Anyone been to Barcelona? - General Discussion

Ultrasonic · 27-03-2006, 20:46

Me and my girlfriend are going to Barcelona for 4 days in June. We've booked the flights but don't have a hotel yet. Having never been there before, it's so difficult to know exactly where to get accommodation, so I was wondering if you fantastic group of people could help me out!

A couple of people have suggested the place to be is near "Las Ramblas" or the "gothic quarter." We basically want to be within walking distance of nice bars and restaurants for going out at night, and near the touristy stuff for the daytime (if both of these things are possible!)

I've looked at hotels on various "cheap deal" type websites and a fair few have brought up hotels in "Eixample". Is this close to Las Ramblas?

Also, wondered if anyone could suggest any must-see or must-do attractions. And what is transport like? Are most things centrally located and walkable or do you have to use buses/metro/taxis etc?

It probably sounds like I haven't done any research! But as I say, it's really difficult to know when you haven't been somewhere before! All suggestions and advice gratefully received!

yorkiegal · 27-03-2006, 21:59

just keep hold of your wallet. It's renowned for pickpockets.

27-03-2006, 22:09

Been through it on a train in 1974.Didn't look very nice to me but a friend has recently visited there and says it is a beautiful city.I guess I only saw the rotten parts of the city while on the train.

Dibbledooski · 27-03-2006, 22:12

"Barcaloooonnnaa"

Would just emphasise the keep hold of your wallet comment.

My mate had a hen night there and three of them lost there wallets

I hear it is a lovely place otherwise though!

unheardof · 27-03-2006, 22:13

Its a lovely city. REALLY beautiful. I recommend going to see the cathredral (you can't miss it. ITS HUGE) and going to see the fountain display at night (if its still going)

Quote:

Originally Posted by yorkiegal

just keep hold of your wallet. It's renowned for pickpockets.

Heed this warning. I heard of several tourists having things taken.

My Dad was using the toilets in a restaurant when a pickpocket ran in and locked himself in a cubicle with someone's handbag. Two police officers however followed him in and he was led away, while my Dad just stood there washing his hands.

halewood · 27-03-2006, 22:17

Sack the Hotels!!! Loads of spotless Hostels around Las Ramblas... you wont go wrong.

Stratosphere · 27-03-2006, 22:17

I've been to Barcelona a couple of times but it's been about 5 years since I was last there so my memory isn't so good now.

It's true there are pickpockets there but we never got hit. Just be sensible and you will be OK...watch out for undesirables trying to divert your attention and kids bothering you etc etc.

We stayed in a hotel just off the Ramblas one time we went...it was this one here:-

http://www.hotelgaudi.es/eng/index.asp

It was a reasonable hotel when we were there but it might be worth checking tripadvisor.com to see if there are any recent reviews of it.

I remember we stayed at a different hotel elsewhere on another visit...all I can remember now is that it was a Best Western

You MUST see La Sagrada Familia which is Gaudi's unfinished temple. I remember we took the Metro to see it.

There is also a beautiful park we went to which overlooks the entire city but again I can't remember the name of it.

Sorry I can't be more specific but Barcelona is a beautiful city and I hope you have a wonderful trip

Schnorbitz · 27-03-2006, 23:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by trendygirl

There is also a beautiful park we went to which overlooks the entire city but again I can't remember the name of it.

It's called Montjuic.

The cable car ride towards it is fantastic - although the queue was a bit long.

I went in October 2004 - it's a really nice pleasant temperature at that time of year. I'd recommend getting the Mini Rough guide.

lemoncurd · 28-03-2006, 00:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schnorbitz

It's called Montjuic.

The cable car ride towards it is fantastic - although the queue was a bit long.

I went in October 2004 - it's a really nice pleasant temperature at that time of year. I'd recommend getting the Mini Rough guide.

