melid85

My boyfriend and I will be in Barcelona for 3 days towards mid July and it will be our first time visiting the city. We understand it's big and there is a lot to do - but also want to see places away from the cities if at all possible. For the 3rd day, we were thinking of possibly taking a train or driving to Valencia and then back to Barcelona to spend a night and then on to Madrid the next morning.

Our top things to see in Barcelona are the Sagrada Família, Barri Gòtic, Las Ramblas, Plaça de Catalunya, Catedral, some more famous sites and possibly relax on a few beaches. We would also like to spend some time at bars - hopefully meet locals.

Any advice if the trip to Valencia makes sense or would it be too much to do and take away from things to see in Barcelona? I understand we are just skimming the surface in Barcelona - but is there anything else we should add as a must-see. Also any suggestions for non-touristy things to do.

A friend suggested going to Montserrat - should we try to go to the monastery instead of Valencia?

kimhe

I just suggested to do a "day-trip" within Barcelona itself on another thread:

You could also do a day-trip within the city itself by going to Montjuic (Jewish mountain) right in the centre. Spectacular views of both the city and the sea from the castle on the top, and Montjuic in general is lots of museums, theaters, 1992 Olympic sports arenas and greens. Take the Teleferic up here (or bus or taxi or walk): http://www.telefericdemontjuic.cat/en/

Two of my favourite restaurants in town are at the foot of Montjuic. La Perla is as genuine and traditional as it gets, only open for lunch (until about 5pm). http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...Catalonia.html

And I had one of the best meals in my life in close by, old school and rock'n roll Xemei a few weeks ago. The Bigoli en salsa Veneciana is unlike anything I've ever tasted before: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Lvcjtoh0tU

Went to Xemei late at night after seing out of this world Rocío Molina in Mercat de les Flors some 300 meters away (in the so called Theater city). In all July, the Grec festival goes on here, concerts and performances from top of the shelf Catalan artists: http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/...el-teatre.html

A "day-trip" to Montjuic could start with an early lunch at La Perla, then up to the castle on the top with the Teleferic, then take the 20-25 mins fine walk down to the beautiful Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium. After that perhaps a glass or cup of something in close by, tranquile and secluded La Font del Gat (http://www.lafontdelgat.com/) before a visit to the mind-blowing Miró museum just up the road. Prepare for a theater performance or concert in one of the venues in the Theater city in the fine little cafe in the Teatre Lliure, and round the night off with food from heaven in Xemei.

Given the natural and cultural richness of the Montjuic area, there are of course innumerable variants of this plan. You should also know that at the bottom of Montjuic, you'll find the very local atmosphere Poble Sec district with it's many great tapas bars and restaurants. https://www.airbnb.no/locations/barcelona/el-poble-sec

About Montjuic: http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/...-montjuic.html

RM67

I would second Montjuic - it was my favourite day in Barcelona.

Use the funicular and cable car to get up to the top of the park then work your way back down on foot. The Joan Miro Foundation is amazing - I would give anything to have the Hair Persued by Two Planets up at home, not to mention the building itself is wonderful - modernist heaven with great views down over the city. Next door there is a small sculpture garden also worth a look.

You may well be able to have a swim in the outdoor Olympic pool, as I think that's open to the public in July and August (the one famous for the shots of divers like Greg Loganis aginst the backdrop of the city). If not have a wander round the old Olympic park and water features anyway - again more world class views. Back down the hill and you've got the Catalunyan Art Museum and the Magic Fountain. You might also catch a glimpse of the polo ponies being exercised in the outdoor arena on your way down...

RM67

PS: Trip Report and pics which might help you

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...rip-report.cfm

kimhe

The 1992 Olympic swimming arena in Montjuic is spectacular and open to the public (entrance 4€). The World championship 2013 was also held here: http://www.theguardian.com/travel/20...ntjuic-piscina

melid85

Thank you so much for all your suggestions - All the stories and tips you have shared about Montjuïc have made it a definite must see on my list. However, we are planning on going to Montjuïc on day 2 of our stay in Barcelona. Since we have a limited time - we are roughly following the following itinerary published by frommers -

Day 1 - http://www.frommers.com/destinations/barcelona/760376
Day 2 -Montjuïc and combination of http://www.frommers.com/destinations/barcelona/760377 and http://www.frommers.com/destinations/barcelona/760378 - will be cutting out some of the museums

The reason we are going to Montjuïc on day 2 even though it is suggested on day 1 is because I get to Barcelona at 10:30am and feel we may not be able to accomplish everything suggested in the itinerary and make it in time to Parc Güell for the sunset.

If we are able to see Montjuïc on day 2 would you recommend going to Valencia on day 3? I am getting a feeling from the responses that it may not be worth it. But please let me know - or should we just follow day 3 in the suggested itinerary?

RM67

I think with only 3 days you should stay in Barca. I know you have Las Ramblas but does that include La Boqueria? It's a great market and a fab lunch spot. You could follow with an exploration of the Born with its chocolate shops and make day 3 all about grub.

kja

I think you would be hard pressed to see everything you say you want to see in Barcelona in just 2 days. It might be possible in 3 days, though I wouldn't guarantee it. ;-)

Even if you do manage to fit everything into 2 days, I'm not sure I would want to smash Valencia into a single day trip from Barcelona. If you find that you are "done" with Barcelona and have a free day, you might consider Tarragona or Monserrat.

JMO.

melid85

Thank you - Based on the responses - we have decided to stay in Barcelona - in the chance we go to Monserrat - would we need to book a tour or can we drive there.

Also what are some local car companies we can get cars from?

kja

I personally would not recommend renting a car to go to Montserrat or anywhere else while in Barcelona. Instead, use the excellent public transportation options.

Here's information about how to get to Monserrat:
http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.c...ontserrat.html

kimhe

It's not so much about "see" Montjuic in itself, even though it's great views, the castle, spectacular sports arenas, greens etc. The Montjuic "thing", at least for me, is the museums, the history, the theaters, the glass of whatever in a cafe and some very special restaurants. And all in a slow pace and with all the time in the world ;-)