Planning to visit Barcelona and Paris
Jan 19th, 2017, 10:35 PM
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Planning to visit Barcelona and Paris
I’ll be going solo from late May to early June. Paris was my main focus since it’s one of the last major world cities that I have yet to visit, out of NYC, London, Tokyo, and Rome. I had been briefly considering visiting a few of the other famous European cities, such as Berlin or Prague, but settled on Barcelona mostly because I’ve seen it on multiple lists of best European cities to visit. At first I was planning on spending 5 days in each city, but am leaning toward giving an extra day to Paris since I have so many more things in mind that I’d like to do there. I’m not sure what to expect from Barcelona since I’m not a big fan of seafood, and am not particularly interested in going to the beach or the nightlife, but the cathedrals and Gothic Quarter are a few things I really look forward to seeing. And I’d like to give it a try because I didn’t think I’d care for Florence when I visited Italy last year, but it surprised me by ending up my favorite city there.
In Paris I plan to visit the major sites such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, and many others to choose from. I’m eager to try a lot of the famous French cuisine including baguettes, croissants, steak-frites, crepes, and even hope to find a Michelin starred restaurant at a decent price to try. From what I’ve read about it, Versailles might be best left for a future trip if not maybe a half day, but one thing I don’t want to leave out is Disneyland Paris. Don’t get me wrong, I know DLP isn’t nearly as unique to Paris and France as some of the things I’d be skipping out on to see it instead, but DisneySea in Tokyo was one of the highlights of my trip there and I’d like to add a little change of pace from just museums and historical sights. I’ve been to Disney World as well and expect that a lot of things will be the same at DLP, but also look forward to the aspects of the park that are undoubtedly unique to it, being in France.
Here are a few things I’m wondering:
1. From my trip to Italy last year, I know that shorts were not allowed to be worn into some of the major cathedrals of Florence and Rome. Should I expect the same in Barcelona and Paris?
2. From my preparations for Italy I also know to be careful of pickpockets and got by without any problems, but could they really be much worse in Barcelona or Paris?
3. I was able to get a prepaid sim card for my phone from the TIM store in Italy to cheaply use data all around Italy. Any recommendations for getting cheap mobile data in Barcelona and Paris? Any chance a carrier might work in both countries?
4. Any recommended, centralized areas in Barcelona and Paris to stay?
5. Any recommended off the beaten path fun things to do? For example, I plan to take a Lamborghini test drive in Paris and possibly try a 747 flight sim. In Rome I really enjoyed the Palazzo Valentini tour that used projectors to light up and fill in how the palace actually looked back in ancient times.
Any help appreciated!
In Paris I plan to visit the major sites such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, and many others to choose from. I’m eager to try a lot of the famous French cuisine including baguettes, croissants, steak-frites, crepes, and even hope to find a Michelin starred restaurant at a decent price to try. From what I’ve read about it, Versailles might be best left for a future trip if not maybe a half day, but one thing I don’t want to leave out is Disneyland Paris. Don’t get me wrong, I know DLP isn’t nearly as unique to Paris and France as some of the things I’d be skipping out on to see it instead, but DisneySea in Tokyo was one of the highlights of my trip there and I’d like to add a little change of pace from just museums and historical sights. I’ve been to Disney World as well and expect that a lot of things will be the same at DLP, but also look forward to the aspects of the park that are undoubtedly unique to it, being in France.
Here are a few things I’m wondering:
1. From my trip to Italy last year, I know that shorts were not allowed to be worn into some of the major cathedrals of Florence and Rome. Should I expect the same in Barcelona and Paris?
2. From my preparations for Italy I also know to be careful of pickpockets and got by without any problems, but could they really be much worse in Barcelona or Paris?
3. I was able to get a prepaid sim card for my phone from the TIM store in Italy to cheaply use data all around Italy. Any recommendations for getting cheap mobile data in Barcelona and Paris? Any chance a carrier might work in both countries?
4. Any recommended, centralized areas in Barcelona and Paris to stay?
5. Any recommended off the beaten path fun things to do? For example, I plan to take a Lamborghini test drive in Paris and possibly try a 747 flight sim. In Rome I really enjoyed the Palazzo Valentini tour that used projectors to light up and fill in how the palace actually looked back in ancient times.
Any help appreciated!
