Two days in Barcelona

[rupertpenny]

Non-consecutive days, if that matters. I will definitely go to Sagrada Familia, and probably Park Guell. Any other must-sees? I'm not super into museums (I think I've taken too many museum studies courses to enjoy them anymore), I'd rather go to markets and eat. I'd welcome recs for tapas bars or other casual places, I don't think I'll do any fine dining this time. My H and baby will be at home, so I will be gloriously free to do and eat whatever I want. 

Also, if anyone has any recs for Girona I would love to hear them. That is where I'll be spending the bulk of my time for this trip. 

[rupertpenny]

dulcemariamar elenetxu grosnl19 I don't think any of you live in Barcelona, but have any of you spent time there?


Another random question, is it ok for me to try and speak Spanish in Catalonia? I know enough Spanish to get by while traveling, but if this is touchy I will avoid if necessary.

[ErinExpat]

I spoke Spanish in Catalonia, but I am interested to see what the locals have to say about it.

[elenetxu]

I've only been there once and we were celebrating a friend's birthday so... I don't remember much.

When are you going? The "consulta"/independence referendum is supposed to be held on November 9th. Things could be shady around that date, even if the referendum isn't celebrated.

Unfortunately, there's no good answer about speaking Spanish in Catalonia. It all depends on the person you're speaking with. If they're used to tourists, they shouldn't have a problem with it. DH is Basque and we've been to some pretty hardcore Basque bars/towns in the past. I sometimes say hello, thank you, and goodbye in Basque just to show I try. You could do the same in Catalan and gain major points, even though you say the rest in Spanish.

anna7602 and popcorn might be able to help too!

[rupertpenny]

Thanks elenetxu! I'm going mid-October, so before the referendum, but I (shamefully) didn't even know that was happening so it's good to know about.

I will definitely try to pick up a few phrases in Catalan and proceed with caution.

[dulcemariamar]

If you do decide to do fine dining, I loved this restaurant. It is right on Las Ramblas. And they are offering a 50% off the menu price.

www.eltenedor.es/restaurante/centonze-hotel-le-meridien/8035

We have this tapas place on our list to visit on our upcoming trip
www.manoletebcn.com

[elenetxu]

No need to proceed with caution. If someone is a dick about it, they are an idiot anyhow! It is usually quite easy to see who is not a local. Barcelona depends on tourism, so I doubt you will run into trouble.

Two things: 1. Bring a zip up purse and watch out for pickpockets.
2. Stay away from protests. Even though you are coming in October, it is looking like the government may reach a deal with the separatists. If this happens I imagine the radicals will be upset.

[CloudBee]

Visit the gothic quarter! It's fantastic. In some areas the buildings are so close across the walkways that you can practically spread your arms and touch them both.

[dulcemariamar]

Sept 16, 2014 6:51:46 GMT -5 rupertpenny said:

Non-consecutive days, if that matters. I will definitely go to Sagrada Familia, and probably Park Guell. Any other must-sees? I'm not super into museums (I think I've taken too many museum studies courses to enjoy them anymore), I'd rather go to markets and eat. I'd welcome recs for tapas bars or other casual places, I don't think I'll do any fine dining this time. My H and baby will be at home, so I will be gloriously free to do and eat whatever I want. 

Also, if anyone has any recs for Girona I would love to hear them. That is where I'll be spending the bulk of my time for this trip. 

The only thing I didnt like was going to see Monteserrat. It was PITA getting there and I thought El Escorial was a hundred times cooler. 


I really enjoyed the Magic Fountain and the park behind it.

[rupertpenny]

Thank you everyone!

pagas I didn't even realize you had to buy tickets for Park Guell, much less that they might be limited. I will get on that. I used to be great at planning trips, I don't know what happened haha. I am so fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants now. Right now I'm just excited about flying ALONE and being in a hotel room ALONE.

[dulcemariamar]

Sept 16, 2014 7:20:27 GMT -5 rupertpenny said:

dulcemariamar elenetxu grosnl19 I don't think any of you live in Barcelona, but have any of you spent time there?


Another random question, is it ok for me to try and speak Spanish in Catalonia? I know enough Spanish to get by while traveling, but if this is touchy I will avoid if necessary.

People spoke to us in French when I was with my Spanish DH. I dont look Spanish so they thought we were French.

we spoke Spanish everywhere. Nobody gave us a hard time.

[McGavin]

The Gothic quarter is where we spent most of our time. There's a great Irish pub there, I don't know how the food is but the beer is great. The cathedral right there us beautiful. I know you said no museums but the Maritime Museum was fascinating to me, I loved it

[nahoku]

My sister and I ate at the Chi Chis on las ramblas but I'm pretty sure that's not what you're looking for!

[anna7602]

Coming to this late, so I don't have anything to add but eat, eat, and eat some more. And enjoy your baby-free time!

[themoneytree]

I haven't been in years so I'll let others weigh in on the highlights, but I just wanted to say watch out for pickpockets in Barcelona. We weren't robbed, but I know so many people who have been pickpocketed in Barcelona. Way more than any other place I can think of (including Prague).
I've never heard of a violent robbery, so no need to be scared, but Barcelona seems to have some very talented pickpockets so be hyper aware of your wallet. Maybe separate some cash into a different place just in case?

Have an amazing time - I want to go back!!

[vampsterdam]

You'll be fine speaking Spanish instead of trying to speak Catalan.

When I lived in Spain, my Spanish friends would always say, "oh, you'll see how rude they are when you speak Spanish". Honestly though, they were very polite. Probably more so in Madrid, heh. (And this is based on three different trips to Barcelona). Plus, not everyone who works in Barcelona tourist sites is Catalan either.

