Barcelona 1st Time

switch007

Speaking from experience: learn a few phrases! I'm not so sure about them 'appreciating' it more like you will have a better time and probably get what you are after (ordering stuff, shopping etc) and you wont get a look of disgust. Most Madrileños in shops/restaurants won't give you the time of day if you start off in English.

I've never been to Barcelona, but it will certainly be easier to learn standard Spanish (Castellano) than Catalan. I bet 99.9% of people will speak castellano.

yvonneem_2

There are lots of English Speakers in Spain and the people of Barcelona are no different. Although Catalan is spoken widely so is Spanish so if you know a bit then try it. My kids speak Spanish and Catalan, they were at school in Valencia province. I was in Barcelona yesterday and strangley enough I asked my cousin who was born in Cornella, just outside Barcelona if it was correct to say Grass e as or Grath e as and he said always say Grath e as yet my daughter has just said the opposite so I don't think it really matters. So like Stoneman says have a go they do appreciate it.
Have fun.........

bengal-stripe

RoxieW wrote: »

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

I second 'Le Quinze Nits' on Placa Reial:
http://www.bcninternet.com/restaurants/details.php?contentid=791

We passed there one evening, seeing the huge queue outside and wondered what that was all about.
We checked it out the next day lunchtime, when a tree-course meal including ¼ bottle of wine was EUR 8.70 (about 7 quid).
Also ate there one evening, a few days later.

The food is fine, the prices a bargain and the restaurant is situated on one of the most handsome squares in Barcelona.

http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/albums-en/placa-reial/