She either means Montjuic or Parc Guell.

gers09 · 28-03-2006, 00:02

Im going on friday for the football, so i'll report back on monday morning

shopaholicleo · 28-03-2006, 00:55

I recommend the cable car, though we got lost and couldn't find much to do once we got up there except to get the tram down. A nice restaurant is Les Quinze Nits in the square near the Ramblas. We stayed in a small cheapo apartment near La Ramblas which was pretty central. A good clubv is Razzmataz (a bit like Fabric) but I didn't get to go as I was only 17, so we ended up in boring bars. Parc Guell is a nice walk. My friend got her purse stolen, but she did have it out on the table in Burger King. 90 quid gone, lot of money for a student, but she didn't seem to care.

Rachel. · 28-03-2006, 09:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by yorkiegal

just keep hold of your wallet. It's renowned for pickpockets.

Too right. We'd been in the city about ten minutes when someone tried to open my other half's rucksack. Luckily obscenities seem to transcend language barriers!

Apart from that, the architecture is amazing, but the locals don't seem very tolerant of tourists (I know my Spanish is bad but I'm not sure I deserved the sneers I received!) a lot of areas smelled really bad (I don't think Spanish men are keen on using public toilets when a street will do) and it's fairly difficult to find anywhere to eat in the evening, unless you leave it until late at night when the Spanish tend to eat.

That said, I know a lot of people who love the place, each to their own!!

maimou · 28-03-2006, 09:58

I've been a few times and have always found very good hotels/hostels (clean, cheap & basic) off Las Ramblas (the left side coming up from the port).
As well as the suggestion of La Sagrada Familia which is a must I'd also recommend the fantastic food market.

fi~ · 28-03-2006, 10:53

i love the place but also been the victim of pick pockets
cant help with hotels, only stayed in cheap hostels when i've been there

i prefer to stay on las ramblas, pretty central to everything

iain · 28-03-2006, 11:35

when we went our hotel was in Eixample - its not really quite walkable, but a a subway station was a one minute walk away, and then ten minutes on the subway to the top of the ramblas.

the park guel is really good too - loads of gaudi stuff including the famous lizard. very colourful.

there's another little cable car up to an old fort - great views of the city, and if you are interested in the olympic site it makes for a good - but pretty long - walk back down.

on the way back down there's also a kind of open museum full of ye olde streets. not that exciting, but quite interesting for a little wonder around.

the ramblas are great tho' - always buzzing with all sorts going on. and if you like seafood, turn left at the bottom of the ramblas and follow the harbour round. you go past a fairly run down part, but the harbourside itself is full of seafood restaurants.

and if you like football, the neu camp is worth a look - there's a great museum and gallery of old posters and memorabilia.

for a day trip Montserrat is pretty spectacular - its a good day trip from Barcelona by train. get off at the first stop and go up by the cable car, and come back on the little railway. stunning views of the pyranees. and if you go up the little vernicular (sp?) railway to the very top, there are great views on the other side. not sure how well catered it was for car parking tho'.

but its a great city, especially for walking around - have a great time!

Iain

morning · 28-03-2006, 12:06

Yes, I love Barca too, it has a great atmosphere, and jazz clubs. I can't recommend a hotel though, sorry, as I'm hopeless when it comes to remembering names. Someone asked me only yesterday what Edinburgh hotel I had recently stayed in, and I couldn't remember it's name for the life of me.

godiva · 28-03-2006, 13:29

I went to Barcelona a few weeks ago and stayed in the Gothic Quarter which was pretty perfect in terms of location. Most of the sites are within walking distance and the metro is very easy to use.
If you fancy something a bit different I suggest you go see a flamenco show we went to one in the Poble Espanyol and it was excellent. Definitely agree that you have to go to the Sagrada Familia but I also recommend the Picasso Museum and the Cathedral in the Gothic Quarter it's beautiful and also the Casa Mila- a house designed by Gaudi has the most amazing roof I have ever seen.
Its a beautiful city so much to see and do I'm sure you'll love it.

CHUTNEY · 28-03-2006, 13:37

If you get on the local trains (not the metro) make sure it's the one you need and not one that takes you miles into the mountains and requires a taxi ride to your original destination at 11 o'clock at night............

I know someone who did that!

Squishy · 28-03-2006, 13:42

There are some fountains that look beautiful all lit up, apparently, I didn't personally see them as I went in the day.
Las Ramblas is always good for a giggle, and the Sagrada Familia is beautiful.
Plenty of other Gaudi buildings to see and various museumy things near the Olympic Stadium that sounded quite good.

