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Travel question -- Barcelona

Discussion in 'Anything goes' started by The Big Ragu, Mar 7, 2011.

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  1. The Big Ragu

    The Big Ragu Moderator Staff Member

    My girlfriend and I are very seriously considering 4 nights in Barcelona at the end of this month or the beginning of April. I have never been.

    Has anyone visited there, and if so, any tips or things that stood out?

    I speak a little Spanish (understand it well, speak it kind of poorly). I don't speak Catalan, but I think I might be able to follow along.

    Is there anything we need to know, and anything we shouldn't miss? For lodging, we kind of like to do bed & breakfast places over hotels in Europe.
     
    The Big Ragu, Mar 7, 2011
    #1
  2. Big Circus

    Big Circus Well-Known Member

    The Sagrada Familia is a must-see, and I had a lot of fun just wandering around the Ramblas area. There are nice views if you take the funicular up Montjuic.

    Enjoy - Barcelona is beautiful. I'd love to go back. And the weather should be nice then, too.
     
    Big Circus, Mar 7, 2011
    #2
  3. westcoastvol

    westcoastvol Active Member

    Barcelona is quite nice. You have to go to the Temple La Grada Familia (yours truly got it on in one of the steeples).

    Food/drink: they do dinner on the late side. I'm a fan of Bar Mut.

    La Rambla is a massive city center with a lot of shops. Gets seedier the closer you get to the water.
     
    westcoastvol, Mar 7, 2011
    #3
  4. The Big Ragu

    The Big Ragu Moderator Staff Member

    Thanks guys. I am making a list. I really think we are going to pull the trigger and find the time for this one.

    One question I had. Do more people speak Catalan? Do they get insulted if you try to speak Spanish? I can't find a good answer to that.
     
    The Big Ragu, Mar 7, 2011
    #4
  5. westcoastvol

    westcoastvol Active Member

    They're a patient people there. They won't be insulted by it. When you see someone at a restaurant or hotel or wherever in the hospitality biz wearing a US or GB flag lapel pin, they speak English.
     
    westcoastvol, Mar 7, 2011
    #5
  6. Mystery Meat II

    Mystery Meat II Well-Known Member

    If you're going in early April and have any interest in world-class soccer, you might catch FC Barcelona in a UEFA Champions League quarterfinal at Camp Nou, depending on the schedule.
     
    Mystery Meat II, Mar 7, 2011
    #6
  7. Big Circus

    Big Circus Well-Known Member

    THE HELL HE WILL. [/arsenalfanboi]
     
    Big Circus, Mar 7, 2011
    #7
  8. The Big Ragu

    The Big Ragu Moderator Staff Member

    MM, I am not a huge soccer fan, but if I have a bucket list, it includes seeing a top league European game, and FC Barcelona would qualify. When I was in Rome last year, it was something I wanted, but we never got it happen. In fact, we met some guy who started telling me all about AC Roma and how they were the greatest invention since the New York Yankees and we had this really interesting discussion about sports. That is an excellent idea. We'd both enjoy it too.
     
    The Big Ragu, Mar 7, 2011
    #8
  9. Webster

    Webster Well-Known Member

    We went a few years back. Loved it -- a great walking city. We bought a tourist guide with walking tours -- the Gaudi buildings, Las Ramblas, Placa Reial.

    Had a great meal at Els Quatre Gats (if it is still open).
     
    Webster, Mar 7, 2011
    #9
  10. ringer

    ringer Active Member

    Barcelona is a fantastic travel choice. I was there for a swimming world championship a while ago. Make sure to check out the beaches, and definitely the Ramblas, Segrada Familia, the Gaudi park... You might want to read a book about Gaudi before you go (his work is everywhere) as is a lot of modern art (i.e. Miro). While you're there, try to get on the Spanish timetable to fully appreciate all that goes on. (They eat dinner at about 10 pm...etc). Also, as the host city for the 1992 Olympics, some of the venues are kind of cool. (i.e. Montjuic)

    HAVE AN AMAZING TIME! You won't regret it
     
    ringer, Mar 7, 2011
    #10
  11. The Big Ragu

    The Big Ragu Moderator Staff Member

    Thanks guys. Webster, you just helped a lot. Walking cities are exactly what we like best. I have read a little, but when we do these trips, we usually make preparations last minute and go in somewhat blind. Then explore and do a lot of hoofing. If things are walkable and there is a decent subway or metro system, it is ideal.
     
    The Big Ragu, Mar 7, 2011
    #11
  12. Michael_ Gee

    Michael_ Gee Well-Known Member

    Barcelona transit is just fine. I echo what everyone said here, was there for '92 Olympics and loved the place. The advice about getting on the local body clock schedule was excellent.
     
    Michael_ Gee, Mar 7, 2011
    #12
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