Shoule we stay in or near Barcelona?
 

Two active youngish(late 60s) active couples looing to visit Barcelona next Spring for 4-5 days. On previous visit to Tuscany, we stayed in a villa outside of Florence where we met locals, shopped locally and most importantly, ate locally. On 2 days or so, we traveled into Florence to see the sites but really enjoyed being away from that craziness. Is that advisable for Barcelona? If so, are there some villages with an easy commute (public or car rental) form Barcelona? If not, are there neighborhoods within Barcelona that can give us a similar experience?

Thanks

Barcelona has so much to offer. Gaudi's architecture is absolutely amazing. And it takes time to see that, so I recommend staying in town!

I just left Barcelona today after 6 nights.

Each morning after breakfast, I was out of the hotel by 10am and didn't return until about 7pm with no lunch break and only occasionally a wine or beer break. One night I didn't return until 9pm. Once back at my hotel, I would have a couple glasses of wine and freshen up for dinner... then back out I went.

One day I did a trip to Montserrat.

I think all of this would have been painful if I was staying out of town. Of course, you wouldn't come back into town for dinner, I imagine.

But, there is just so much to see in town, I think it is well worth staying there.

I can't speak to Florence, but I enjoyed staying in Barcelona and roaming around Rambla del Poblenou in the evening. A very quiet neighborhood, but rich in "local" tastes and feel.

Barcelona is a big city( unlike Florence ) ..you might wish to.. find a less touristy / quiet area in which to stay ....

I'm very glad that I stayed in Barcelona for a visit that is not unlike the one joannyc described. If you are committed to staying outside the city, you might look at Tarragona.

If you want to see and enjoy Barcelona, then you should stay in Barcelona.

With two couples, would you consider short let apartments? These can be found in neighbourhoods further from the tourist core. I have one booked for November close to the Hospital Sau Paul past Sagrada Familia. it is close but not in routes tourists may take to visit the Hospital, but won't get the hordes that a central hotel will get.

Like kja, I thought of Tarragona, too, but I don't consider that close; it is its own experience and well worth the time.

Thank to all, you are quite convincing... Will look at Rambla del Poblenou as well as whatever neighborhood Hospital Sau Paul past Sagrada Familia is in. Any other non-touristy neighborhoods for us to consider?

I stayed at the Renaissance (Marriott hotel) on Pau Claris. It was only a block away from P de Gracia (2 blocks from Casa Botllo). Compared to P de Gracia, it seemed like a very quiet area, I didn't see a lot of tourists in that area, just the Ren hotel guests.

But it is very convenient to many sites! I walked to most everywhere except Parc Guell and St. Pau Hospital (took the bus on Gracia to Parc Guell then another bus to St. Pau hospital). Then walked down a couple of blocks to Sagrada Familia and then walked back to my hotel. I was also able to walk to and from the gothic area and all the sites on P de Gracia.. The hotel was really in a great location!

Even better if you have Marriott points!

If you would consider staying at a Bed & Breakfast, I can recommend BarcelonaBB located in the Eixample neighborhood about 6 blocks away from the Renaissance Marriott Hotel mentioned in the post above.

http://www.barcelonabb.com

We have stayed there 4 times and will be returning for our 5th visit in October. Definitely a neighborhood feel. Gracious, welcoming owners. 4 rooms with private baths (including 2 suites), 2 rooms that share 1 bath. Communal breakfast where you meet guests from all over the world. Beautifully decorated rooms & common areas. Within walking distance to several restaurants, Concepcio Market only a block away, La Vinicola Wine Shop just down the street, Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, Casa Battlo and other Modernista houses only a 10 minute walk, 2 nearby metro stops, and the quaint neighborhood of Gracia a few steps away.

Actually, the Gracia neighborhood might be another good option for you. It has a village feel, beautiful plazas/pedestrian streets, 2 food markets, several good restaurants and quaint local shops. During the daytime, I found it to be a quiet respite from bustling Barcelona but it can get lively at night with many bars and restaurants. Couple of metro stops so you can travel easily to Barcelona's popular historic and seaside areas.

Second NomadLass' suggestion of Gracia. Right on top of central Passeig de Gracia, yet quite another world. Should be very close to what you're looking for:
https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/gr...rcelona-guide/
https://www.barcelona-tourist-guide....ia-barrio.html

I don't recommend you staying far away from Barcelona because it will take you a lot of time getting to the city :) You can just stay on more calm areas like Gracia. Also, i recommend you trying an app called Yumm! that can help you finding restaurants and also getting dishes translated into your language!