Does anyone else NOT like Barcelona?
 

So my husband and I are in Barcelona and to be quite honest, feel that the city is really over-hyped. The food isn't very good, the city doesn't have the same buzz as other European capitols. It's a little like flying 6000 miles to see San Diego. Let us know what were doing wrong and please don't suggest the Ramblas or anything Gaudi.......and please dont post nasty messages. We genuinely want to know what we are doing wrong.

you may not be doing anything at all wrong, it's just not good 'chemistry' perhaps.
Many people love Vienna, I didn't.

I didn't care for it much at all, it is terribly overrated, I too was disappointed. Awfully touristy too!

> the city doesn't have the same buzz as other European capitols.

It's not the capital, maybe thats why. I'm not being nasty, honest. I have never been to Spain, but if you aren't enjoying Barcelona, then maybe others can suggest side-trips/day-trips ?

Are you still in Barcelona?

I had fairly low expectations for it, and I actually liked it quite a lot. There's a lot of variety -- Montjuic, Passeig de Gracia, the old part of town, etc. I liked it so much that this is one of the places I'd contemplate visiting again.

Which European cities are your favorite?

Foodwise, I didn't have any great culinary revelations when I was there, but that could be due to the restaurants I picked. In case you're unaware, the cognoscenti are now declaring Spain a hotbed of culinary revolution. France is staid, but Spain is exciting. El Bulli, Ferran Adria's restaurant, is two hours away from Barcelona.

Wow, I thought I was an oddball too, because everybody I talked to said that Barcelona is absolutely the most wonderful city in the world. Mind you, you must remember that everyone enjoys places for different reasons, and you can't apply one person's tastes to someone else. I much more enjoyed France because I speak fluent French but hardly any Spanish (my fault, yes), so I found the language barrier to be quite bothersome to me. I did find the architecture to be quite beautiful, and I was glad to take the Bus Turistic to give me an overview of the sights. However, I heard so much about Las Ramblas and how it is a must, and when I walked down it, I said to myself "is that it?!".

I believe a personal remational reaction to a particular city is like falling in love... impossible to explain why it does or doesn't happen, whom it does or doesn't happen with!

I was so excited to see Amsterdam, and "we" just didn't click (for example). But send me to Venice or Paris... ahhhhhhh now that's LOVE.

<remational> that would be emotional ~LOL

The only thing you are "doing wrong" is wasting your energy going on a guilt trip. Your experience was obviously different than the ones others have had...what is "wrong" with that? It's a fact. If the place appealed to everbody in the same degree then EVERYBODY would be going there all the time.

However, I do think you should be careful on the one hand admonishing everyone not to "post nasty messages" and then YOU turn around and imply that San Diego is the pits. Keep doing stuff like that and people WILL start thinking there IS "something wrong" with you.

For what it's worth, I think that each major city probably requires two visits, at least. The first time I was in Amsterdam, I disliked it, but I liked it much better when I was there a second time. My opinion of London has also changed, from "I don't really like it" to "I quite like it" to "I don't care much for it."

Cities change; we change. That's what makes travel interesting.

Also, keep expectations low. I find that I'm much more pleased when I've no idea what to expect.

I have never been to Barcelona. I plan to go in the next year or so, hopefully I'll make it there soon. I know lots of people that didn't care for it and equally as many people who raved about it (the big draw for many seemed to be the Gaudi architecture).

I have the advantage of being in the UK so it's an easy hop over there and if I end up a little disappointed, then it's no big deal.

However, I was curious as to your comparison with people travelling a long way to San Diego. I have done that (although it was just a small part of a trip round California). I'd be interested to know why you make this comparison. I really enjoyed San Diego, it's on my list of places to go back to but of course we all like different things - if we didn't, how boring would this forum become?!

Since you are there now, I assume you will be for a little while longer. So, I'll offer some alternatives to get out of the city:

Take the train to Monserrat and do some hiking. Go to the vineyards north of Barcelona and drink some wonderful cava. You can spend a day doing each of these.

Take the train to another city - like Stiges.

You could go to the chocolate museum. I thought it was really fun and something different (ask where it is at the tourist office - it's a few blocks from the Picasso Museum, which might be another good choice).

Go up Montjuic and see the Olympic site. You can swim in the pool up there if you want.

Sorry you don't like it. I loved Barcelona, but everyone is different.

Karen

I was there this past May and I agree generally with what you are saying. I've been to many other places and Barcelona really didn't do it for me either. Didn't hate it; didn't love it. I'm glad I went to judge it for myself, but it's not a place I would have any desire to go back to. But that's the life and lessons of travel. Some places you will love, some places, not so much. At least you get to experience it for yourself.

Really, Amanda, as a resident of San Diego for 40 years I'm marginally offended by your remark. Pray tell, what's the city of your residence?

