Barcelona - Request for advice/tips
 

I'm travelling to Barcelona in a few weeks. I do not speak Spanish (am trying to learn as much as I can right now) and am starting to panic. How can I/can I make the most of my trip to Barcelona with limited languange skills? I've never travelled to a non-english speak country.<BR>Also, can anyone recommend good english-speaking walking tours through the city (group or personal)? Thanks for any help you may give. Dan

Dan, I speak almost no Spanish and had no language problems in Barcelona. The local language is actually Catalan, but you will see both on signs, menus, etc. Most people spoke at least a little English, and I discovered, to my delight, that the French-speaking population was very big. Make sure to take a Catalan/English dictionary that has a good menu translation section. I found the food words unlike any other romance language.<BR>If you really love guided tours, go ahead and get one, but the city is small enough that I don't think you will benefit much. I used the TimeOut and Fodors guides, both of which have their own (very nice) walking tours. <BR>I you want any specific advice, I would be glad to share. Of all my trips around the world, including Paris, Barcelona was my favorite!

Message: Message: Hi Dan,<BR>I hope you enjoy Barcelona, the best way to see the city is by taking a two day pass on the Bus Turistic - ticket price 18 Euros. It leaves from Place Catalunya and has an English speaking guide.<BR>It takes you to all the interesting sites and you can hop on and hop off as you wish.<BR>You can get off at the Tramvia Blue stop and take the ride up to Tibidabo, this gives you a superb view of the city and there are a couple of good restaurants near the funicular stop.<BR>Restaurant Nuria, right across the road from The Continental Hotel at the top of Las Ramblas also has a very good, reasonably priced, menu.<BR>The Barri Gothic (the old quarter) is a maze of narrow streets with the cathedral in the centre.<BR>You must see the traditional dance - The Sardana - which is performed at various times in the square in front of the cathedral. The tourist information office at Placa Catalunya will probably be able to let you have more details and advise you about the availability of walking tours.<BR>Barceloneta, the old fishermans quarter, is also a good place to wander around with lots of excellent fish restaurants.<BR>Walking down Las Ramblas from Placa Catalunya down to the Colombus monument is an experience in itself with lots of living statues as well as various stalls selling flowers, birds and bric-a-brac.<BR>Las Ramblas and the Barri Gothic are supposed to be the worst place for pick-pockets, but we had no trouble, just use common sense and don't flaunt any valuables such as watches and cameras.<BR>Hope you enjoy your trip as much as I did mine.<BR>You will have no language problems, but I agree with the idea of taking a Spanish/Catalan dictionary.<BR>The Time Out guidebook has a listing of restaurant dishes - you might like to take a copy of that with you.<BR>Enjoy Barcelona - it's a wonderful city - I also prefer it to Paris.<BR>Regards<BR>Maggie.<BR>Regards<BR>Maggie <BR>

Jess and Maggie, <BR><BR>Thank you for your help.<BR>

Heya, I'm almost fluent in Spanish and I didn't understand the Catalan as well as I thought I would. As the others have said, the Spanish I encountered were at least decent in their English. Hand gestures really help. Use whatever Spanish you're comfortable with. The people really appreciate it as a gesture of openness to learn more about their country. It doesn't matter if your grammar is terrible, they just appreciate the effort. Enjoy!

Brilliant walking tours are available through http://www.myft.net/<BR><BR>We got them to do one for just the two of us and loved it. So did the guide!<BR>Various themes and locations for the tours.<BR><BR>Do watch out for anyone spilling anything on you -- if that happens, it will be a pickpocket attempt, don't let anyone help you clean it off.<BR><BR>This happens not just in Barcelona by the way, but it is relatively common there and can happen on a quiet, safe looking street. Just be aware, not worried.<BR><BR>Doug<BR>

Spent three days in Barcelona recently. Everyone I encountered spoke Spanish fluently (Catalan being a second language for some)and of course many locals connected to the tourist industry speak english.<BR>Agree that the BusTuristic is an inexpensive way to get to all of the major tourist sites in Barcelona at your leisure. Plus they give you a book of discount coupons to visit various attractions.