WHAT TO DO-MADRID/BARCELONA
 

My wife and I will be taking a 17 day Trafalgar tour of Spain, Portugal and Morocco in November. We have 3 extra days in Madrid and 5 extra days in Barcelona, on our own. Any comments on Trafalgar Tours in this neck of the woods? We haven't dealt with them before. Any suggestions as to what to do/eat in Madrid? The tour will cover the Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol and Cervantes Memorial. We will fly from Madrid to Barcelona on our own. We need some recommendations on where to stay in Barcelona. Centrally located. Under $120 per night for 2. Must have private bathroom. Do any hotels have free shuttle service to and from the airport? We need recommendations as to what to see/do in Barcelona. Any great side trips that we shouldn't miss? We are young, active seniors. Thanks, in advance for any info you can give us. <BR> <BR> <BR>

My family and I lived in Barcelona for six months last year and absolutely loved the city and the Catalan people. I have twice stayed at the Hotel Citadines which is a newly renovated, wonderfully situated hotel right on Las Ramblas. For a family of 4, the price was around $100. and that included a kitchenette. I highly recommend it and will always stay there when I am in Barcelona. In terms of sites, one must see the Sagrada Familia and get a chance to walk around l'Exiample to see other architectural works of Gaudi. Montjuic has many sites including an exellent museum on Romanesque works and a castle which can be reached by cable car and offers a wonderful view of the city on a clear day (which, however, are quite rare in summer as the one downside to Barcelona is that it can be quite hazy as the mountains trap in the smog). We also loved Tibidabo which is on the top of one of those mountains though there is not much to see up there other than the view. It has a cathedral but of modern vintage and an amusement park (which our kids loved but we could do without). Our favorite place, however, was Barrio Gotic (Gothic Quarter) which is a wonderful place to walk around. In particular, you want to see the several cathedrals there and go to Plaza del Pi on Sat or Sunday morning when the local artists sell their wares. The best expresso can be found at Ciutat Vell. Other sites include the Picasso museum - very good and in a lovely part of the city (next to the Barrio Gotic). The Olympic Village is okay - too touristy for my likes. Finally, one must take a leisurely walk along Las Ramblas and enjoy the street performers and fellow on-lookers. WARNING: Barcelona is the home of extremely proficient pickpockets though is a very safe city. Otherwise, have a a wonderful stay. One final recommendation since you are there five days which is to take train to Montserrat which is a monsastery in the mountains. It is spectacular though is a full day affair. The train takes you to the base of the mountain and a cable car takes you to the monastery. You can also take a funicular from there to take you to the top of the mountain.

<BR>I second that warning about pickpockets in Barcelona. <BR> <BR>Especially in the Las Ramblas area at night (but they also strike during the day). They try many distraction tactics, so be alert at all times and keep your valuables in the hotel safe. They never got anything off me but they tried. Also see Gaudi's other works. To me his buildings are what makes Barcelona worthy of repeat visits. Be sure to see Guell Park and Casa Bastallo. And do be sure to order horchata, it's a delicious almond flavored drink (very much different and better than the horchata in Mexico).

<BR>We had a fantastic long weekend in Madrid last year. Be prepared to stay up very late and enjoy the night life (even more so in Barcelona) . The bars around plaza St Ana are special. DO like the spanish and can drift from one to the next soaking up the unique atmosphere and eating a snack at each. Finish with chocolate and churros at around 3am and you'll know you've done it in style. <BR> <BR>The Madrid Fodors was invaluable. <BR> <BR>The Thyssen art collection and the Prado are unmissable. and the modern art museun has Guernica very well displayed

My friend and I just returned from a 5 week trip through Europe. We stayed in Barcelona for 4 days and I would have to say that it was my favorite city. The best way to see the important architectural sites is by purchasing a Ruta Modernisme pass. It costs about $7 but it is worth it. It includes entrance and tours of several buildings and museums. This can keep you busy for about 3 days. You can purchase the pass at a few of the sites, I cant remember which ones right now. You can stop in the tourist office near Las Ramblas, where they can direct you. Enjoy!

I have to agree with all of the above. We just came back last month from 5 days in Madrid and 3 days in Barcelona. Enjoy the days there is so much to do. Make sure you take a nap because at night there are more Tapas bars that you can count so just have a great time and enjoy their culture. It's wonderful.