Anyone have any recommendations? How much time is needed in the city to see things? Where to stay? Places to dine? Worth a drive down the coast and if so where to?
never been and I don't know if you want to stay in a hostel, nor if the prices at this place are good, but two sisters from my high school opened and are running this place: http://www.somniohostels.com/
I spent 4 days there. My highlights were Güell Parc, La Sagrada Familia, and Casa Milà. I also visited Montserrat and Figueres(the Dali museum there).
I will be there for 3 or 4 days at the end of May, wouldn't mind hearing some recommendations myself.
I haven't been since December of 2004, but I remember it like it was yesterday. Barcelona is awesome. I HIGHLY recommend the museum of the City of Barcelona (I think it's called that). It's in the old, medieval part of the city (you'll know you're in that part because the streets go every which way, while the rest of the city is on a grid). At this museum, you enter at street level and it doesn't look like much of anything. But then you take an elevator DOWN to way below street level and you find Roman-era "Barcino". Awesome ruins, showing the remains of a fish oil factory, an early church, and lots of other things. The Picasso museum, also in the medieval part of the city somewhere, is also really great. If you like art, visit the Fundació Joan Miró. You can see tons of Miró's work, obviously--but you can also see the mercury fountain by Alexander Calder. Spend some time walking around MontJuic (Jewish mountain!) and see all the places the 1992 olympics were held. And, of course, go to the football museum at the Camp Nou. Everything else that people recommended so far are good, too.
Just spent 6 days in Barcelona. There is a subway system, I'm told it is fairly efficient. Didn't use it myself I went walking everywhere. Of course my hotel was located in a great position. Some recommendations. Go to Plaza(Plaça) Espana, beautiful. Down one of the several connecting streets you'll pass the Congressional Palace, which leads you to the National Museum of Catalunya on a hill. Kodak moments. The museum has a free exhibit entrance if you are on a budget. To the left of the Museum is the Greek Theatre, Archaeology Museum, Musical Theatre. Behind all of this, a good 15-25 min walk, is the Olympic Stadium. Not to be confused with the Camp Nou. Go to Plaza(Plaça) Catalunya, the street leading to this area should be full of swapmeet like vendors. I was there on a saturday for a book festival. At the Plaza center there were bands performing. Ranging from Spanish acts to French rap. Most of you will probably visit the Camp Nou, so behind it is the university area. Behind the university is the Ceramic Museum with a nice little closed-in park in front of it. Romantic area if you are going with a special someone. If you are going to do some shopping, the street which separates the university and the Ceramic Museum is your place to be. Hugo Boss, D&G, H&M, etc. are all down to your right from the university, left from the museum/park. Be aware its a good walk though, 20-40 mins max. The same applies to the street leading to Plaza Catalunya. If you are on a budget, not a vegetarian, then try the Boccadillo sandwich. Its the Spanish "ham & cheese". With Iberian Cured Ham. Final advice. If you are allergic to smoke, from cigarettes, take some allergy pills. Of the few cities/countries I've been to, they do not hold back, especially at the Camp Nou during a game. Regardless of whether FCB is winning On that note, you can buy and print your own ticket to a game at Camp Nou via FCB's website. Most everyone owns a dog, so if you are allergic or dislike them be prepared. If you are thinking about bringing your dog I'd advise you to do so. Barcelona is a dog-friendly city. From water fountains for dogs, you'll see them almost everywhere, to hotels allowing dogs. Go to the market and by yourself a 6-pack of bottled water for less than 3 euros instead of paying close to 2 euros for a small 20oz bottle on the way.
It's great--takes you most of the places you need to go (although doesn't have as many stops in the oldest part of the city IIRC) and it's kept very clean. I can't remember how expensive it was, though.
I remember really bad smoke in restaurants from when I was there in 2004 and 2005--but I thought that Spain had passed the same smoking ban as several other European countries since then? Perhaps I'm mistaken. Or maybe it doesn't apply to the Camp Nou. Or perhaps it's widely ignored.
It is one of the best I've seen. It goes everywhere! Actually, you can walk around for most places. I once entered a station where there was not a ticket machince. Some teemage kids jumped over the gate and entered for free. They actually waved me to get in for free and helped me to get in. Once inside, I regarded it. I did not want get caught. Petty crime might be a problem. My cousin lost his passports somewhere there.
I'd lean towards the latter. Aside from the Camp Nou I experienced it while eating, and at the National Museum where there is a big no smoking sign I agree with E. Goat, walking isn't a bad option if you have the time.
We stayed at the Hotel Montecarlo in Barcelona. It's located on the famous avenue Las Ramblas. Our room had a balcony overlooking the avenue. The staff was friendly, the rooms beautiful and the location ideal. The La Boqueria market, the waterfront area and the Gothic Quarter are a short distance away. There are plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants in these areas. The market is well worth a visit. There are numerous places to eat on the waterfront and the view of the Mediterranian Sea is magnificient. To view sites around town one should avail of the Barcelona Bus Turistic, 2 or 3 day passes are worth the price. There are numerous places to eat. The Montiel Restaurant is located in the Gothic district. The food is great and the service provided by the owner, Marcos, was fantastic. The La Luna restaurant is located in an alley near the cathedral in the Born area. It has a lovely atmosphere and the food and cocktails are excellent. Barcelona is a fascinating city and well worth a visit!
http://www.guesthousenetwork.com/Apartments/Salva.aspx?type=Apartment&ic=49&ir=832 Is anyone familiar with the area that this apartment is in?
I really don't know anything about that neighborhood in particular, but I can see that you're only three blocks from Montjuic park, which is a really beautiful place with amazing views of the city and several museums. It would also be a good place to run, if you're into that, and I think there are fields for soccer, basketball, etc. It also looks like you could walk to the Medieval section, which has a lot of restaurants and museums (including an absolutely awesome museum, the Museu de la Ciutat, which includes amazing Roman ruins several stories below street level.) But, like I said, I don't really know what the street the apartment is on and the streets right next to it are like.
I can recall walking through that area on my way to the Montjuic Castle and I don't think it was too bad. I'm looking at one photo I have of that area from the park and it looks good. The walk along the harbor is very nice and the people I spoke with were friendly If I had my other computer I might be able to look at some other photos possibly.