Hi everyone,

My husband and I are going to Barcelona in March for the first time. We are in our early 40's and enjoy food--tapas etc. and I particularly love small shops.I am in the process of looking for a place to stay, I am torn between staying in a hotel or an apartment< have read good reviews on Habitat apartments.>
I am thinking about an apartment in El Born(princess apt??) but am worried about safety-- is it safe walking around at night?? We just don't have much apartment experience out of USA.
I'll greatly appreciate any suggestions,
cccmoral

We stayed in Hesperia Ramblas Hotel last July. It's just a block off La Ramblas, but with a room with a window over the back alley, we never heard a peep. Couldn't recommend it more highly. It was 309 euro for four nights; I think there was a promotion for 20 percent off.

For lots of great info, print out Mirabel's Barcelona guide from http://maribelsguides.com/

We stayed in Hotel Inglaterra, which we enjoyed.

"but am worried about safety-- is it safe walking around at night?? "

yes, El Born is safe... tons of restaurants and people .
I stayed at Princesa last March with a girlfriend ( she is a
safety worrier - and even she liked it).

You may be in bigger risk in the daytime and where it is crowded. I call barcelona, "A dance with pickpockets"

For sightseeing, it is: Gaudi, Gaudi, Gaudi, Picasso, Miro, Castle, cathedral in the city and Dali (figueras), Dali (Port Ligat) outside.

And see if you can find a restaurant which serves percebes (goose neck barnacles) I remember that the resturant Miro used to frequent had them.

Thanks everyone for your input! We'll surely try the goose neck barnacles.