Jan 19th, 2017, 10:52 PM
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You are being a bit greedy putting so many questions into one post.. lol
I will take a few for Paris since I have been there many times.
First.. yes, I would give Paris the extra day.. I have been to Barcelona and it wasn't my favorite.. so I am perhaps biased.
Versailles is not a half day visit really.. so leaving it out makes sense for such a short stay. .however subbing in Disneyland is a bit mindblowing. but I respect everyone does have different interests.
In Paris they don't care if you wear shorts to Notre Dame.. but people do when its very hot.. however you are going in May and June and likely wont need to wear shorts. I am not sure if you are male or female. .but if female while France is a lot slacker than Italy when it comes to church dress codes.. there are limits . My 19 yr old daughter got yelled at by a worker /nun ( not sure) at Notre Dame as she had a strapless sundress on.. it was a long one.. below the knee.. but it was strapless, the lady didn't stop her from going in.. just yelled at her.. she put her boyfriends shirt ( he was wearing a tshirt under a shirt) on in the church.
Definitely watch your stuff.. Paris , Rome and Barcelona ARE pickpocket hot spots. Keep yourself safe.. don't hang purse off back of chair at café.. if male don't put wallet in back pocket.. keep passports and bulk of cash either in hotel safe or in a moneybelt and just carry what you need for the day in your purse or wallet.
For first timers staying in the 4th, 5th or 6th are convenient and nice areas.. ( Marais, Latin Quarter, or St Germain) close to river.. you can walk to a fair amount of sights in those areas( if you like walking) and the river is great.. and theres tons of cafes and restaurants etc.
I will take a few for Paris since I have been there many times.
First.. yes, I would give Paris the extra day.. I have been to Barcelona and it wasn't my favorite.. so I am perhaps biased.
Versailles is not a half day visit really.. so leaving it out makes sense for such a short stay. .however subbing in Disneyland is a bit mindblowing. but I respect everyone does have different interests.
In Paris they don't care if you wear shorts to Notre Dame.. but people do when its very hot.. however you are going in May and June and likely wont need to wear shorts. I am not sure if you are male or female. .but if female while France is a lot slacker than Italy when it comes to church dress codes.. there are limits . My 19 yr old daughter got yelled at by a worker /nun ( not sure) at Notre Dame as she had a strapless sundress on.. it was a long one.. below the knee.. but it was strapless, the lady didn't stop her from going in.. just yelled at her.. she put her boyfriends shirt ( he was wearing a tshirt under a shirt) on in the church.
Definitely watch your stuff.. Paris , Rome and Barcelona ARE pickpocket hot spots. Keep yourself safe.. don't hang purse off back of chair at café.. if male don't put wallet in back pocket.. keep passports and bulk of cash either in hotel safe or in a moneybelt and just carry what you need for the day in your purse or wallet.
For first timers staying in the 4th, 5th or 6th are convenient and nice areas.. ( Marais, Latin Quarter, or St Germain) close to river.. you can walk to a fair amount of sights in those areas( if you like walking) and the river is great.. and theres tons of cafes and restaurants etc.
Jan 19th, 2017, 11:53 PM
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I appreciate that you put all your questions in one post! Unfortunately, I can't answer all of them. 
I would encourage you to do some research -- buy some guidebooks, or consult them at your local library. Only YOU can decide what you want to do, and frankly, you've quite clearly established that your interests are not mainstream. (That's not a criticism, by any means -- viva la difference! It's just a comment intended to underscore that you, in particular, will benefit from identifying what YOU want to do by considering the range of options before you, rather than relying on others to offer suggestions.)
Wherever you travel, anywhere in the world, it is prudent to be mindful of safety and security. Take reasonable precautions and use an under-clothing passport pouch for extra money, credit / ATM cards, a copy of your passport (and, of course, your passport when not otherwise needed), etc.
Whether there are obvious codes of dress or not, being respectful is generally likely to serve you well. IMO, wearing shorts or tank tops in a church is not particularly respectful. (And BTW, taking pictures of worshipers is, IME, decidedly taboo.)
All of these things -- safety, normative expectations, etc. -- will be covered in a good guidebook, along with all sorts of things you haven't even thought to ask. Seriously, consult some!
Good luck!
I would encourage you to do some research -- buy some guidebooks, or consult them at your local library. Only YOU can decide what you want to do, and frankly, you've quite clearly established that your interests are not mainstream. (That's not a criticism, by any means -- viva la difference! It's just a comment intended to underscore that you, in particular, will benefit from identifying what YOU want to do by considering the range of options before you, rather than relying on others to offer suggestions.)
