We have just decided to travel to Europe and spend about 10 days in Barcelona March 20 to March 30 before visiting family in Florence. We are in our mid-50s, this will probably be our only trip to Spain and we would prefer not renting a car. Don't have much time to plan and I would like advice on accommodations and things we should see and do in Barcelona and the area. Looking for inexpensive accommodations in quieter area - can you recommend type of accommodation and best sites to check if not a specific place?

Day trips recommended? we like scenery, history, nature, architecture, good food/wine
Thanks

We stayed at the Regencia Colon opposite the Cathedral. That was in 2004, so prices have undoubtedly gone up by now, but it was pretty reasonable.

You must see the Sagrada Familia, the Block of Discord, and the Casa Mila. We loved the tour we took of the Palau de Música.

Also be sure to check for times of the Sardana, the Catalan national dance. I think it's in front of the Cathedral at noon on Sunday and also at the Placa San Jaume at about 6:00 or 6:30 on Thursday, but that may have changed.

It's fun to just wander around looking at the living statues (usually of religious figures) and take in the street musicians.

I'm sure other posters will give more suggestions.

Barcelona is a wonderful city, but wear your money belt and don't keep anything valuable in your purse.

Easter falls on 22 March this year, so prices will be somewhat higher for the 20th, 21st and 22nd.

You can check the Hotel Inglaterra (http://www.hotel-inglaterra.com), which is showing rates as low as 179 euros/night on your dates.

You can also download a free copy of Maribel's Guide to Barcelona (http://maribelsguides.com), which will help in planning your adventure in Barcelona.

Thanks for the advice. Any recommendations on best way to search for accommodations in Barcelona and what we can expect to pay for 3star type accommodation?

I would highly recommend a daytrip to Montserrat-it's an absolutely beautiful place.

You might be interested in the trip report about a week my husband and I spent in Barcelona last February:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34955177

Photos:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=...&y=-o3uxdp

Nikki ... your description is wonderful .. erases some of the doubts I was having about visiting Barcelona. Did you visit outside Barcelona during the week .. we are planning 10 days in Barcelona and wondering if we should include sonmewhere else in that time or is Barcelona with day trips plenty?

I think if I had ten days, I would plan to visit another area as well as Barcelona. Not that you couldn't spend ten days there happily, but that with ten days you have the opportunity to go somewhere else as well.

That said, we had planned to take at least one day trip during our week in Barcelona and ended up skipping that in favor of more time in the city.

Nikki .. hotels seem quite expensive in Barcelona .. any experience / information with guest houses or pension.... I can't make out the difference between hostels, B&B, guest houses and pensions ?all seem to be the same thing

I only have experience with one hotel and one apartment in Barcelona. The hotel was the H10 Catalunya Plaza, which I liked. The apartment is linked in my trip report.

I believe a hostal is a budget hotel, not a hostel. I have not seen B&Bs, guest houses or pensions listed for Barcelona.

Have you checked Maribel's Guide for Barcelona, mentioned earlier in one of the responses? Very useful. www.maribelsguides.com

thanks for the tip to Hotel H10 Catalunya Plaza and I will check out the guide.

Yes, a hostal is a budget hotel, but they are not as regulated as proper hotels so they vary a lot in quality.
B&B or guest houses are almost unknown in Spain. Pensions are the lowest category of accomodations here..believe me, you don't want to be in a pension in a big city...

that clears it up and thanks for the advice on the pensions. So price of clean, convenient hotel with private bathroom starts at about 60 euros per person?

with 10 days in Barcelona am also considering Mallorca - appears scenic and I expect quiet in March

Yes, even a little less , around 100 euros per room/night. If there is no big business event in town, you can find even some good offers.
Take a look at www.gtahotels.com or www.booking.com and see what you can find.
Mallorca is a nice option, sure. The weather is not predictable in March, though.

you could take the high speed train from barcelona to valencia for two/three nights.

it has everything to offer you seem to be looking for.

blanche5678,

The Hostal Girona might fit the bill for you. My trip report dates back to January 2004 but you might find it of some use;

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34467790

Jim

Jim .. thanks for the heads up on the hostal Girona .. great description in your trip report.

Valencia sounds interesting ... we had been considering Mallorca for a couple of days at the end of March .... any advice on Valencia vs Mallorca?

Last May, we stayed at the Hotel Continental Palacete near Plaza Cataluna on the Eixample side - charming and comfortable with breakfast buffet for 130 Euros per night.

thanks - as per the maps I have
Plaza Cataluna on the Eixample side seems quite central?