mbodine13

I also made another post about Ibiza - but this one is for our other destinations. I will be traveling with my friend (both male, young 20's) to Munich, Rome, & Barcelona in mid/late July. We know how we will be getting from city to city but we could use some suggestions on where to stay and what to do in each city.

My biggest question is when I search hotels on a travel website, should I select based on the hotel's location to the city center? We would like something convenient. The hotels I have searched for located near the city center were in our budget. Walking or taking public transportation (if it is safe and reliable) will be our ways of getting around; we would prefer not to pay for a cab. Any suggestions?

Finally, we have done our research but are still open for any of your favorite spots or suggestions on what to do/where to go/ETC while we are there.

nytraveler

If you want recommendations on where to stay you need to provide a budget - in euros - per night. Also, what you are expecting for that amount (budget, modest, moderate?) Can you share one double bed (the usual arrangement in a european hotel). Sometimes you can get 2 twin beds - but 2 double beds would be a more upscale/more expensive room.

kybourbon

You will need AC in July (at least for Rome and Barcelona). You need to state the number of people and budget to get suggestions. Many hotels claim to be walking distance, but often aren't that close. Post here before booking to see what people think of the location.

Munich and Barcelona subways are handy for lots of things. Rome's is not as useful as it only has a couple of lines.

PalenQ

Munich, Rome and Barcelona are of course far apart and assuming you may be going by train and hitting spots in between those places check out the Eurail Youthpass - for folks under 26 years of age and for several long trips a bargain IMO.

You may want to take overnight trains as well like between Munich and Italy to save time and relocate from one end of Europe to another and also save on the cost of a night's accommodation.

For lots of good info on European trains and passes check out these IMO superb sites - www.ricksteves.com; www.seat61.com and www.budgeteuropetravel.com - download the latter's free and superb IMO online European Planning & Rail Guide for lots of rail-oriented itineraries in various countries.

And many young folk just love Amsterdam, not only one of the most physically beautiful cities in Europe but also a lively place for young people - whether or not you want to do coffeeshops where marijuana is sold above board over the counter. Tons of young people from all over Europe and the world in Amsterdam in summer.

kybourbon

PQ - The OP stated they already had their travel between cities and want suggestions in cities.

adrienne

It's easier to respond if you post your itinerary then we can see where the gaps are and make suggestions.

Rome:
Borghese Gallery
As many churches as you can

Barcelona:
Sagrada Familia
Parc Guell
Casa Battlo
La Pedrera
Palau de la Musica
Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia
Ramblas
Sant Pau Hospital
Palau Güell
MNAC (Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya)

kimhe

In Barcelona, you could stay in the vibrant and medieval Born district. Close to "everything", fabulous tapas bars and great nightlife. http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.c...s/el-born.html

I use to stay in good value and basic hotel standard (private bath, TV, A/C, safe, 24h desk) Hostal Orleans on the outskirts of El Born, about 60€ for a double: http://www.hostalorleans.com/index.php?lang=en
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/hostal-orleans.html

Excellent Basque pintxos 50 meters down the street from the hotel. Each pintxo is 1,50-3€: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...Catalonia.html

Cal Pep is one of the best tapas bars in town, and 100 meters from Hostal Orleans. Quite expensive but well worth a splurge. Get in line 15-20 mins before opening to get a place at the bar where all the action is: http://www.calpep.com/
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/ba.../tapas/cal-pep
http://eatlikeagirl.com/2011/05/06/b...ch-at-cal-pep/

No fuss typical and almost 24/7 café/bar/restaurant Navia is next door to Orleans. I use to have breakfast here. Great lunch deals, excellent house soup/stew and very popular with locals. Gruops of friends often come here after midnight to eat and drink. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...Catalonia.html

The hotel is five-ten minutes walking to the local atmosphere and great vibe Barceloneta district, just inland from the popular city beach: http://www.theguardian.com/travel/20...taurants-spain

Carrer Aribau, close to the university from 1450, is much fun: http://suitelife.com/2011/02/28/arib...treet-profile/

And you should check out the gentrifying Raval district, just west of famous Las Ramblas. The Rambla de Raval is ten times less touristy and much more affordable: http://www.timeout.com/barcelona/things-to-do/the-raval
http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/Engl...yi-uqKUzYbpTQ4

PalenQ

PQ - The OP stated they already had their travel between cities and want suggestions in cities.>

skimmed over that - OP what kind of travel arrangements do you have between cities or were you talking in a general sense, like we are going to take the train between A and B - if so some could make recommendations but if you mean booked in stone like discount airlines or trains then yes it is booked in stone and no further developments.

Curious