I know you said no museums, but I really did enjoy the Picasso museum. I would also take a stroll by Casa Batllo and Casa Mila (it's not necessary to go in, but on one of the trips, I did) to see some more of Gaudi's work. I also liked the quick stop we had at Palau Nacional for some decent views.

And, make sure to stop at the market (Mercat de la Boqueria). They have some pretty good, fresh juices. I also remember getting jamon chopped up and served in a container that fast food places use for fries, haha.

[Linie]

Sept 16, 2014 8:06:33 GMT -5 pagas said:

I know you said you aren't into museums, but the Dali Museum in Figueres (Girona) is awesome. It is a neat town to explore as well.

I was in Barcelona 6 weeks ago. People speak English everywhere (or Catalan or French). The Cathedral with its garden is really nice, but for me, the most beautiful church is the Santa Maria del Mar. I am totally agnostic, but the atmosphere in that building is wonderful.

The Dali museum was disappointing for me - I got in at 10 am without a pre-ordered ticket otherwise there is a long wait - but the Picasso house is one of my preferred museums also because of the buildings on their own! You can book a night ticket online.

Someone one a bicycle tried to rob a necklace from my neck when I was waiting for the light to turn green in the middle of the day (did not succeed but only because of the quality of the necklace, so I would be very careful with jewels).

Eating tapa's on the Royal Place was a better experience than on Las Ramblas.

Enjoy your stay!

ETA: some of the Gaudi buildings - like the appartments were closed for works!

[rupertpenny]

Sept 16, 2014 8:06:33 GMT -5 pagas said:

I know you said you aren't into museums, but the Dali Museum in Figueres (Girona) is awesome. It is a neat town to explore as well.

I like Dali so I might make the effort to do this, especially since I'll be in Girona for 4 days.

Thanks again everyone, these are great recs.

[sparkythelawyer]

I just want to say I'm dying a thousand deaths of jealousy. God I loved Barcelona!

Don't spend the money to go IN to La Sagrada Familia. Just wander around the outside.

The Picasso museum was pretty cool.

[rupertpenny]

Sept 16, 2014 9:22:10 GMT -5 RexManningDay said:

I don't have any suggestions for specifics, but H and I rented bikes one day and really enjoyed seeing the city like that. We could get everywhere we wanted to go pretty easily, took them down to the beach to hang out for a while, through parks, to restaurants/wine bars, etc. I would highly recommend doing that if you're up for it.

Lol I can't ride a bike to save my life. I wish I could though, bike tours sound delightful.

[vampsterdam]

Sept 16, 2014 9:30:36 GMT -5 sparkythelawyer said:

I just want to say I'm dying a thousand deaths of jealousy. God I loved Barcelona!

Don't spend the money to go IN to La Sagrada Familia. Just wander around the outside.

The Picasso museum was pretty cool.

Really? I really enjoyed it.

The first two times I went, it was closed, and didn't think I missed out on it.

However, I loved when I finally got to go in. I liked that it had a modern element to it. Sure, it's not as detailed as the outside, but it was still cool to see.

[Waffles]

Definitely go in Sagrada Familia! And at least walk past Casa Battlo and La Pedrera + walk around the gothic area.
Can't remember any places we ate at, we sort of went from one tapas place to the next.

[shortstax]

Bike Tour! barcelona.fattirebiketours.com/

[sparkythelawyer]

Sept 16, 2014 9:56:02 GMT -5 vampsterdam said:

Sept 16, 2014 9:30:36 GMT -5 sparkythelawyer said:

I just want to say I'm dying a thousand deaths of jealousy. God I loved Barcelona!

Don't spend the money to go IN to La Sagrada Familia. Just wander around the outside.

The Picasso museum was pretty cool.

Really? I really enjoyed it.

The first two times I went, it was closed, and didn't think I missed out on it.

However, I loved when I finally got to go in. I liked that it had a modern element to it. Sure, it's not as detailed as the outside, but it was still cool to see.

The inside to me just looked like any old chuch. 

 

I liked the cathedral bett3er

[grosnl19]

We lived in Barcelona for 16 months in 2011-12, it is a great city. I only spoke Spanish there...a white girl from the Midwest Spanish, but I tried :-).

There is so much to do, I didn't read all the previous responses so sorry if these are duplicates.


La Sagrada Familia-my favorite cathedral ever! It is still under construction, but there is a lot to see. Don't forget there is a museum in the basement that is interesting.
Parc Guell-awesome park in the hills outside this city created by Gaudi.
Casa Bastillo- A home Gaudi created for a family in the heart of the city...it is amazing if you like decor/architecture.
La Pedrera (Casa Mila)-another home of Gaudi near Casa Bastillo.
Plaua Guell-another home of Gaudi, but this one is very different from the rest...gothic almost.
Plaza Cataluyna-in the heart of the city.
Las Ramblas-famous street off Plaza Cataluyna with restaurants, street performers, etc. If you go east on Las Ramblas you will end up in Barcleoneta.
La Boqueria-open air market off Las Ramblas with fresh fish, meat, fruit, etc. It is the most famous in Barcleona maybe even Spain...it is amazing.
Barceloneta-area near the sea with a lot of cool restaurants.
Picasso Museum-self explanatory

[grosnl19]

A great tapas restaurant is Tapas 24, it is owned by a former chef do the famous Ebulli restaurant. It is a small little tapas restaurant and there is usually a wait as there is no reservations, but the food is sooo good. It is in between Casa Bastillo and La Pedrera off Passeig de Gracia.

Also the restaurant at Santa Catherina Market is really good. It is all sourced from the attached market, it was one of our favorites...man I wish I could go back to Barcelona to eat...nom, nom.