Wherever you travel, anywhere in the world, it is prudent to be mindful of safety and security. Take reasonable precautions and use an under-clothing passport pouch for extra money, credit / ATM cards, a copy of your passport (and, of course, your passport when not otherwise needed), etc.
Whether there are obvious codes of dress or not, being respectful is generally likely to serve you well. IMO, wearing shorts or tank tops in a church is not particularly respectful. (And BTW, taking pictures of worshipers is, IME, decidedly taboo.)
All of these things -- safety, normative expectations, etc. -- will be covered in a good guidebook, along with all sorts of things you haven't even thought to ask. Seriously, consult some!
Good luck!
Jan 20th, 2017, 07:13 AM
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They don't have dress codes for tourists sightseeing in churches in Spain or France.
And it is unlikely you can just walk in without a reservation to a Michelin starred restaurant. You can probably go to one for less than 50 euro at the 1* level, especially for lunch. That would be your best value. here are a few of the cheapest (although I may not be up on the latest star ratings):
http://parisbymouth.com/our-guide-to-paris-septime/
http://www.la-truffiere.fr/
http://lesfablesdelafontaine.net/?lang=en
And it is unlikely you can just walk in without a reservation to a Michelin starred restaurant. You can probably go to one for less than 50 euro at the 1* level, especially for lunch. That would be your best value. here are a few of the cheapest (although I may not be up on the latest star ratings):
http://parisbymouth.com/our-guide-to-paris-septime/
http://www.la-truffiere.fr/
http://lesfablesdelafontaine.net/?lang=en
Jan 20th, 2017, 07:31 AM
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In Barcelona, I recommend to stay in the medieval and vibrant El Born district, fabulous tapas bars, restaurants and sights and a cradle of Catalan identity and culture. Close to "everything", the heart of the city Plaza de Catalunya, the Gothic quarter, the Ciutadella park, the Barceloneta beach etc. etc.
http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.c...s/el-born.html
http://www.barcelona-life.com/barcelona/born
http://www.timeout.com/barcelona/thi...-and-sant-pere
Come back to you with off the beaten path fun things to do.
http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.c...s/el-born.html
http://www.barcelona-life.com/barcelona/born
http://www.timeout.com/barcelona/thi...-and-sant-pere
Come back to you with off the beaten path fun things to do.
Jan 20th, 2017, 02:26 PM
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I don't remember having to cover up while visiting cathedrals in Barcelona but it doesn't hurt to bring an extra shirt in case you need one. I always bring something because even if it's hot outside I get cold inside where there's AC blasting.
There are probably pickpockets in every major city and Barcelona is no exception. I actually witnessed it first hand and my hostel roommates were targets. Just keep all your cash and credit cards in inside pockets (or in one of those neck pouches/money belts). Keep your bags on you or on your lap at all times. Don't put them on a chair, even if it's next to you. I remember seeing women walking down Las Rambla with both hands clutching their purses.
Just be aware of your surroundings and be wary of anyone approaching you. Sometimes pickpockets are dressed as tourists! They'll ask you for directions.
Here's a trip report I wrote about Barcelona and a few other cities in Spain:
https://fanofblank.blogspot.com/2014...-in-spain.html
Enjoy trip planning!
There are probably pickpockets in every major city and Barcelona is no exception. I actually witnessed it first hand and my hostel roommates were targets. Just keep all your cash and credit cards in inside pockets (or in one of those neck pouches/money belts). Keep your bags on you or on your lap at all times. Don't put them on a chair, even if it's next to you. I remember seeing women walking down Las Rambla with both hands clutching their purses.
Just be aware of your surroundings and be wary of anyone approaching you. Sometimes pickpockets are dressed as tourists! They'll ask you for directions.
Here's a trip report I wrote about Barcelona and a few other cities in Spain:
https://fanofblank.blogspot.com/2014...-in-spain.html
Enjoy trip planning!
Jan 20th, 2017, 04:09 PM
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My thoughts in questions (by numbers):
1. Agree that Paris is looser than Italy when it comes to dress in cathedrals. Barcelona probably not as much. (My only experience in hot weather in Spain was in Toledo, where shorts were a definite no-no in the cathedral..and I am a man.)
