Barcelona tip?

la_farfallina

I have been to Barcelona and loved Las Ramblas, especially the street entertainers.
Pickpockets are a problem. I was very cunning and put me purse in me knickers...I think I would somehow notice if a stranger was rifling through them:D

Ian_iD

I have been told the Gothic Quarter is a good place to stay, location wise, as it is close to the centre and not far from the beach? Would you all agree? Still havent had time to do a proper search in work! Thanks

Pee

Be careful re pickpockets and don't eat or drink along Las Ramblas, but do, do, do go there... for a start you should also see both ends of it, the placa catalonia and the christopher columbus statue - apologies for the spelling. But it's a real rip off eating or drinking along there, just a couple of streets back you will do a lot better.

I rented an apartment in the gothic quarter, which was a little noisy, but I'm a good sleeper and the kitchen facilities were basic - hob, microwave, fridge. We ate lots of raw prawns cooked in garlic butter from the market along las Ramblas.

geri1965_2

Ian_iD wrote: »

I have been told the Gothic Quarter is a good place to stay, location wise, as it is close to the centre and not far from the beach? Would you all agree? Still havent had time to do a proper search in work! Thanks

Yes, it's very central - also check out El Raval, slightly seedier (it's on the other side of Las Ramblas from the Gothic Quarter) but usually cheaper.

Ian_iD

Thanks again for the tips. How about the best/cheapest way top get from the airport please?

Diamond_Olly

Ian_iD wrote: »

Thanks again for the tips. How about the best/cheapest way top get from the airport please?

Either the airport bus which drops you at Plaza de Catalunya or the train which connects to the metro. Depends where you're staying. The station at the airport is quite a lengthy walk from the terminal and the trains are busy, but air-conditioned. They run every 30 minutes, I think.

We were there a couple of weeks ago - maybe we were lucky but no sign of pickpockets. We bought tourist cards which included transport on buses and metro (as well as the train from the airport). Bus maps available from tourist offices - good way to see the city. Parc Guell is free to get in, only pay for the museum. You'll have to fight your way past the hordes to take photos of the iconic Gaudi lizard (?) on the steps!!

Rach39

Ian_iD wrote: »

Thanks again for the tips. How about the best/cheapest way top get from the airport please?

You can buy a T10 ticket at the train station attached to the airport which will literally buy you 10 journeys on the metro system (including the overland train from the airport to Saints Station in the city). Your journeys can be of any length so long as you don't go out of the station and in again, and you can split the ticket between more than one person (ie a couple traveling from A - B use the same ticket and counts as 2 of your journeys). Very good value but, as you have already been advised, watch out for the pickpockets especially on the Metro - they work in gangs and can spot a tourist a mile away!

louise3965

And the magic fountains. Dont miss them- go on a night when its dark though

gedebage

Leave your wallet at your hotel. Just take enough cash for your needs. You probably won't have any problems however it pays to be safe. Barcelona is a beautiful city. Some really good Ryanair deals on now for Sept, Oct. £10 one way to Girona no online check-in fee or taxes.

Even though Girona is 1.5 hours away. It is a nice journey. If you have not booked your accommodation I suggest you look at www.hotelscombined.com
It searches the major hotel booking sites and saves you a lot of legwork, and you should get a good deal.

Enjoy your trip

DKLS

chickaroonee wrote: »

My top tips would be - avoid La Ramblas, awful overpriced tourist trap./QUOTE]

Rubbish, I love sitting on the ramblas enjoying a glass of wine, watching the world go by, some of the street entertainers are fabulous, especially the Diablo, the deaf guy and the couple who dance the Argentine tango.

Like any destination abroad or home, its wise to pack your common sense before you go. I have been ten times and have never had a moments trouble and have never been pick pocketed.