anid2004

Hello!

I’d appreciate some help with some questions I have regarding a trip to Spain.

We haven’t booked a thing yet. We are looking at 10-14 days in August this year (it’ll actually probably be 12 days). We definitely want to go to Barcelona. We’re not sure what else to add to the trip (it’s not that there aren’t any options – there are just so many!)

A little about me (which may be useful for some of the questions I have) – I’m in my early 30s and will be travelling with my husband (no kids). We love culture, architecture, good food and wine, beach and shopping.

Here are some of my questions:

1. How long is too long in Barcelona? My husband and I were thinking of spending 5-6 days there. My friend was suggesting that it’s too long. But, I also like to explore the city slowly, taking the time to enjoy things rather than rushing to see the sights.

2. Any hotel recommendations in Barcelona? We want to spend up to $150 (obviously, if we could get good accommodations for less, it’d be great). A safe neighbourhood that’s in close proximity to “the sights” is important as is cleanliness.

3. In regard to our beach destination, would you recommend Costa Brava or San Sebastian? How long would you recommend in either destination? Would we need to rent a car in either of these places?

3b. Is San Sebastian warm in enough for going to the beach in August? I’ve read reports of it being around 21 at that time, which seems kind of cool (for being practically naked in a bathing suit!)

I’m sure I’ll have many more questions. But that’s it for now. Thank you in advance for your time and info!!

CathyM

I don't think 5-6 day sin Barcelona is too long, particularly if you like to get to know a city and not rush. This will give you time for a couple of daytrips (Monteserrat, Girona, Tarragona, Vic,etc.....your choice).

I think the idea of spending the other 1/2 of the vacation in San Sebastian is great. As for the weather it should be plenty warm for the beach - we were there last year in late September and it was beach weather 2 of 3 days. Of course, weather is totally unpredictable. But 6 days in San Sebastian is great - you'd have time to visit some of the smaller fishing villages. I'd also recommend at least a daytrip to Bilbao, a very cosmopolitan and beautiful city - beautifully lit up at night.

Fashionista

If you get a chance I would spend some time in Madrid. It is completely different to Barcelona but is stuffed to the gunnels with culture, good food, architecture and OMG the shopping.


Take Gaudi out of the equation, and Madrid is the better city for me. (but Im an art enthusiast so possibly biased by that)

alexislovesspain

Aren't many things closed in August? Isn't this the time of year that most locals take holiday? You may want to check into the areas that you decide to travel. Otherwise . have a great time .. nothing is better that wine with lunch and having no real plans for the rest of the day

suec1

I'd do Barcelona, then go to San Sebastion and finish with maybe two nights in Madrid. Even tho it is Aug. there will be plenty of things open. There is plenty to see and do in Barcleona for 5 - 6 days. We stayed at the Regencia Colon recently for about 100E - its not particularly stylish but the price and location are great - but you might consider an apartment - I used Friendly Rentals - many choices!

ribeirasacra

I have not heard of tourist places closing in Augusts... can someone point me to where it says this on the web?

I have spent 10 days in BCN and never took day trips out of the city so 5 maybe too short or too long......it depend on what ticks your boxes!

ribeirasacra

PS should add What dollars are you talking about...maybe use euros and we all can understand your budget!

kimhe

I think you shouldn't wait to book accomodation in San Sebastián in August. Very popular with Spaniah holiday-makers. They go for the best food in Spain, the normally not-so-baking-hot temperatures, awesome city-beaches and luxcurious shopping. Many would hold San Sebastián as the most beautiful city in Spain. The article "A different kind of Spain" gives you an idea: http://marshlands.blogstream.com/

Hostal Alemana is great value: Good standard and unbeatable location 50 mtrs from the famous La Concha beach, in the center and five minutes walking to the Parte vieja/Old town. With air-condition, although not mentioned on their english web-site: http://www.hostalalemana.com/ingles/index.html

Accomodation in San Sebastián:
http://www.booking.com/searchresults...c;city=-401497

All about going for pintxos/Basque tapas in food-crazy San Sebastián (pop. 180 000 and 17 Michelin stars):
http://www.todopintxos.com/home/home.php?lang=en

PS! San Sebastián celebrates its annual Aste Nagusia/Semana Grande the week from 14th to 21st of August. http://www.whatsonwhen.com/sisp/inde...vent_id=182281

anid2004

Thank you all for your helpful comments and/or info!

