Found Barcelona to be very dirty, graffiti everywhere, culture shock that everything was small....seemed every part of town was bad part of town. Husband caught pickpocket lady with hand in his pocket on metro (no money in pocket anyway)....and we were being very aware and diligent. Felt insecure there, beach was dirty with glass and bottles and dog poop. Saw dog poop everywhere. Did not care for food, went to the Barqueria (Market) and ate wonderful fresh bread with butter and jam EVERYDAY. Pealla was good. forgive spellings. people not rude but not overly friendly either. If you visit Spain, I do not recommend a big city, go to a small community or beach community

Barcelona is in our plans for next year so very interested in hearing feedback. What do you mean "everything was small"?
Hoping others can wade in with comments, both pro and con. Thx.

So sorry to hear you did not enjoy Barcelona. I am just back from a visit in May and liked it very much. It reminded me in some ways of Paris (Eixample district similar to the Grands Boulevards, I thought.) I often think people who don't enjoy large cities abroad probably don't spend much time in them at home either, and are just not "city people." There's nothing wrong with that, but NYC is also different from the suburbs and small towns in New York, and both have their merits.

Barcelona is a fairly big city, and it is very old, so there is going to be some dirt. (I live in a big city in the US, and it is certainly no cleaner, even though it's much newer....) As I do in any big city anywhere, I watch my belongings and my surroundings. I never felt unsafe.

I ate extremely well in Barcelona, and throughout Spain, and in fact did a trip report on the subject! But I am something of a "culinary traveler" and did lots of research re where and what to eat and drink before I left.

The TimeOut Eating & Drinking in Barcelona guidebook contained many of the places recommended from other sources; I'd suggest one of their guides to anyone looking for direction re where to dine or have a glass of wine or some cocktails.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34426788

Link to my trip report re eating & drinking in Spain

We were in Barcelona in May. Loved every minute there. The food was great, the city was pretty clean we thought (you have to remember, big cities are always dirtier than small towns) and people were friendly. we were there for 5 days, and did not have a bad moment. Of course, we did not go to the beach, I don't think of it as a beach resort, it's a port. As for the size...Europe is much older than the states, and hundreds of years ago, all was build smaller. Also, the europeans are not into "BIG" like the americans are. I find the little places so much more attractive and welcoming. We found Barcelona very rich in culture, history and art. The boulevards and smaller streets were so pleasant to stroll. Well, to each his own
Happy travels.

We live in the burbs of Dallas and yes most big cities are dirty, including Dallas, but dog poop, in our court yard, on the sidewalks near La Rambla, on the beach, and bottles/trash everywhere. Oh it was an experience. I did find Rome to be cleaner and I felt safer and it tends to be a pretty large city. I might add that downtown Seattle is beautiful as well as downtown Ft. Worth. And yes, you could never pay me enough to live in a 90 square foot apartment in dirty city where I have be aware of theives all the time!

I LOVE Barcelona, especially the Gaudi architecture. I'm from Seattle--love it dearly, but there's no way it (or IMO any other city in the U.S.) can compare to Barcelona (or Paris or Venice or Seville etc.) in the wealth of history and architecture and art and food (except perhaps NYC--art and food).

Well, everyone is certainly entitled to their opinion, but I have every intention on going back to Barcelona.

Barcelona is a beautiful and wonderful city! It's a shame that you didn't enjoy it. I've travelled to a lot of cities in the world, small and big... found Barcelona to be one of my favorite cities for its architecture, museums, food, and overall atmosphere.

I agree with all the posters above about Barcelona except teresaanaya.

We really loved Barcelona.
Yes, we are city people, but we have enjoyed small towns as well as big cities.
I think Barcelona has everything - wonderful architecture, lovely parks,fine museums, great views and places to stroll, excellent food (try chowhound.com, the international board for suggestions) - it ranks up with Paris, London and Rome for me.
I can't wait to go back!

Could anyone tell me if Barcelona is a good place to go for a Hen doo I have seen some cheapish Hostels to stay in for 3 days & 2 nights but I am unsure if it is relatively cheap to eat out & drink also if there are any good suggestions on what to do in the day?
The hen doo is going to be next April. I would be greatful for any advice on this subject.

Barcelona, in my opinion, and I only returned a few days ago, is a unique city, that is definitely worth visiting. The Gaudi architecture (including Parc Guell, Palau Guell, the Segrada Familia, Casa Mila and now Casa Batllo) are amazing. I also enjoyed the Barri Gotic, the Miro Museum on Montjuic and the Picasso Museum. The Museum in the old palace has one of the most amazing collections. We ate quite well and, once we ventured out of the tourist areas, at good prices. That being said, we spent 4 days outside the City first and I really enjoyed them more. I recommend Cadaquez (and Port Ligat) and Figueres for the Dali musuem and house as well as Tossa for an interesting old wall and beach town. I also recommend Besalu and Girona. I thought I was a "City" person, but this trip has perhaps shown me that I've changed.


I will post a trip report probably this weekend.

ANyway, I guess my point is that I sort of agree with Teresa in that some of the small towns and beach communities are quite enjoyable, perhaps more enjoyable than Barcelona, but there are still many reasons to go to Barcelona as well.

Let me know if you have any questions.