip but I suspect there is decent train or bus service from Barcelona if you want to explore outside of the city. A lot of people have recommended a day trip out to Montserrat but we ran out of time. <BR> <BR>The highlights of Barcelona include Parc Guell, the wonderful park designed by Gaudi; Sagrada Familia, also designed by Gaudi, construction was never finished so there isn't anything inside unless you want to climb to the top; the cathedral; and Las Ramblas, the main street in town where there is shopping, dining and people watching. <BR> <BR>In addition, you can visit the Picasso Museum (I'd recommend only if you're already a fan), the Maritime Museum, the aquarium and the Olympic Park. <BR> <BR>Also make sure to try tapas, appetizer size portions of Spanish food. There are tapas bars all over Barcelona, we found several on Passeig de Gracia, just north of Las Ramblas, that were quite good.

We spent this last weekend in/near Barcelona. We didn't pre-book accommodation only to find the entire city was full, so we stayed about half an hour south in a pretty coastal village, Sitges. A blessing in disguise as Sitges was lovely and peaceful after a days tramping around the very busy streets of Barcelona. (do a search for other peoples views on Sitges...) <BR>I agree with the must sees Kirsti mentioned. Am now a devoted fan of Gaudi, his work is amazing. We climbed the towers of the Sagrida Familia, and my poor husband discovered he suffers from vertigo. We were near the top (60-70m) and the lift was not operating - and he refused to come back down!! <BR> <BR>I found the trains from Sitges/airport to Barcleona and the metro to be very good, and very frequent. Buy a 10 ride ticket for the metro, it works out far cheaper than buying singles. <BR> <BR>Lovely cafe for a quiet lunch away from the crowds in the courtyard of the Textile museum across from the Picasso museum (which impressed me) <BR> <BR>If you get tired of the Barri Gotic, then stroll accross the 'Ramblas' over the harbour, a modern floating boardwalk for a different and stunning view of the city. <BR> <BR>

You won't need a car for Lisbon either. The best things to see is the walking tour described by Rick Steeves, which takes you to a few churches, a "decorative arts" museum where antique furniture is displayed in an old house, several views of the city and the castle. Don't miss a side trip to Sintra--you can take the train which leaves from the station downtown and goes directly there. In Sintra there is a ruined castle, the National Palace and Pena Palace (a disneyland type castle). Also Sintra itself is beautiful. For nightlife in Lisbon, go to the Barrio Alto, which is the hip-happening spot. And don't forget to try some ginginha and one of the local hole-in-the-wall stops.

I agree with the previous poster - don't miss Sintra. It is only a short trip by local train and I thought the castle was far more impressive then Neuscwanstein. Lisbon is a great city. Save time to get lost in the narrow streets. We stayed in Barrio Alto and really liked it. Unfortunately we never made it to Belem (we are sorry though). The Alfama district is also worth seeing. Many guidebooks will caution you on safety here. We had no problems in Alfama, but we were really cautious. We also went out and saw some of the Expo '98 buildings. They built this super modern mall. Normally I would never go and visit a mall while in Europe, but we really enjoyed it and felt that we got a better view of what people in Lisbon were really like. I think we were the only tourists in the whole place. Have fun, Lisbon is one of my favorite places.

Jeanie: <BR> <BR>You didn't miss much by skipping Belem. It was too spread out and almost stark to be very scenic. The museums were nice and all, but if I had to miss one thing in Lisbon, Belem would be it.

visiting Lisbon, you mustn't miss a night at "Fado" - the most famous national song. <BR>there are several restaurants where one can have a nice portuguese meal and listen to fado - my refernce goes to "Clube de fado", near the Cathedral. <BR>Visiting Belem area depends on your personal interest in arts - both dated from the 16 th century, the Jeronimos Monastery and the Tower of Belem are classified by UNESCO as world heritage monuments. the tower is also the markland of Lisbon

We were in Barcelona in April, and loved it. You will not need a car, and frankly with the exception of once, we walked everywhere. The people are delightful, and the city is beautiful. The Hotel Claris is a great hotel, small, has a beautiful breakfast, and was centrally located. Don't miss the tour to Monserat...It was about $36 took most of the day..we went on a Sunday, as most things were closed...and had a nice city tour on our way out of town. You will love the city of Barcelona.

We were in Barcelona in April, and loved it. You will not need a car, and frankly with the exception of once, we walked everywhere. The people are delightful, and the city is beautiful. The Hotel Claris is a great hotel, small, has a beautiful breakfast, and was centrally located. Don't miss the tour to Monserat...It was about $36 took most of the day..we went on a Sunday, as most things were closed...and had a nice city tour on our way out of town. You will love the city of Barcelona.