2. Always good to have your money secure -- I use a wallet that is looped to my belt and tucked into my pants (not a pocket)...and don't ever carry lots of cash. Use a credit card (preferably one without a foreign transaction fee) wherever possible...you get the best conversion rate. Next best is an ATM...and they are everywhere in both Paris and Barcelona. Bring backup cards in case there is a problem with your primary card.
3. Both France and Spain have lots of Orange stores at which you can get your SIMS easily. You can also get a Lebara SIM (France) for free mailed directly to the US if you know how to use their website cleverly. Then add money using PayPal.
4. In Paris, we always stay in the Marais a couple of blocks from the river (Hotel de Nice)...but this is a matter taste. Some might not like that it is right on Rue de Rivoli, a busy street, but the Metro and bus options are great there. Also, many prefer the left bank. In Barcelona this past May we stayed at Hostal Grau and loved the hotel and location.
5. Sorry, stuff like Lamborghini test drives, etc., are beyond my price range.
...and I also recommend more time in Paris...especially if this is your first visit. I'd break it down 7 days Paris and 3 Barcelona. Barcelona is cool, but Paris is magical and has much, much more to see. Also, with seven days, you can fit in Versailles easily and maybe a day-trip to Giverny or Chartres.
You can fly from Barcelona to Paris for $75-$125 depending on the carrier and Paris airport.
ssander
1. Agree that Paris is looser than Italy when it comes to dress in cathedrals. Barcelona probably not as much. (My only experience in hot weather in Spain was in Toledo, where shorts were a definite no-no in the cathedral..and I am a man.)
2. Always good to have your money secure -- I use a wallet that is looped to my belt and tucked into my pants (not a pocket)...and don't ever carry lots of cash. Use a credit card (preferably one without a foreign transaction fee) wherever possible...you get the best conversion rate. Next best is an ATM...and they are everywhere in both Paris and Barcelona. Bring backup cards in case there is a problem with your primary card.
3. Both France and Spain have lots of Orange stores at which you can get your SIMS easily. You can also get a Lebara SIM (France) for free mailed directly to the US if you know how to use their website cleverly. Then add money using PayPal.
4. In Paris, we always stay in the Marais a couple of blocks from the river (Hotel de Nice)...but this is a matter taste. Some might not like that it is right on Rue de Rivoli, a busy street, but the Metro and bus options are great there. Also, many prefer the left bank. In Barcelona this past May we stayed at Hostal Grau and loved the hotel and location.
5. Sorry, stuff like Lamborghini test drives, etc., are beyond my price range.
...and I also recommend more time in Paris...especially if this is your first visit. I'd break it down 7 days Paris and 3 Barcelona. Barcelona is cool, but Paris is magical and has much, much more to see. Also, with seven days, you can fit in Versailles easily and maybe a day-trip to Giverny or Chartres.
You can fly from Barcelona to Paris for $75-$125 depending on the carrier and Paris airport.
ssander
Jan 20th, 2017, 04:14 PM
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Another tip...
Be sure to download offline Google maps of the places you will visit before you leave the US (or, if necessary, in your hotel with wi-fi).
Your GPS doesn't use data, provided the maps are downloaded...otherwise it uses a lot of data downloading maps on the fly.
ssander
Be sure to download offline Google maps of the places you will visit before you leave the US (or, if necessary, in your hotel with wi-fi).
Your GPS doesn't use data, provided the maps are downloaded...otherwise it uses a lot of data downloading maps on the fly.
ssander
Jan 21st, 2017, 12:40 AM
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I am also researching Barcelona, and am seriously looking into www.eatwith.com, and www.vizeat.com. If you are adventurous, and travelling alone, it could be a great way to spend an evening - hopefully with good food and meet some locals and other tourists in a home setting. I cannot recommend as I haven't been...I am going end of March so will post after...there are not many reviews outside the actual sites - although it sounds very positive. Available also in Paris.
Jan 21st, 2017, 02:34 AM
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You're planning for <cathedrals and Gothic Quarter" in Barcelona.
Then you have more good reasons for staying in El Born. See the 14th century Santa María del Mar Church - the so called Cathedral of the Sea - one of the finest Gothic buildings around. You can also go up on the roof here: http://www.santamariadelmarbarcelona.org/home/
http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/...-del-mar.html?
