Single traveller, Barcelona

sparrer

Just fancy a few days to discover a new place and Barcelona appeals. I'm retired, not fussy about fancy accom, inner city would be great but travelling on a small budget so a pension type would be great. (Would go as far as a hostel but not too sure I want to share a dorm with men and women!)

I'm looking to go mid June or late September, flying out from Luton.
Anything I should look out for particularly, easiest way to get around, etc? Guide books are okay but I prefer first hand info. Tia

kiwi07

There are some travel agencies for Single travellers. Have a look at "Friendship travel", Solos or Just You. "Friendship travel" is cheaper that other two. HTH

madrhino

I went to Barcelona by myself for a few days this time last year.

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g187497-d667888-Reviews-or20-Residencia_Erasmus_Gracia-Barcelona_Catalonia.html#REVIEWS

I had a very simple room, single bed, but I had my own bathroom. I wanted somewhere cheap but with ensuite, which sends up the price.
It was fine and clean. A few minutes wallk from the metro, not too far from Barcelona, and plenty of shops and restaurants nearby. One tip is to ask for a quiet room when you book somewhere that is in a bustling area, my room was at the back of the hotel, overlooking a courtyard. They do help yourself breakfast for about 4 euros, you pay at reception and then go to breafast room, not cooked. I ate there once and then went to the bar across the road on the corner and had coffee and croisant the other days, better value.
There's plenty to do and see in Barcelona so you should enjoy it.
Barcelona is not actually that big when you compare it to other cities (e.g. London) So you might be able to walk between some attractions. I do a lot of walking when I go there.

bryanb

Enjoy Barcelona it's a beautiful city. Many folks are mugged/robbed there. Keep your wits about you!

markwilkinson

Barcelona is a good choice! Can't decide if Barcelona or Prague is my favourite city.

Quick question for you though, and it is quite personal I'm afraid, but not too bad.....how fit are you?

The reason I ask is that most things in Barcelona are walk able but even in June or September the city will be quite warm. We've just back from Barcelona last weekend and it was sunny and mid 20's in temperature. There is a hop on and off tourist bus that covers the main sights but we've never used it so not sure what the cost is. Taxis are ok, but if your on a strict budget they may not be an option. There is a lot to see within easy walking distance of any hotel in the centre, a lot of Gaudi architecture etc. if you like food head for La Boqueria on the Ramblas, it's a good sized food market, free to go in, it will be heaving inside but it's very vibrant and worth a look.

I would advise having a good think about the standard of accommodation. Air Con may prove invaluable.

Leave your valuables at home and your money etc in inside pockets. I know there's pick pockets everywhere but Barcelona is rife with them, and bag snatchers. Sorry to leave you an a negative point but normal precautions and you should be fine.

It's a fab city and well worth a visit, or even 4 vists and wouldn't hesitate to go back lol

mart.vader

Hi,
I am going to Barcelona in June. I have booked a flight, but no accommodation. In most cities I have been to, I usually go to the tourist enquiries office and ask what they've got in cheap hotels etc. - it usually works.

This time, I'm going with another traveller, and we fancy an apartment. I have looked on several sites like:
http://www.cheapapartmentsbarcelona.com/

and

http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/

Some of the apartments seem too good to be true and I have a built-in resistance to sending money overseas to people I don't know. Has any one any experience of these types of companies?

And does anyone have an address for the tourist advice office

geri1965_2

I've used Oh.Barcelona.com, and it was fine. You pay a deposit and the rest in cash when you get there.

http://www.oh-barcelona.com/

bcl999

lucky18 wrote: »

There are some travel agencies for Single travellers. Have a look at "Friendship travel", Solos or Just You. "Friendship travel" is cheaper that other two. HTH

Don't know about the others but I've never seen anything in the way of "budget" on the Just For you site.

getmore4less

whats the budget?

With cruise deals so cheap you could do a week and see a few places

NCL epic £464 for 7 nights. June 10 thats all accomodation and food.
might even get cheaper closer to the time.

For £600 you can have 12nights and go all the way round britain.

(add a bit of spending money and tips to the base cost)

moneysavvy35

Hi

I went to Barcelona on my own last year. Went for 3days in September. Had a great time. I stayed in quite an expensive hotel as I bought a special voucher - but before this I was scouring all the sites for cheap accomadation - check out https://www.booking.com, or https://www.hostelbookers.com, https://www.laterooms.co.uk you could also try skyscanner for hotels rather than flights...as someone else says it really depends on your budget as hotel rooms vary widely. Not sure if your registerd with Groupon/Living Social but they have flight and hotel deals also.

I travelled almost exclusively on the metro, I did catch the bus to Parc Guell which was packed but a lovely trip all the same. I did the Tour Bus which is also great to use as a means of transport. I also walked alot - it was very hot when I went last year. Yes - thier is alot of talk of pickpocekts and thier are many people that have had a bad experience, but fortunatley for me I neither saw anything or was approached but the way I carried myself I knew nobody would even try to approach me. I was very vigilant at all times, but I was still relaxed and was able to enjoy my 3days. I remember asking a question about Barcelona on here before I went re getting public transport in the early hours - I was told don't do it - but when I actually got thier - everything was fine. I really enjoyed my time alone and would do it again in a heartbeat. Enjoy your trip.

agrinnall

On my last visit to Barcelona just about a year ago I got accommodation (and a walking tour) from http://www.myft.net/barcelona-tours/accommodations.html, they include some rooms for single travellers and some with a reduced price for sole occupancy.