Montjuic was nice too, but I have no idea about hotels sadly as I didn't stay in Barcelona. Was just a day trip.

MancMan · 28-03-2006, 15:47

Haven't been yet but booked a long weekend for a group of friends for September. The Insight Pocket guide is a good read and has an excelent map in it.

As far as I can tell:

La Rambla is the centre, but you don't necessarily want a hotel here because it will be noisy (or look for 'soundproofed' in the description of hotel - but this will be expensive). Either side of La Rambla the streets are quite compact and this appears to be a rough area. Further out (to the left on my map) is Montjuic and the bit between here and La Rambla, where the streets are less compact, looks the best place to stay, as this seems to be where the good restaurants and tourist attractions are. I've gone for the Cotursa Rocafort hotel as it was cheap and in this area, but like I say I haven't stayed there yet so don't really know!

I'd advise getting hold of a map and identifying where you hotel is before booking and don't belive the location on internet sites (Most say 'close to La Rambla' or near a metro stop even if they are miles away).

www.tmb.net tells you everything about public transport in Barcelona (click on 'English') and you can even buy tickets in advance.

Ultrasonic · 28-03-2006, 18:45

Cheers for your replies guys. Some very useful stuff here, thanks a lot!

Dips · 28-03-2006, 19:49

http://www.hlloret.com/

We stayed in one of their small rooms for many people which are at the top of Las Ramblas. Our apartment/room had a bedroom, living room with kitchen and a bathroom. It was nice, clean and had everything we needed.

mistygal · 28-03-2006, 20:31

My partner and I went only for a dat trip whilst on holiday in salou.

The Zoo was good and of cause We had to vist the "Nou Camp" him being the footie fan that he has.
It has a large town centre.
Must say that it is not somewhere we would choose to stop.

Don't let that put you off though as it was a real exhausting day trip for us with 2 hours travel there and back.

lulu g · 29-03-2006, 00:11

Barcelona is a fantastic city. I can't recommend it highly enough. There is so much to see. I suppose it depends what you are interested in, but I'd say the must-see things are all the Gaudi architecture, including la Sagrada Familia (the cathedral) and Parc Guell, the Gothic Quarter, the Palau de la Musica Catalana (the concert hall), and the Magic Fountains.

Ads · 29-03-2006, 08:19

I have heard that English stag parties and other groups of beered up English prats are not doing the English repuation much credit in Barcelona though? Can anyone confirm this?

27-03-2006, 20:46	#1
Ultrasonic Inactive Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 4,605	Anyone been to Barcelona? Me and my girlfriend are going to Barcelona for 4 days in June. We've booked the flights but don't have a hotel yet. Having never been there before, it's so difficult to know exactly where to get accommodation, so I was wondering if you fantastic group of people could help me out! A couple of people have suggested the place to be is near "Las Ramblas" or the "gothic quarter." We basically want to be within walking distance of nice bars and restaurants for going out at night, and near the touristy stuff for the daytime (if both of these things are possible!) I've looked at hotels on various "cheap deal" type websites and a fair few have brought up hotels in "Eixample". Is this close to Las Ramblas? Also, wondered if anyone could suggest any must-see or must-do attractions. And what is transport like? Are most things centrally located and walkable or do you have to use buses/metro/taxis etc? It probably sounds like I haven't done any research! But as I say, it's really difficult to know when you haven't been somewhere before! All suggestions and advice gratefully received!

28-03-2006, 13:37	#18
CHUTNEY Banned User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Newcastle on Tyne. Posts: 15,665	If you get on the local trains (not the metro) make sure it's the one you need and not one that takes you miles into the mountains and requires a taxi ride to your original destination at 11 o'clock at night............ I know someone who did that! Last edited by CHUTNEY : 28-03-2006 at 14:19.

27-03-2006, 21:59	#2
yorkiegal Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: away with the faeries Services: sky+, when it's not raining. Posts: 8,567	just keep hold of your wallet. It's renowned for pickpockets.