Re what dollars I was referring to, I was referring to Canadian (it's close to the value of the US dollar).

ribeirasacra

I see but we use the Euro over here!

anid2004

my budget is 115 Euro per night

Pipibrown

Personally I think that one week in Barcelona is fantastic. You can enjoy the city, visit what you planned and finally you'll wish to visit it again. San Sebastian is not as big as Barcelona but is amazing, especially at this period of the year. Costa Brava deserve at least 3 days to visit, relax and enjoy the city.
Regarding accomodations, I recomend you this website that I use to visit when I want to go wherever in Spain: http://www.friendlyrentals.com/

I hope being helpfull and that you find the best option.

danon

I have visited Barcelona four times ( 4-8 days each time) - never found it too long.
5-6 days in Barcelona and 5-6 days in Basque country
sounds perfect.

danon

p.s
consider renting an apt. in Barcelona for a longer stay.
we used habitat 3 times

www.habitatapartments.com

danon

In May, we stayed in an apt. like the one to bellow( in the same building).
perfect location.

http://www.habitatapartments.com/en/...price&pagina=1

Egbert

Went to Barcelona and San Sebastian last August. I wish we had spent the whole time in San Sebastian (I'm not a big Barcelona guy even though it's great), but since you are into architecture I would spend 3-4 nights in Barcelona and head to San Sebastian for the remainder of your trip. It's a special place and will be great beach weather. It might not be possible to get a hotel room though. It's that good.

Aduchamp1

The art of Barcelona is not in its museums, it is in its streets. There are very few cities in the world that have the sense of style and design due to Gaudi and Puig and the Catalan temprement. And then in contrast is the well-preserved Barri Gotic or Gothic Quarter.

Madrid has world class museums, but otherwise it is a city of commerce and government. It is also an excellent hub for visiting a number of worthwhile nearby towns.

To think that Barcelona is not a center of art is to miss one defintion of art.

chadnycity

Just to throw in another 2 cents. You indicated that you're interested in culture and architecture. That being the case, you may want to see the Alhambra a daytrip out of Seville, which is in itself a very nice City deserving of a day or 2. I'd take Seville over Madrid in a heartbeat, even with the heat, and I would agree with your friends that, although Barcelona is an amazing unique City, 5-6 days may be excessive if you don't plan to come back to Spain for a while.

anid2004

Hello all!

First of all, thank you SO much for all your helpful info!

Second, I'm booked!!!!!!!!!!!! Well, the flight is anyway

There has been a slight change of plans! First, I'm going for two weeks rather than 12 days!!!! We're leaving mid-August and coming back begining of September.


Second, we've decided to throw Madrid into the mix, spend three nights there and then take the high speed train to Barcelona, spend 6 nights there and 4 in San Sebastian (or do 5-5) and fly out of Barcelona

I have a couple of more questions.

Will it be too cold to enjoy the beach in San Sebastian at the end of August?!

Has anyone stayed in apartments there (SS)? The price of hotels looks rather steep! (I know that it's generally an expensive city) Any recommendations (either apartment or neighbourhoods to look into?). My guidebook doesn't have much to say about SS. Thanks!!!

karrod

Hi, there!

I just posted a note about a trip to Spain that my fiance and I are planning for the same time. We arrive in Barcelona on August 22nd and return on September 4th. We can't wait! I know how you feel in terms of trying to figure out where to go and how to get there...too many choices! As we continue to research, we will let you know if we find out any helpful information. Have a great trip!