Well, I told her that this would happen and I guess I should have added that I am actually flying TO San Diego tomorrow (but only going 3000 miles) and VERY MUCH looking forward to being back in that city.

Oh, well, I guess some things and places simply cannot hold a candle to living in Backwater Where God Lost His Shoes.

I agree. No guilt trips. Sometimes places just don't click for whatever reason. My husband and I loved Barcelona; but, that doesn't mean that you have to. It's not too late to read through Maribel's guide and see what might appeal to you in the area. (www.maribelsguides.com) Karen's idea to get out of the city is also a good one. I'm not sure how long you plan to stay, or how flexible your plans are regarding moving on to someplace else, or what you and your husband really love to do. I'll offer a few suggestions that are more off the beaten track, less touristy and perhaps might appeal:

The Maritime museum is well done with an English speaking hand-held wand you can take as your personal guide. (Other languages are also available.) This is a neat place if either of you has an interest in Naval History. The day we went we had the place mostly to ourselves and loved the quiet and solitude.

We also loved the MNAC at Montjuic. If you have been to the Cloister's in New York and enjoyed that vist, you would enjoy this special museum.

Figueras might be a day-trip if you enjoy Salvadore Dali's work.

I hope your trip turns for you and you have a good time together in spite of not connecting with Barcelona.

If the Catalan food isn't to your liking, try some of the ethnic places. If that doesn't do the trick, head to the basement of El Corte Ingles near La Plaza Catalunya and get groceries for a picnic. (You'll also find a good wine selection here.)

- Sharon

The Miro foundation is also on Montjuic. I don't especially care for Miro, but I liked this.

The cable car rides to Montjuic are really fun, I thought.

Barcelona also has an opera house called the Liceu, which was burned down and rebuilt, I believe. It's on Las Ramblas, next to the big covered market whose name I forget. I didn't get a chance to see a performance here, but this could be another fun option. Keep expectations low and see if you can find some cheap tickets.

As strange as this sounds, we really enjoyed a meal at a Thai restaurant. I think that it's called "Thai Garden," but I don't know for sure. It's near Passeig de Gar(ra?)cia. It comes recommended by "Time Out Barcelona," but the edition I used had a misprint so the address was wrong. We had a hard time finding it, and I wrote the editor when I came back.

So if you're still there, there're still lots of ideas!

Very interesting what you say about Barcelona. I think a lot has to do with the people. They are quite serious, the people from Barcelona, and their city has had a lot of ups and downs over the years. The 1992 Olympics has helped to put Barcelona on the tourist map but it is a relatively new tourist destination although there is tremendous hype about the city.

I think it would be interesting for you to read A Homage to Barcelona by the Irish writer Colm Tobin. See http://www.colmtoibin.com/books/nonf...ona/index.html for more info.

I also suggest reading BarcelonaWalks by George Semler, an American living in Barcelona. http://www.georgesemler.com/

amanda: I am sorry you are having a disapointing time.

I absolutely adore Barcelona and Gaudi :) but, as others have said, we all have different reactions to different cities.

Lenci's recommendation re BarcelonaWalks is an excellent one - it is by far the finest city guide book I have ever read. If you could find it in Barcelona, it would provide some depth and context to the city. It certainly added enormously to my enjoyment of the city.

Maybe you could consider getting out of the city for a few days. I know you may have already paid for your hotel in Barcelona, but if you are miserable it would be better to spend a few hundred more to get yourself happy again - I am sure this is a well-earned and much looked-forwar to vaction.

I would recommend Girona, a lovely old town, which could easily be done as a day trip. If you rent a car, you could visit the Aiguabrava area and stay in the fantastic Parador which has wonderful views over the ocean.

Another option would be to spend a couple of days in France. You can take a three hour train ride north to Perpignan or, better still, drive.

Best wishes ... Ger

Me, me!

I came up to Barce from Tarragona one day in 1966, drove down the Ramblas, and then got back to Tarragona fast.

Harzer

The covered market 111op recommends is called La Boqueria.
-Sharon

We found Barcelona humid, crowded and chaotic. People not very friendly, which we found to be typical of Spain as a whole. We prefered Nice and Marseilles - welcoming people and the food is good too:)

We were in Spain this past June.

We started in madrid and were pleasantly surprised that is wasn't chaotic or noisy but it was far from a higlight other than museums.

We then went to seville and really liked it. The Alcazar was the 'highlight'.

Then on to Granada. Disappointed in the Alhambra. Not because of anything but hype and hype is hard to meet. Were pleasantly surprised with the city.

Then on to Barcelona. The Ramblas is nothing. The architecture in Eixample is beautiful. We didn't take a tour bus but walked up and down the streets. The Gaudi stuff is more a curiosity but very interesting. The Gothic area was nice to walk around in. The food was fine. After being in places where they won't serve tapas outdoors, this was a pleasant surprise.

