plambers

Am considering taking family to Barcelona or Paris for our first family trip. Children will be 10 and 12.
It will be during Holy Week. Don't believe museums, shops and restaurants will be closed in France. Is that different in Spain?
Need to book ff tickets tomorrow so thanks for all advice!
Pros to each with children?

plambers

am also figuring weather would be better in barcelona in april. we much prefer paris in may.

Robert2533

Everything in Barcelona will be open during Holy Week. It's no different in Paris.

plambers

Robert, as always, thanks. We leave in 8 days for Madrid and Sevilla and think I have Spain on my brain.
Would Barcelona be a good city to start with our children (10 and 12)? I always thought Paris would be but think of Barcelona as a bit more manageable.

Robert2533

I think the children would like Holy Week in Barcelona. It's a much bigger event than what happens in Paris.

http://www.oh-barcelona.com/en/blog/...barcelona-4474

Gordon_R

As I recall from my Easter visit to Barcelona a few years ago, everything was open as usual, but it was very busy! Weather was great, though that's no guarantee of what will be next year.

Robert2533

I prefer Paris, but in this situation I'd start in Barcelona and finish in Paris, regardless of the weather.

plambers

Gordon and Robert, thanks. Robert, your information suggests that museums may be closed Good Friday. We would leave Holy Sat so seems time would be fine. I was in Granada for Holy Week 20 plus years ago-it was mesmerizing.

CathyM

You may want to consider returning to Andalucia - it's the nerve center of Holy Week and incredible. The Holy Week processionals aren't as "mesmerizing" in Barcelona.

It sounds like you have the travel bug - haven't even left for your upcoming trip and already planning the next

plambers

CathyM, am I crazy or what??
Not sure how my kids would handle Holy Week crowds...I remember I loved it but I was in my 20s.
Who knows-am so excited for Sevilla!! Maybe it will be Sevilla and Cadiz!

CathyM

Holy Week isn't as crowded in some places. Sevilla is packed and very expensive. I've taken to visiting Sevilla just before or after Holy Week and spending Semana Santa in less expensive and crowded villages and cities.

I'd wait until you return from your trip to Sevilla - you may end up falling in love with the city and want to return.

Either way you can't go wrong introducing your children to travel.

danon

We visited Seville during la SS in2010
It was interesting, but I cannot say we enjoyed it.
The crowds were so huge, it was almostimposible to see the processions.
Actully some people we know, who live in Seville, suggested we
should visit again to see the " real" Seville.
So, we are going in October.