Barcelona

[jd_1984]

I am visiting Barcelona for 4 days in march. The reason we are going is for a concert on day 3 but we have time either side to explore.
Any suggestions for places and things of interest ??

[quizbag]

Pay a visit to Montserrat, a mountain top monastery about 30 miles from Barcelona. It is accessed by a dramatic cable car ride which gives splendid views of the mountains. I loved it.

[237SJ]

It`s several years since I`ve been there but the Segrada Familia is a "must". I remember going to see the church at Tibidabo via funicular railway which was fun and there`s a great view from the top. If you`re looking for somewhere to eat, there are restaurant recommendations on Tripadvisor now but if it was me, I would stay away from eating or drinking in the Ramblas which is a rip off.

[sunny-dave]

Get a day ticket for one of the "hop on / hop off" open top tourist buses. It's not something I would usually do, but works really well as an introduction to Barcelona.

The (relatively) new boardwalk area down by the port (beyond the Columbus Monument) is a great place to have a drink and some tapas on a sunny day - just sit watch the world go by.

Don't miss the Park Guell - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Park_G%C3%BCell - and the Gaudi House - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casa_Batll%C3%B3

Now I just want to back there myself ...

[Mick-Talbot]

http://www.songkick.com/concerts/13291409-justin-bieber-at-palau-sant-jordi

o' dear!

[jd_1984]

Mick has rumbled me!!
Haha, not a chance!

[tenrec]

As quizzbag has said, Montserrat is a must see!

[Mosaic]

There's wandering about the Barrio Gotico - watch your pockets though, both here and on the Ramblas. There's a Picasso Museum, the Regional Museum of Catalunya down on the harbour, the Joan Miro art museum, the apartment block designed by Antonio Gaudi......look for the wild parakeets in the trees......take a quick train ride to Sitges.....have a lovely time!

[Ratty2E]

Good walking shoes would be my first recommendation, the Metro is very good but you'll see much more if you can stay above ground. Sagrada familia is probably the first place that comes to mind but there are many Gaudi buildings to see. Parc Guell is worth going to if you have the time and the weather. If you are eating out it's best to try the side streets, the unassuming little places full of locals are always the best wherever you are.

[sunny-dave]

Looks like lots of votes for Barcelona as the next AB 'day out' ... :+)

[Ratty2E]

Forgot to say if you get a chance to see the magic fountains of Montjuic it's well worth it. It's free and a brilliant show, best to check which local tourist info times days etc.

[jd_1984]

Some fab suggestions that I have checked out on tripadvisor and other sites. Thank you so much. Keep the suggestions coming, thanks in advance!

[Buenchico]

The official tourist website is extremely useful:
http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/English/

Barcelona has an excellent integrated transport system. You can buy a 'T-Dia' ticket for a day's unlimited travel within Zone 1 (covering all of the main attractions) for €7.25.

For the best paella in Catalonia, try the Restaurant Litoral:
http://www.eltenedor.es/2_restaurante/restaurante_Barcelona/restaurante_Litoral/4653/
(It's very good but inexpensive)

Remember that they like their siestas in Catalonia! Shops open at around 10am but then close from around 2pm to 5pm before opening again until about 8pm. (Smaller shops are often closed on Saturday afternoons/evenings and all day on Mondays). La Rambla is probably a good place to start shopping.

Time Out's website might also be helpful:
http://www.timeout.com/barcelona/features/35/20-great-things-to-do-in-barcelona

[jrtv]

Agree with ratty, the Magic Fountains are a must visit, not too far out of the centre, either the tube or taxi, we walked it from Sants Station, go at dusk and listen to the music of Freddie Mercury & Montserrat Cabelle sing Barcelona as the fountains erupt with dance and colour, really brilliant.



http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/albums-en/magic-fountains-montjuic/

[Maydup]

....wait for me I'll carry your bags jd.

You won't notice me, I'll sit in Parc Guell for most of the day and eat tapas in the evening. I'll pop up the steeple of the Segrada Familia and if the weather's particularly good I'll spend an afternoon on the beach too.

Collect me on your way home - I'll be watching the wonderful fountain display of Montjuic.

http://www.bcn.cat/parcsijardins/fonts/EN/magica.html

[atalanta]

Too many muggers in Barcelona, and many of them violent. Do not carry a handbag or wallet - wear a body belt or body strap to hold money and credit cards - and wear a shirt or jacket over the belt.

[Maydup]

^^ It is true, beware of the pickpockets. We were pickpocketed even though the pocket was inside the coat and zipped up. Don't take anything with you that you don't need. Leave half of your money in the hotel safe along with your passport and return flight documents etc. Wear a belt and put your credit card in a different zipped up pocket. Have a bit of money in another inside pocket too if you have one. Don't let this put you off going but be aware that its not an urban myth but does happen especially on the metro.

If you let me come with you I'll keep a look out!

[spudqueen]

Spoilt for choice in Barcelona, loads of things to do and places to visit. Buy yourself a guide book (they aren't dear), preferably with a map and a metro map and have a brilliant time. Oh - as others have said, do watch out for pickpockets. Also buy a money belt that goes under your trouser waistband. You'd soon notice if someone stuck their hand there!

[Zacs-Master]

Jd, I would second the suggested visit to Montaerrat. Neu Camp, if your a footie fan. Good restaurants down by the harbour / shopping complex (forget what it's called).

[lady-janine]

watch out for pickpockets. they come in all sizes from adults to seemingly happy friendly children.