27-03-2006, 22:09	#3
The Severn Bore Posts: n/a	Been through it on a train in 1974.Didn't look very nice to me but a friend has recently visited there and says it is a beautiful city.I guess I only saw the rotten parts of the city while on the train.

27-03-2006, 22:12	#4
Dibbledooski Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 1,743	"Barcaloooonnnaa" Would just emphasise the keep hold of your wallet comment. My mate had a hen night there and three of them lost there wallets I hear it is a lovely place otherwise though!

27-03-2006, 22:17	#6
halewood Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merseyside Services: SKY HD Posts: 484	Sack the Hotels!!! Loads of spotless Hostels around Las Ramblas... you wont go wrong.

27-03-2006, 22:17	#7
Stratosphere Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 3,492	I've been to Barcelona a couple of times but it's been about 5 years since I was last there so my memory isn't so good now. It's true there are pickpockets there but we never got hit. Just be sensible and you will be OK...watch out for undesirables trying to divert your attention and kids bothering you etc etc. We stayed in a hotel just off the Ramblas one time we went...it was this one here:- http://www.hotelgaudi.es/eng/index.asp It was a reasonable hotel when we were there but it might be worth checking tripadvisor.com to see if there are any recent reviews of it. I remember we stayed at a different hotel elsewhere on another visit...all I can remember now is that it was a Best Western You MUST see La Sagrada Familia which is Gaudi's unfinished temple. I remember we took the Metro to see it. There is also a beautiful park we went to which overlooks the entire city but again I can't remember the name of it. Sorry I can't be more specific but Barcelona is a beautiful city and I hope you have a wonderful trip

28-03-2006, 00:02	#10
gers09 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Larnaca and Glasgow Posts: 1,571	Im going on friday for the football, so i'll report back on monday morning

28-03-2006, 00:55	#11
shopaholicleo Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: London Services: Broadband, Virgin Media Posts: 936	I recommend the cable car, though we got lost and couldn't find much to do once we got up there except to get the tram down. A nice restaurant is Les Quinze Nits in the square near the Ramblas. We stayed in a small cheapo apartment near La Ramblas which was pretty central. A good clubv is Razzmataz (a bit like Fabric) but I didn't get to go as I was only 17, so we ended up in boring bars. Parc Guell is a nice walk. My friend got her purse stolen, but she did have it out on the table in Burger King. 90 quid gone, lot of money for a student, but she didn't seem to care.

28-03-2006, 09:58	#13
maimou Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Athens - GR Posts: 8,334	I've been a few times and have always found very good hotels/hostels (clean, cheap & basic) off Las Ramblas (the left side coming up from the port). As well as the suggestion of La Sagrada Familia which is a must I'd also recommend the fantastic food market.

28-03-2006, 10:53	#14
fi~ Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Services: virgin media tv phone broadband Posts: 4,688	i love the place but also been the victim of pick pockets cant help with hotels, only stayed in cheap hostels when i've been there i prefer to stay on las ramblas, pretty central to everything

28-03-2006, 11:35	#15
iain Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: UK Services: Telewest, Telewest Blueyonder BB, Freeview Posts: 53,185	when we went our hotel was in Eixample - its not really quite walkable, but a a subway station was a one minute walk away, and then ten minutes on the subway to the top of the ramblas. the park guel is really good too - loads of gaudi stuff including the famous lizard. very colourful. there's another little cable car up to an old fort - great views of the city, and if you are interested in the olympic site it makes for a good - but pretty long - walk back down. on the way back down there's also a kind of open museum full of ye olde streets. not that exciting, but quite interesting for a little wonder around. the ramblas are great tho' - always buzzing with all sorts going on. and if you like seafood, turn left at the bottom of the ramblas and follow the harbour round. you go past a fairly run down part, but the harbourside itself is full of seafood restaurants. and if you like football, the neu camp is worth a look - there's a great museum and gallery of old posters and memorabilia. for a day trip Montserrat is pretty spectacular - its a good day trip from Barcelona by train. get off at the first stop and go up by the cable car, and come back on the little railway. stunning views of the pyranees. and if you go up the little vernicular (sp?) railway to the very top, there are great views on the other side. not sure how well catered it was for car parking tho'. but its a great city, especially for walking around - have a great time! Iain

28-03-2006, 12:06	#16
morning Banned User Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 13,128	Yes, I love Barca too, it has a great atmosphere, and jazz clubs. I can't recommend a hotel though, sorry, as I'm hopeless when it comes to remembering names. Someone asked me only yesterday what Edinburgh hotel I had recently stayed in, and I couldn't remember it's name for the life of me.

