Restaurants/General Must-Sees in Barcelona and towns south of Barcelona
Jan 23rd, 2001, 10:02 AM
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Restaurants/General Must-Sees in Barcelona and towns south of Barcelona
I am a teacher in Rome and I am heading with five colleagues to Barcelona, Valencia and Alacant. Would love some tips regarding restaurants, museums, flamenco shows, etc. Also, would love help with regards to driving south and visiting some of the smaller towns such as Valencia. Are there any special places you have visited in that region? Ciao! Sarah
Jan 23rd, 2001, 09:32 PM
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
We didn't go south, but north to Figuroas (sp?) to see the Salvadore Dali museum--very interesting, we thought. He was really quite prolific and very talented, even if he was a huge self-promoter. Skip the Miro museum in Barcelona, but definitely see the unfinished Antoni Gaudi cathedral, (the Sagrada Familia), as well as the other buildings he designed all over town (the facades, anyway). Tons of great restaurants in all price ranges--don't forget to get the tomato bread everywhere. 
Jan 24th, 2001, 08:56 AM
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
I love Barcelona--there is a lot to see and do, however, I disagree with cat30--do not skip the Miro museum. A very good experience is to go to the National Art Gallery and view the wonderful frescos (that Miro used for inspiration) and then go to the Miro museum. Besides the Miro's, there is a calder sculpture with mercury that is amazing.
Jan 25th, 2001, 02:59 PM
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Sarah,
Try El Mussol for a lively restaurant featuring Catalan grilled meats and poultry. I think there are two of them; we ate at the one in Gothic quarter. It attracts lots of locals as well as tourists. Que -Que became one of our favorite tapas spots ; although there are many to choose from. If you like outdoor markets, the one in Barcelona is a lot of fun and you can have a casual bite or two there. Lots of good restaurants in Barcelona. Agut D'avignon for an elegant dinner is another favorite.
As for flamenco, there's Los Tarantos and one other that I heard of. (Both spots advertise a lot). I thought the show was very mediocre and the seating makes it difficult to see anything unless you get a good seat. I'd ask at your hotel about a show, but there isn't that much in Barcelona.
Enjoy the Gaudi in Barcelona and don't forget the Picasso musuem. Also try your best to see the Palau de Musique (?). If you can't get a ticket for a concert, at least look at the lobby. It defies description. Surreal comes close. Really beautiful in a strange way.The opera house should be completed by now and I am told it was grand.When I was there it was being restored due to fire damage.
I didn't like the Dali musuem, but I don't like him. So, if you're a fan, go. If not, you might reconsider.
Enjoy.
Try El Mussol for a lively restaurant featuring Catalan grilled meats and poultry. I think there are two of them; we ate at the one in Gothic quarter. It attracts lots of locals as well as tourists. Que -Que became one of our favorite tapas spots ; although there are many to choose from. If you like outdoor markets, the one in Barcelona is a lot of fun and you can have a casual bite or two there. Lots of good restaurants in Barcelona. Agut D'avignon for an elegant dinner is another favorite.
As for flamenco, there's Los Tarantos and one other that I heard of. (Both spots advertise a lot). I thought the show was very mediocre and the seating makes it difficult to see anything unless you get a good seat. I'd ask at your hotel about a show, but there isn't that much in Barcelona.
Enjoy the Gaudi in Barcelona and don't forget the Picasso musuem. Also try your best to see the Palau de Musique (?). If you can't get a ticket for a concert, at least look at the lobby. It defies description. Surreal comes close. Really beautiful in a strange way.The opera house should be completed by now and I am told it was grand.When I was there it was being restored due to fire damage.
I didn't like the Dali musuem, but I don't like him. So, if you're a fan, go. If not, you might reconsider.
Enjoy.
Jan 25th, 2001, 03:50 PM
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Starting with Barcelona,just to add some sights to the list I would reccommend you to see Park Guell, The Sagrada Familia Church, The Batlló House ( inside ) and Milá House " La Pedrera " ( the roofs ). Also the Palau de la Musica Catalana and the Gothic headquarter with the Cathedral and the palaces, dón´t miss Santa María del Mar Church, with its beautiful vaults. We had great cheap food at La Fonda near Plaza Real. Going south, some good places to stop are:
-Sitges
-Tarragona ( old roman ruins )
-A few kilometres drive toward the mountains lead you to Morella ( one of the most interesting towns in Spain completely surrounded by walls. Good place to stay overnight. )
-Peñiscola ( nice place, too touristy in summer but its funny situation makes it really scenic. )
-Valencia ( some interesting sights, one of the most dynamic cities in Spain. )
The area around Alicante is really interesting: The city of Alicante, the palm forests in Elche (recently included in World Heritage Sites list), Guadalest castle and town ( also quite touristy but is well worth the visit with its wonderful views. ), Altea white picturesque village, or Benidorm, the biggest bunch of towers in the Mediterranean, like a little Manhattan, has its own romantic place: the rocky promontory that divides the beaches.
Hope you have a great trip!
-Sitges
-Tarragona ( old roman ruins )
-A few kilometres drive toward the mountains lead you to Morella ( one of the most interesting towns in Spain completely surrounded by walls. Good place to stay overnight. )
-Peñiscola ( nice place, too touristy in summer but its funny situation makes it really scenic. )
-Valencia ( some interesting sights, one of the most dynamic cities in Spain. )
The area around Alicante is really interesting: The city of Alicante, the palm forests in Elche (recently included in World Heritage Sites list), Guadalest castle and town ( also quite touristy but is well worth the visit with its wonderful views. ), Altea white picturesque village, or Benidorm, the biggest bunch of towers in the Mediterranean, like a little Manhattan, has its own romantic place: the rocky promontory that divides the beaches.
Hope you have a great trip!
Jan 25th, 2001, 04:41 PM
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Sarah,
Forgot to add: Montserrat..Very impressive. We drove, but there are plenty of buses that go there. Ask at your hotel. I wish I had visited Tarragona as I have hear good things about it, but we didn't have enough time.
Good advice from all.
Are you an American? How did you get a job in Rome? sounds great.
Michele
Forgot to add: Montserrat..Very impressive. We drove, but there are plenty of buses that go there. Ask at your hotel. I wish I had visited Tarragona as I have hear good things about it, but we didn't have enough time.
Good advice from all.
Are you an American? How did you get a job in Rome? sounds great.
Michele