Close by you also find the Catalan Culture Center with the excavations of 1700's Barcelona, when the region and the city lost its independence to Spain: http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/...i-memoria.html
300 meters in the other direction from Santa Maria del Mar you can also visit the excavation of more than 2000 years old Roman Barcino: http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/...a-del-rei.html
Here are four central Barcelona districts with lots of character and things to experience and do outside the most beaten track:
Go for tapas with the locals in Poble Sec: http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/...to-bodega.html
Have a lunch in one of the many local atmsphere places in the Barceloneta district, just inland from the beach: https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2...taurants-spain
Gracia is like a small, lively and very distinct village within the city. https://www.barcelona-tourist-guide....ia-barrio.html
http://blog.lifestylebarcelona.com/lively-gracia/
The fabulous Barcelona food scene is much more than Seafood. There are 21 Michelin star restaurants and hundreds of great tapas bars and restaurants in town, especially outside the most touristy areas. For example, the first one mentioned here, Xemei, was a fabulous experience a couple of years ago: http://www.cntraveller.com/recommend...d-in-barcelona
And Barcelona is home to perhaps the finest food market in the world, La Boquería: http://www.gardenista.com/posts/la-boqueria-market/
Take the Teleferic up to the Castle on top of Montjuic, the Jewish mountain. Plenty of museums, theaters etc on Montjuic: https://www.telefericdemontjuic.cat/en
You might be too late for the Ciutat Flamenco festival? Dance genious Rocío Molina on May 20 and 21 would be reason enough to go to Barcelona some days earlier ;-) http://mercatflors.cat/en/espectacle...017-diptico-3/
The Spring Sound Festival goes on May 31-June 4: http://www.barcelonayellow.com/bcn-e...sound-festival
Program: http://www.primaverasound.es/index
And here are "100 reasons to visit Barcelona": http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/en/
Then you have more good reasons for staying in El Born. See the 14th century Santa María del Mar Church - the so called Cathedral of the Sea - one of the finest Gothic buildings around. You can also go up on the roof here: http://www.santamariadelmarbarcelona.org/home/
http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/...-del-mar.html?
Close by you also find the Catalan Culture Center with the excavations of 1700's Barcelona, when the region and the city lost its independence to Spain: http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/...i-memoria.html
300 meters in the other direction from Santa Maria del Mar you can also visit the excavation of more than 2000 years old Roman Barcino: http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/...a-del-rei.html
Here are four central Barcelona districts with lots of character and things to experience and do outside the most beaten track:
Go for tapas with the locals in Poble Sec: http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/...to-bodega.html
Have a lunch in one of the many local atmsphere places in the Barceloneta district, just inland from the beach: https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2...taurants-spain
Gracia is like a small, lively and very distinct village within the city. https://www.barcelona-tourist-guide....ia-barrio.html
http://blog.lifestylebarcelona.com/lively-gracia/
The fabulous Barcelona food scene is much more than Seafood. There are 21 Michelin star restaurants and hundreds of great tapas bars and restaurants in town, especially outside the most touristy areas. For example, the first one mentioned here, Xemei, was a fabulous experience a couple of years ago: http://www.cntraveller.com/recommend...d-in-barcelona
And Barcelona is home to perhaps the finest food market in the world, La Boquería: http://www.gardenista.com/posts/la-boqueria-market/
Take the Teleferic up to the Castle on top of Montjuic, the Jewish mountain. Plenty of museums, theaters etc on Montjuic: https://www.telefericdemontjuic.cat/en
You might be too late for the Ciutat Flamenco festival? Dance genious Rocío Molina on May 20 and 21 would be reason enough to go to Barcelona some days earlier ;-) http://mercatflors.cat/en/espectacle...017-diptico-3/
The Spring Sound Festival goes on May 31-June 4: http://www.barcelonayellow.com/bcn-e...sound-festival
Program: http://www.primaverasound.es/index
And here are "100 reasons to visit Barcelona": http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/en/
Jan 21st, 2017, 06:58 AM
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The thing I enjoyed most in Barcelona is the Modernisme architecture. Gaudi's Sagrada Familia has become the number 1 spot to visit there. Plus Parc Guell, the Block of Discord, the palace of Catalan Music, Sant Pau, etc. You might Google Images of some of these sights to see if you'd be interested. Because of my interests we stayed in the Eixample, but close to the Placa de Catalunya, the nerve center of the city.
