What to do morning of arrival in Barcelona?
Apr 18th, 2013, 06:15 AM
#1
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What to do morning of arrival in Barcelona?
I'll be arriving in Barcelona next week, around 9:30 AM, figure I'll be at the hotel by 11AM or so. Judging from past experiences, our hotel room might not be ready so we're free to wander for several hours. Any recommendations what to do the first day? Will be staying in L' Eixample district.. I've booked a walking tour for the following day.
Apr 18th, 2013, 06:22 AM
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Have you been to Barcelona before? hopefully the hotel will store your luggage for you - the room might even be ready if you email them ahead of time. But what to do? find a cafe, have a coffee and people watch? go to the big park? go down to the beach? wander Las Ramblas? explore your neighborhood? so many choices depending on your interests and energy level!
Apr 18th, 2013, 12:02 PM
#3
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Never been to Barcelona. Was hoping to maybe find an outdoor cafe for lunch and people watching. Just wanted to have a specific destination in mind after leaving bags at the hotel. I don't want to wander aimlessly the first day, in my jetlagged state of mind.
Apr 18th, 2013, 01:06 PM
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There are outdoor tables at several places along Rambla de Catalunya where you might find a place to do a little people watching. You can expect the jet lag to set in after your first glass of wine.
Apr 18th, 2013, 01:14 PM
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If you are staying in the Eixample, I suggest a visit to the Casa Batllo:
http://www.casabatllo.es/en/
It is a pure sensory delight. It doesn't take any concentration, any research, any great physical energy.
You can spend a couple of hours in that building alone. Perfect for a 1st day w/ jetlag, in other words...
Nobody DOESN'T love the Casa Batllo, IME.
http://www.casabatllo.es/en/
It is a pure sensory delight. It doesn't take any concentration, any research, any great physical energy.
You can spend a couple of hours in that building alone. Perfect for a 1st day w/ jetlag, in other words...
Nobody DOESN'T love the Casa Batllo, IME.
Apr 18th, 2013, 01:15 PM
#6
Not specific to Barcelona, I always spend the first day just "wandering" in the area directly around my hotel, to get aquainted and acclimated. I suffer horrible jetlag so sitting in a cafe drinking wine if the most I can handle.
Apr 18th, 2013, 02:04 PM
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<< Nobody DOESN'T love the Casa Batllo, IME. >>
I didn't love it. Quite possibly because of the crowds and I saw it right after La Pedrera. I liked Palau Guell better than Casa Batllo.
Walk to Placa de Catalunya and down the Ramblas to the port. Find a place to eat, look in the shops. I enjoyed the small side streets to either side of the Ramblas; much less noisy and crowded, although it depends on what day you'll be there. The Ramblas is much busier on the weekends.
I didn't love it. Quite possibly because of the crowds and I saw it right after La Pedrera. I liked Palau Guell better than Casa Batllo.
Walk to Placa de Catalunya and down the Ramblas to the port. Find a place to eat, look in the shops. I enjoyed the small side streets to either side of the Ramblas; much less noisy and crowded, although it depends on what day you'll be there. The Ramblas is much busier on the weekends.
Apr 18th, 2013, 06:28 PM
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Rambla de Catalunya is a wonderful street , a lovely place to walk around and have a meal.
Ramblas is a touristy and crowded.
I love Casa Batllo, but would not visit it the first day.
I prefer to get some fresh air after spending hours traveling.
Ramblas is a touristy and crowded.
I love Casa Batllo, but would not visit it the first day.
I prefer to get some fresh air after spending hours traveling.
Apr 20th, 2013, 04:16 PM
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I wouldn't bother going to Las Ramblas. You will find plenty of cafes, shops etc. all around Passeig de Gracia, Rambla de Catalunya and the adjacent blocks. I'd see either of the Gaudi buildings; the wait is likely to be longer at La Pedrera.
L'Eixample is a big area, but wherever you are in it there will be a market not far away. Go to www.bcn.cat and search "markets."
L'Eixample is a big area, but wherever you are in it there will be a market not far away. Go to www.bcn.cat and search "markets."
Apr 21st, 2013, 04:54 AM
#12
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Terrific, thanks. I think lunch near Rambla de Catalunya is what I had in mind. Will look for a chocolate shop, find a wine store, check our menus for future meals. And will see hw long lines are at Gaudi buildings.
Apr 21st, 2013, 04:57 AM
#13
Barcelona is the only place where I would recommend the HOHO bus. a few of the main sights are quite far-flung and the bus is a great way to get the hang of the city and recover from your trip.
another tip - take sone comfortable shoes!
another tip - take sone comfortable shoes!
Apr 21st, 2013, 05:07 AM
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I'm with annhig..HOHO is the way to go especially after a long flight..Sitting, seeing and relaxing..Planning returns to different sites..Choc. shop suprimo...Valor!!! Pimentos Padron..a must have!! Cava and rosado 2 more must haves!! Boqueria (sp) Market a must go!! and on and on and on!!!
