Barcelona or Paris?
Sep 18th, 2003, 08:41 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Barcelona or Paris?
Hi everyone. I need your insight. If you had to pick either Paris or Barcelona for a three-day visit, which would you select?
I've been to Paris, but not for about 25 years, and I've never been to Barcelona, though I've been to Spain. I don't speak a lick of French, but I do speak a little Spanish (which I know isn't the primary language in Barcelona).
I enjoy museums, but I also like sightseeing and going out at night and walking about.
All opinions welcome!
Thanks.
I've been to Paris, but not for about 25 years, and I've never been to Barcelona, though I've been to Spain. I don't speak a lick of French, but I do speak a little Spanish (which I know isn't the primary language in Barcelona).
I enjoy museums, but I also like sightseeing and going out at night and walking about.
All opinions welcome!
Thanks.
Sep 18th, 2003, 08:46 AM
#2
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,942
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If this opportunity were presented to me I would choose Paris, even though I have been there many times. Barcelona (I have been once) is great but I would go to Paris. You have to decide what you want from the trip.
Sep 18th, 2003, 11:13 AM
#3
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This one particularly appeals to me since I just returned from a trip to both. I had visited Paris before, but had never been to Spain. For me, Barcelona was more special...it could be because I spent more time there, or because it was my first trip to Barcelona, or maybe because I live in NYC, and Paris had a similar, urban feel, while Barcelona had a more rustic quality...but whatever the reason, I think I would vote for Barcelona.
Either way, you're bound to have a great trip!
Either way, you're bound to have a great trip!
Sep 18th, 2003, 11:31 AM
#4
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,862
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would choose Paris, but I enjoyed Barcelona very much when I was there and would like to see it again.
It doesn't sound like Paris impressed you when you visited twenty-five years ago. So perhaps you're better off with Barcelona (unless, of course, you want to give Paris another try).
The Paris museums are unique. As far walking about, both cities have their attractions, so it's difficult to compare.
It doesn't sound like Paris impressed you when you visited twenty-five years ago. So perhaps you're better off with Barcelona (unless, of course, you want to give Paris another try).
The Paris museums are unique. As far walking about, both cities have their attractions, so it's difficult to compare.
Sep 18th, 2003, 11:32 AM
#5
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have been to both many times and Paris is always inspiring, fulfilling, romantic... If you want party, discos, nightlife go to Barcelona, but if this is not your idea of nice vacation, then go to Paris. Since u have only 3 days, get a tour on L'Open Bus ( the green / yellow one ) with nice explanations in english. I also dont speak a word in french and never had any problem!
Sep 18th, 2003, 12:39 PM
#7
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,815
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Having been to both, I prefer Paris to Barcelona but, since you've been to Paris and not Barcelona, why not check out the city of Gaudi?
Barcelona actually has, IMO, a somewhat-Parisian feel to it, especially on broad plane-tree lined boulevards like the Passeig de Gracia.
Although the official language there is Catalan, we had no problem in Barcelona with only English and my girlfriend's limited Spanish.
Barcelona actually has, IMO, a somewhat-Parisian feel to it, especially on broad plane-tree lined boulevards like the Passeig de Gracia.
Although the official language there is Catalan, we had no problem in Barcelona with only English and my girlfriend's limited Spanish.
Sep 18th, 2003, 09:43 PM
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi everyone. Thanks to all of you for taking the time to answer my question (and thanks in advance to anyone who might still post). You've given me a lot of helpful information. As always, I appreciate your responses.
Tom
Tom
Sep 19th, 2003, 06:29 AM
#10
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,635
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A friend who accompanied his son to the Olympics in Barcelona several years ago told me about being amazed sitting at a Cafe on the Ramblas (Barcelona) at 2:00 AM and seeing ladies pushing 'prams' as if it were a nice sunny afternoon. His comment: 'they live in a different world.'
It would depend on the days of the week you will be in either of those cities: for a weekend I would definitely choose Barcelona: do a city tour Saturday AM have a seafood platter in Barceloneta; Parc Guell Sunday afternoon and the steps of the Cathedral Sunday evening.
It's been 30-years since I last visited Paris - the transparent building outside the Louvre wasn't there yet but we did get to go up on Tour Eiffel and see most of Paris' attractions. I have no desire to return (and I speak more than un petit peu of French).
It would depend on the days of the week you will be in either of those cities: for a weekend I would definitely choose Barcelona: do a city tour Saturday AM have a seafood platter in Barceloneta; Parc Guell Sunday afternoon and the steps of the Cathedral Sunday evening.
It's been 30-years since I last visited Paris - the transparent building outside the Louvre wasn't there yet but we did get to go up on Tour Eiffel and see most of Paris' attractions. I have no desire to return (and I speak more than un petit peu of French).
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
surf_encinitas
Europe
8
Apr 3rd, 2009 04:03 PM
