readytogotoRome

Personally I would head straight to London. There are interesting places around Birmingham but much more to see in and around London if you've never been there before. Plus you have the added draw of all the theatre shows that are available. You could also take day trips out to outlying areas from there if you wanted.

Not so sure you will enjoy 3 days in Birmingham. It is a fairly industrial large city. But...There are some great places nearby.

Check out Ironbridge...a beautiful town/village where the industrial revolution "started" - so many cute places to visit

Warwick Castle !!

We stayed in an Air BNB on Career dels Tallers. EXCELLENT location. We found it was close to most things we wanted to walk to and very close to the buses and metro. It was very central and in the evenings we walked down Las Ramblas to take everything in. There is a grocery store just down on Las Ramblas and you are within an easy walk of la bouqeuria.

Most rental apartments are walk ups. Ours was 4 flights in the heat. Something to bear in mind. Elevators are a luxury.

The evening is perfectly fine. Yes there are pick pockets and scam artists as in most European cities. Be aware.

The bigger problem for your father will probably be the heat and the walking. I would suggest asking the hotel for restaurant recommendations nearby and taking taxis to places further afield.

Normally I would suggest the metro as it is very safe and easy to use. However...there is quite a bit of walking in the stations and a lot of stairs.

Don't be put off by the metal garage like shutter doors covered in graffiti in most areas. It does not mean it is a bad area...most places are covered in graffiti.

You will find the area from the Maremagnum shopping area on the water up Las Ramblas to Plaza Catalunya and the streets right around there are perfectly fine. BUT they will be crowded.

Drink lots of water and have a great time.

Flax and Kale on Career del Tallers

and

Veggie Garden are good options.

Most places we found to be very accommodating if you can get the message across. They do have liberal definitions of vegetarian :)

On Las Ramblas by the market there is a Walk to Wok where they can specify exactly what they would like.

The market is a great place for fresh fruits and veggies.

There is also a Carrefour market on Las Ramblas to pick up snacks etc.

Taking a food tour never even occurred to me! That sounds awesome! Unfortunately, the couple that I looked up were all booked up for the days we'll be there. :( But we'll definitely be putting that on our list for next time!

Did you try Air BNB experiences. We did one with them that was a lot of fun.

We spent three months in Barcelona last summer and have a few places to recommend for food.

1st...try not to eat on Las Ramblas or close to it if you can. It is over priced and very touristy.

2. For fast food - non Spanish one of our favourite places was Walk to Wok (by the Bouqueria) it was reasonably priced and you can choose what you'd like in your stir fry.

3. Off of Career del Tallers near Plaze Catalunya is a small restaurant called Olive with traditional dishes. The Grilled vegetable appetizer is delicious.

4. Best place and cheapest to people watch. Go to McDonalds on Las Ramblas...grab a drink or ice cream and sit on their patio and people watch. It was great fun.

5. El Cortes d'Ingles...the large department store in Plaza Catalunya has a restaurant on the very top floor with a large assortment of food and drinks. In the afternoon in the heat it is lovely to grab a cold drink and a coveted spot by the window and watch the bustling plaza below. A great spot to rest your feet.

6. Veggie Garden - there are a few. Great spot for interesting vegetarian meals.

7. Flax and Kale - Career del Tallers - again Vegetarian. Fairly upscale...modern..interesting health food.

8. TGB - the good burger...cheap burger chain with pretty good food.

9. 365 Bakery - chain....great for breakfast....their chocolate croissants!!! Great coffee

10. Pizza place on Career del Tallers and Valdonzella - cheap...pretty good for the price...

11. More upscale on the water...Agua...make a reservation and eat on the beach. Loved the fish.

12. Try and go to L'Arenas....the old bull ring. There are quite a few restaurants on top that are lovely and the view is beautiful!