Barcelona 1st Time

more777

Hi all, I am looking to go on a three day break to Barcelona next month as a surprise christmas trip with my bf. However I wanted to know peoples experiences of staying there, but also with the recent problems with Louis Hamilton, whether I need to be concerned about racism or people being unfriendly. Anu thoughts

yvonneem_2

Hi, I've just come back from Barcelona and I must say it is a gorgeous place. Firstly the race thing. I asked my cousin (she lives there) about the stuff that was supposed to have been said about Hamilton and she just laughed. She'd not heard of it but said like anywhere else in the world there are a few ignorant fools. I went to a match at Camp Nou and when a black player (sorry I'm female I don't remember his name) came on there was no bad mouthing at all only cheering from the crowd.

Do you have a hotel yet? Barcelona is very big and hotel choosing is difficult I think. We stayed in a hotel called Oasis on the Pla de Palou, its in the gothic Quarter very close to the sea. It cost 50 pounds a night for two including breakfast. The staff are very friendly, the place is lovely and clean but undergoing some renovation on floors that are closed but this did not effect our stay at all, no noise or mess. I think the best thing about the place is the location. If you fly to El Prat airport Barcelona you can get number 10 train at the airport for 2 euros 60 to Estacion Franca, the train doesn't go any further. Turn left out of station then next left and the hotel is there. There is a bus outside hotel for almost anywhere. I think all journeys are standard Euro 1.30 so very cheap.

I have been a few times to Barca and can tell you what I know but there are probably people on here that know loads more.
Have fun, its lovely

yvonneem_2

Just been speaking to my son about friendlyness and he has asked me to say that he has travelled and lived all over Spain and has found the people to be really very nice, especially in Barcelona. He has never felt uncomfortable ever apart from one police officer who appeared to persue him and when my boy asked his problem he said he did not like his smile. Ha
Forgot to say that my boy is the absolute image of Bob Marley, dreads clothes everything.

RoxieW

best place to eat is le quinze nits on st marks square. just be prepared to queue - romantic restaurant, fancy food but low prices

MrSmartprice

There are several things you should do in Barcelona. The Camp Nou stadium tour is amazing, even better if you can get to a game there.

Parc Guell is worth a look, as long as the weather is good. The cable car from Barceloneta to Montjuic is spectacular, as is the one on Montjuic itself. At the bottom of Montjuic, near Placa Espanya, ther is Font Magica, the amazing fountain display. (This is only at weekends in winter so check times.)

As you will no doubt walk up the Ramblas, don't miss the Boqueria Market just off, about halfway up on the left as you walk away from the port. Spectacular place, amazing displays, and a couple of excellent tapas stalls to stop for a drink/snack.

Practical tip - don't carry more than loose change in pockets and have bags that go around you. I always wear a moneybelt in cities like this, so that wallet, passports etc are well away from light fingers. A few simple precautions will give peace of mind.

whu

There are red and blue route tourist bus tours - each going around different parts of the city - well worth it as they take you to the tourist destinations and you can jump off and on as much as you like

baby_fuzz

first things first, get yourself a travelpass, going on the tube and local bus network is fast and cheap. We preferred the buses as you were above ground, and could see everything. Tourist buses only go to the main sights, and are much pricier!
When we went, we spent a great deal of time walking, so I would make sure you have comfy shoes! places to note are:
All the gaudi and Miro stuff
particulary parc guell.
the gothic quarter...

villajoyosa_2

Be careful if you eat in the Boqueria market though. Its well worth a visit but a coffee a glass of wine a plate of fish, two prawns a small piece of salmon two squid and a tiny piece of hake with patatas bravas was 40 euros! Loved the atmosphere but not the prices.

baby_fuzz

Oh, and be prepared to eat very late! dinner service doesn't start until 9pm at the very earliest!

stoneman

The people in Barcelona are very proud of their Catalan ancestry. Try to learn a few Catalan Spanish words, just saying cerveza and gracias the way they say it (without putting your tongue through your teeth and talking as if you have a lisp) will make them think you respect them. Just ask a waiter or barman how to say these words in Catalan, they will gladly help you out.
If you want a true taste of Barcelona go to a little cocktail bar called "Boadas" quite hard to see, but it is on La Ramblas about 100 mtrs. down on the right on the corner of Tallers, next to Pans & Co. sandwich shop. We have on more than one occasion flew to Spain just to go there for the night and flew home again the next day. Marlena Dietrich used to frequent the place when she lived there. Just make sure you like smoke, you come out gasping for air!!

more777

Thanks all. I feel much better about travelling now. Havent been abroad in years and even though its a short break away want it to be special. Do you think I need to know much spanish or just a few basics or will i get away with good old fashion english (Lol. Im a Brummie, think it will be harder for them to understand me). I booked cheapo tickets with Ryan Air today so will be flying to Barcelona Girona and hoping to stay in the centre.