Barcelona

DH & I just booked our 1 year anniversary trip to Barcelona!

We've never even been to Europe before so this is VERY exciting!

Anyone that's been before please dish on where to go; what to see; do; where to eat!

We're staying at the Europark Hotel which is in Eixample (not like i know what means).

Re: Barcelona

Awesome! I love Barcelona. Definitely go to Park Guell - and check out the Gaudi architecture. I loved seeing the unique buildings! La Sagrada Familia was interesting too, although when we were there it was under a lot of construction - I am sure it probably still is.

Re: Barcelona

Oooh, I love Barcelona!

Off the top of my head, things to see/do:

La Sagrada Familia church - amazing! - and for that matter anything Gaudi (Park Guell, Casa Mila, etc) All beautiful!
Take a stroll down Las Ramblas
Picasso Museum (if you're interested)
And indulge in some paella and sangria!

There's definitely more, but I'm in weekend mode already and can't think

Enjoy!!!

Message edited 9/23/2011 4:05:11 PM.

Re: Barcelona

great! Keep the suggestions coming! I don't know anyone personally that has been before; just browsing trip advisor. But i will go and get a travel guide book for the city so we know what to do. It's 6 months from now which i'm hoping flies by!

Re:

Message edited 6/2/2012 10:40:34 PM.

Re: Barcelona

Re: Barcelona

Enjoy a walk down las ramblas. Day trip to sitges if time allows, beautiful town with the beach. Try to see as much Gaudi as possible, it is amazing.

Re: Barcelona

One of the best things we have ever done is rent bikes and ride around barcelona. The city is totally flat so it's an easy ride. There are bike lanes with special bike traffic symbols so even in the busy center city, you feel safe. We rented from Flat tire bike tours. They offer tours but we did our own thing.

Not sure when you are going but another thing we enjoyed was going to the Barceloneta beach on the first day. We were super tired from our red eye (we landed at 6:30 am or something crazy). So we took a nap on the beach and had a relaxing day as opposed to during a lot of running around and sightseeing.

Must Do's:
- Park Guell
-La Sagrada Familla (it has been under construction for over 100 years, so yes, it will be when you are there, but it's incredible)
-Las Ramblas - walking, sit in an outdoor cafe and enjoy some sangria
-Magic Fountains - fun and free
-Tapas - enjoy!
-Not sure what this is called but they put Jamon (similar to proscuitto) on a piece of crusty bread with tomato spread on it
-La Boqueria Market - get an espresso from the stand at the entranceway, amazing. Have breakfast at one of the little stands in the market. Buy some saffron to bring home if you enjoy cooking
-The Cathedral/old district. The winding streets are so charming and there are little squares all over with hidden shops, cafes, etc. You will get lost but it is so small, you will find yourself on a main road in a few mins.
-Drink some Cava - similar to champagne, yum

One restaurant recommendation: La Fonda - its really more of a local place, there is a line out the door but it will move quickly. Amazing food and great prices.

Ok, hope this helps, we loved Barcelona, can you tell? FM if you have any other questions.

We had the Insights Guide to Barcelona and liked that travel book.

Message edited 10/2/2011 1:14:13 PM.

Re: Barcelona

Barcelona

of course, Gaudi is a must see. the Sagrada Familia, the famous apartment.all of that.

Park Guell also and THANK GOD someone mentioned La Boqueria. that place is awesome.

we have family that live outside of Barcelona so we do go outside of the city. depending on how long you are there, you may want to check out Mont Serrat, a beautiful monestary and museum way up in the mountains.

I would of course also try to score tickets to see Barcelona if they are playing at home that weekend (futbol) maybe take a side trip to Menorca or Majorca.

it's really beautiful. enjoy your trip.

Re: Barcelona

The open top bus tour is a great way to see the city, and you can get a pass for I think 24 hours and go see all of the sites. Their underground is also easy to use. Its a beautiful city!

Re: Barcelona

wow!! Thanks for all the suggestions!!! We're going in March; so not sure if we'll actually get to the Beach. Probably just go there to see it; but too cold for swimming!

I'm bookmarking this and printing out what everyone is suggesting!! I also plan to get a travel book so we know exactly what to do!

can't wait!! Only 5 more months to go LOL!

Re: Barcelona

Things to do:
picasso museum
la boqueria
dali museum
chocolate museum
sagrada familia
explore the midevil born district
walk ramblas once- but the good stuff is deeper into the city

Restaurants to not miss:
Inopia
Tickets tapas bar (the el bulli creator created this place)
taller de tapas
7 portes
Cal pep
comerc 24
bubo tapas

Message edited 10/7/2011 4:33:23 PM.