How Many Days in Barcelona -- And Best Area to Stay -- And ...???
 

I am considering a first visit to Barcelona, prior to an annual work trip to Northern Ireland.

I'll be flying from Kauai (Hawaii) and found a ridiculously low one-way fare to Barcelona: $210 (basic economy, which I probably would not do, solely because I'll want to choose my seat for such a long flight); or $255 for main cabin. That fare is only available on one day: Tuesday, 2/26 (arriving the 27th). Fares are WAYYY higher on other days!

I don't need to be in Belfast until March 8th. So I'm thinking about splitting my time: maybe 5 or 6 nights in Barcelona and 4 or 5 nights in a favorite place on N. Ireland's Antrim Coast. I've been to the Antrim Coast many times (maybe 8 - 10) and I love it there. But if I should spend more time in Spain, I could do that.

In Barcelona, I'm especially interested in the old town and nearby medieval towns, and doing some photography in the Pyrenees -- and/or other natural, scenic spots. Is there a most convenient area to stay? I love to be able to walk to attractions.

Also... is Valencia worth a one- or 2-nt visit? There is a possibility of my working there for only a few hours. But I wouldn't do the 3-1/2 hour train ride unless there were good reasons to visit Valencia.

Thanks so much for your help!

As always, it depends on what you want to see and do! I spent 5 very full days in just Barcelona itself and could have spent more time there. If you haven't seen it, you might find some useful information in my trip report, which includes Barcelona, parts of the Costa Brava, and a bit of the Pyrenees. I trust you would check climate data before committing to the Pyrenees in March.
https://www.fodors.com/community/eur...lunya-1047395/

kja: Thanks for your response. Wow! That was quite a trip!

I haven't checked the climate in the Pyrenees. I assumed it would be cold and/or snowy. But I hiked in the Czech Republic, Germany & Norway in bitter cold, ice, and snow, so I wouldn't let that bother me--as long as roads are accessible. I'll check to see whether the hiking tours even operate that time of year.

Any suggestions about an area to stay that would be centrally located for walking to the main attractions???

Chapters One Through Five are our days in Barcelona. Lots of photos and recommendations on what sights you should buy tix in advance online. Five nights was the perfect amount of time for us.


https://travelswithmaitaitom.com/spain-2015/


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...953afdb6b6.jpg

I'd stay in the Barri Gotic or Eixample. The Barri Gotic is scenic and historic. Your camera will love it. This Wikipedia page list its attractions.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gothic_Quarter,_Barcelona
There's loads of accomodation in this area. We've stayed twice at Catalonia Magdalenes. It's on a narrow, quiet street that close to Palau de la Musica Catalana (a must-see), the Barcelona Cathedral, two metro stations, the main street of Via Laietana, and just a short walk to Plaze de la Catalunya and the Picasso Museum.

Eixample is more modern and home to many Art Nouveau architectural masterpieces.
https://barcelonando.com/eixample
Along its Passeig de Gràcia street, you'll find Gaudi's Milà "La Pedrera", his Casa Batlló, Josep Puig i Cadafalch'sCasa Amatller, and more.

The metro is very handy for getting around Barcelona.

OMG. What a report!!!
W-O-W!!!
Thank you.

I stayed 5 nights in Barcelona and did not go anywhere for day trips.
5 days was the right amount of time for us.
We stayed at Hotel Barcelona Catedral, which we found to be a great location for walking to lots of sights.
It is also very close to Plaza de Catalunya which has the aeroport bus. I think from memory around 6euros one way from the airport per person.

4-5 days is a good amount of time to visit Barcelona. If you want to make trips to the mountains though, I think 6-7 days would be a better choice. Regarding the areas, I think Barri Gotic or El Born would be the best choice in your case.

hewillgofar: Welcome to Fodors. >>I think Barri Gotic or El Born would be the best choice in your case.<<.

Just an FYI/hint - it is usually a good idea to look at the dates and read the whole thread . . . the thread is from January and songdoc's trip was 6 months ago.

I just realized that I did not specify the year of my trip. So it was indeed 6 months ago, It was awesome. I spent four nights and stayed on La Rambla. if I had it to do over again I would choose the same location and would have added a couple of days for a more leisurely pace and additional day trips.

I LOVED Barcelona (and surrounds).

Point taken, I actually really did not look at the date ;-)