I am making my first trip to Barcelona in March with my 15 year old grandson.

We need a budget place to stay that is close in.

And what do you recommend as musts? We are going to try to get tickets to the soccer match. He wants to people watch and eat. I want to do museums.

Would you recommend any side trips?

what IS your budget?
If you type Barcelona in "search this forum"
you'll find a ton of info.

Also take a look at a wonderful
Maribel's Guide
http://www.maribelsguides.com/

We liked the Hotel Lleo--conveniently located, large rooms, modern bathrooms, helpful front desk staff. In 2004, it was about 100 Euro.

We loved the Gaudi sites: La Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, Casa Battllo, Parc Guell.

Strolling Las Ramblas and watching the street performers might be fun for a teen.

I recommend you take a look at Maribel's Guide Barcelona. It's still a free download.

Two museums I found really interesting were the Museum of the City of Barcelona with its underground tour of the ancient Roman city, and the Maritime Museum in the medieval shipyards.

You might be interested in my trip report:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34955177

Photos:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=...&y=-o3uxdp