1. Seville.
2. Barcelona.

I was in Barcelona for four days in April, and I confess that for the first couple of days I was underwhelmed. But once I left, I was hooked. There are so many cool little shops... you can find anything there!

Try to get lost in the back streets in the old part of town, near the Picasso Museum. Hit some of the tapas bars on Montacada. Check out the Parc de la Ciutadella, which is lovely and green and quiet.

You said not to suggest anything Gaudi but Parc Guell is a great place to hang out, even if you don't like Gaudi.

La Boqueria is also a must. Eat at one of the tapas bars inside and you'll change your mind about the food not being good.

Shannon (who lives in San Diego, one block from the ocean, and loves it.)

Ok you don't like it, fair enough. But how can anyone compare Barcelona to SAN DIEGO? Am I missing something here?

Hi, I'm glad we are not the only ones to feel like that. We thought the Ramblas pretty tacky - the Gaudi cathedral is worth a look, but that's about all. My cousin, stuck in Barcelona for longer than he wanted, did some day trips to a sparkling wine house about an hour from B, up in the mountains (sorry, I can't recall the name, but maybe a tourist office could help?) - he said it was wonderful, great scenery.

Why do guidebooks always recommend Las Ramblas? It's just a big sidewalk with tons of newspaper stands, tons of tourists, a few "living statues", some con artists trying to get you to "follow the ball" and I'm sure pickpockets. That's it. Shame on the Fodor's "See It Barcelona", which says "no trip to the city is complete without seeing Las Ramblas, considered to be its very heart."

Sorry got cut off before - I was apologizing for the San Diego comment - living in LA, San Diego is great for a long weekend and in all fairness even though I live in LA I wouldnt recommend it as a tourist spot.....Anyways, back from Barcelona now, husband ended up with food poisoning so that kind of killed our last few days there. Alas, maybe I will give it another shot at some other time!

Topman, give the superior attitude a rest. You and M_Kingdom2 sound like nasty twins.

I thought I was the only one! I've been to Barcelona twice -- once in May 1985 and again this past August. I didn't like it either time. Everyone raves about it, and it is the new IN place for foodies. But I just don't get it. I especially agree about The Ramblas. Yuck.

Cities I love in Europe are (in no particular order): Venice, Rome, Lucerne, Florence, Dublin, Edinburgh, London, Oslo, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Berlin . . .

Shopping in Barcelona is very much below par, it was impossible to buy any clothes by Galliano, Prada (mainline), Dior by Hedi Slimane, Jil Sander.. to name but a few.

Bilbao, which is a far smaller city, had such superior shops, in a more welcoming less touristy atmosphere.

I just got back last week from Barcelona and I really liked it. I mainly went because it was my husbands choice (my choice was Venice too- ahhh Venice....) but i did have a wonderful time in Barcelona. I think it just depend on your taste. My husband really raved over the Gaudi stuff- I enjoyed it but not to the level he did. We also went to Paris- which i thought SUCKED!!!!! I had such high expectations! Both Venice and Barcelona blew Paris away...... in my opinion.

Paris is one of the world's greatest cities, I adore Paris, Barcelona can't compare. You need your head seeing to.

Barcelona is a touristy, pretentious dump that is very up itself with lots of awful forced modernist architecture.

Sometimes I worry that M_K might be MY evil twin - I agree with her (his?) opinion, though on a much less extreme level. For me, the modernist Eixample area is basically Hausmann's Paris on LSD - fun to see once, but it won't keep me coming back.

When you start comparing the truly old parts of Paris with those of Barcelona, that's when things start to get very ugly for Barcelona. Don't even get me started on cultural activities (and I don't only mean shopping ;-) )

Gotta say that the MNAC is an absolute gem though.

Andre

Amadakr,
I very pro-Barcelona so I am wondering if your (-) experience was due to weather or illness (impending food poisoning of your husband?). I know that both have happened to me on my travels and impact my opinion of the place.

I didn't care for Barcelona either. It is the only place I've been to in Europe that I wouldn't bother going back to.

I am another person who did not like Barcelona. I thought it was maybe because I was there in the winter (January) although the weather wasn't too bad. I wasn't all that fond of tapas (I will eat anything) and after seeing the Guadi architecture and enjoying a few old streets around the Picasso museum, I was ready to leave. Maybe getting out of town into the surrounding areas would give a different prospective but it's not a place I would visit again.

Paula (who lives in San Diego county and loves it)

When I returned to Paris from Barcelona, I felt a sigh of relief as if I were back home! (isn't that wild?!)

Maybe I should start a new thread, but how many days would you recommend staying in Barcelona to get a good overview. Also, Would you start your trip there and end up in Paris, or vice versa?? I'll post this in the France section and see what people say.Thanks everyone!

definitely start a new thread! I'd like to know the answer to your question myself!