28-03-2006, 13:29	#17
godiva Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: London Town Services: Sky+ Posts: 246	I went to Barcelona a few weeks ago and stayed in the Gothic Quarter which was pretty perfect in terms of location. Most of the sites are within walking distance and the metro is very easy to use. If you fancy something a bit different I suggest you go see a flamenco show we went to one in the Poble Espanyol and it was excellent. Definitely agree that you have to go to the Sagrada Familia but I also recommend the Picasso Museum and the Cathedral in the Gothic Quarter it's beautiful and also the Casa Mila- a house designed by Gaudi has the most amazing roof I have ever seen. Its a beautiful city so much to see and do I'm sure you'll love it.

28-03-2006, 13:42	#19
Squishy Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Sunny Sussex Posts: 1,884	There are some fountains that look beautiful all lit up, apparently, I didn't personally see them as I went in the day. Las Ramblas is always good for a giggle, and the Sagrada Familia is beautiful. Plenty of other Gaudi buildings to see and various museumy things near the Olympic Stadium that sounded quite good. Montjuic was nice too, but I have no idea about hotels sadly as I didn't stay in Barcelona. Was just a day trip.

28-03-2006, 15:47	#20
MancMan Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Manchester Services: DAB radio; no Sky or Freeview Posts: 198	Haven't been yet but booked a long weekend for a group of friends for September. The Insight Pocket guide is a good read and has an excelent map in it. As far as I can tell: La Rambla is the centre, but you don't necessarily want a hotel here because it will be noisy (or look for 'soundproofed' in the description of hotel - but this will be expensive). Either side of La Rambla the streets are quite compact and this appears to be a rough area. Further out (to the left on my map) is Montjuic and the bit between here and La Rambla, where the streets are less compact, looks the best place to stay, as this seems to be where the good restaurants and tourist attractions are. I've gone for the Cotursa Rocafort hotel as it was cheap and in this area, but like I say I haven't stayed there yet so don't really know! I'd advise getting hold of a map and identifying where you hotel is before booking and don't belive the location on internet sites (Most say 'close to La Rambla' or near a metro stop even if they are miles away). www.tmb.net tells you everything about public transport in Barcelona (click on 'English') and you can even buy tickets in advance.

28-03-2006, 18:45	#21
Ultrasonic Inactive Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 4,605	Cheers for your replies guys. Some very useful stuff here, thanks a lot!

28-03-2006, 19:49	#22
Dips Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 804	http://www.hlloret.com/ We stayed in one of their small rooms for many people which are at the top of Las Ramblas. Our apartment/room had a bedroom, living room with kitchen and a bathroom. It was nice, clean and had everything we needed.

28-03-2006, 20:31	#23
mistygal Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: West Midlands Services: sky digital and AOL Posts: 4,413	My partner and I went only for a dat trip whilst on holiday in salou. The Zoo was good and of cause We had to vist the "Nou Camp" him being the footie fan that he has. It has a large town centre. Must say that it is not somewhere we would choose to stop. Don't let that put you off though as it was a real exhausting day trip for us with 2 hours travel there and back.

29-03-2006, 00:11	#24
lulu g Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 21,317	Barcelona is a fantastic city. I can't recommend it highly enough. There is so much to see. I suppose it depends what you are interested in, but I'd say the must-see things are all the Gaudi architecture, including la Sagrada Familia (the cathedral) and Parc Guell, the Gothic Quarter, the Palau de la Musica Catalana (the concert hall), and the Magic Fountains.

29-03-2006, 08:19	#25
Ads Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Pimlico, central London, UK Posts: 4,966	I have heard that English stag parties and other groups of beered up English prats are not doing the English repuation much credit in Barcelona though? Can anyone confirm this?