Ideas for Barcelona

[Edmontontraveller]

We are arriving September 12th, 2016 a.m. and boarding the port at 3p.m. on September 15, 2016. Looking to make sure that I do all the right things in the days to follow we are going to do the following:

 

-doing a pedicab tour the day of arrival

-doing a monserrat tour the day after that includes a half day tour

-going on our own on the 14th probably through Hop on hop Off Any other ideas?

[NMLady]

We are arriving September 12th, 2016 a.m. and boarding the port at 3p.m. on September 15, 2016. Looking to make sure that I do all the right things in the days to follow we are going to do the following:

 

-doing a pedicab tour the day of arrival

-doing a monserrat tour the day after that includes a half day tour

-going on our own on the 14th probably through Hop on hop Off Any other ideas?

 

Strongly recommend that you see La SAgrada Familia, getting tickets ahead of time online. Same for Parc Guell.

[Budget Queen]

I never recommend a Montserrat (tour). You are simply paying for someone to hold your hand. :) It is so much better to go on your own time, then YOU determine, how long you want to stay there and what you want to see and do. A lot of "tours" also do NOT include the funiculars. At the least- do your homework so you know the details of the differences. A lot of people simply think tours are all the same, they are not.

 

http://www.montserrat-tourist-guide.com/en/transport/barcelona-to-montserrat-train.html

 

There are at least 4 different walking tour companies, that I have used. A google search will bring up a list. Highly informative and a wonderful way to see the city. The ones I use are tip based, also pp fee options with some companies. Plenty in English to choose from.

 

The better value, is a 2 day HOHO bus pass, consider that.

 

If you are there Friday and/or Saturday nights, add the Magic Fountain. I've seen it several times, and even with the repeat still a wonderful sight. Simple to get there by Metro or bus. (I've done both) http://w110.bcn.cat/portal/site/FontMagica/menuitem.52f5ed459b5a6d6e447a5702917409a0/index981d.html?vgnextoid=af9d48a4fb6ee310VgnVCM1000001947900aRCRD&vgnextchannel=af9d48a4fb6ee310VgnVCM1000001947900aRCRD

 

buy a T-10 metro pass, can be used by more than one person and a great value.

[campolady]

The Sagrada Familia is considered by most visitors to be the 'must see' Church in Barcelona BUT, IMO, the lesser known Cathedral is just as impressive in its Gothic splendour and should not be missed; take the elevator up to the roof for a panoramic view over the city.

http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/albums-en/catedral/ and

http://www.barcelona.de/en/barcelona-cathedral-la-seu.html

 

For another superb view over the rooftops of the city go to the Cafeteria/Coffee Lounge on the 9th floor of the El Corte Ingles department store at the Plaza Catalunya. For details of the Cafeteria see https://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Spain/Catalunya/Barcelona-274654/Restaurants-Barcelona-El_Corte_Ingles_Cafeteria-BR-1.html

and for details of the store in general see http://www.barcelonayellow.com/barcelona/shopping/malls/el-corte-ingles

Edited July 20, 2016 by campolady

[Edmontontraveller]

With regards the Segrada Familia would you pay extra to see the views and the guide or just get the straight forward tickets?

[Clarea]

With regards the Segrada Familia would you pay extra to see the views and the guide or just get the straight forward tickets?

We got the audioguide (headphones) so we could view and listen at our own pace. It worked out very well for us.

[campolady]

We are arriving September 12th, 2016 a.m. and boarding the port at 3p.m. on September 15, 2016. Looking to make sure that I do all the right things in the days to follow we are going to do the following:

 

-doing a pedicab tour the day of arrival

-doing a monserrat tour the day after that includes a half day tour

-going on our own on the 14th probably through Hop on hop Off Any other ideas?

 

On myprevious reply I forgot to add one of my definite Barcelona 'must sees' - the La Boqueria indoor market just off Las Ramlas. Here you will get a real taste of Catalunya - and you must join the locals by having a glass of Cava (Spanish sparkling wine made by the Champagne method) at one of the food and drink stalls; if there are no seats at the inside bars there are several outside on the perimeter of the market including the KitKat Bar who serve a mean Cava and great Tapas. Have a look at these pictures https://uk.images.search.yahoo.com/search/images;_ylt=A9mSs2K0XJBXAUoAUA5LBQx.;_ylu=X3oDMTByZmVxM3N0BGNvbG8DaXIyBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDBHNlYwNzYw--?p=La+Boqueria&fr=yfp-t-903-s

 

With regards the Segrada Familia would you pay extra to see the views and the guide or just get the straight forward tickets?

 

Ordinary tickets then hire a headphone set to go round at your own pace.

Edited July 21, 2016 by campolady

[wheezedr]

We got the audioguide (headphones) so we could view and listen at our own pace. It worked out very well for us.

 

Been ther twice. Highly recommend the audio guide.

[cc_rider]

Sagrada Familia - Just get a ticket (in advance) with audio guide. Towers optional.

Barcelona Cathedral - Free at some times, modest fee at others. We regret missing the elevator to the roof, it was closed the day we were there.

While visiting the cathedral, wander the medieval streets of the Bario. If you know where to look, you can even see what is left of the Roman city.

Las Ramblas - We found it too crowded and too touristy. Worth a visit at least once, but we usually retreated to the back streets of the Bario or El Raval.

La Boqueria is a must visit. Behind it is the Catalan National Library which is a nice wander through.

Picasso Museum and stroll around El Born. Maybe a stop at Santa Caterina Market.

Magic Fountain for the evening light show, with a visit to Las Arenas.

[SunshineAndWine]

Monsterrat tour is totally worth it! My experience there was phenomenal. Not sure if you've booked a guide yet, but, for what it's worth, I recommend Gaston at Barcelona Experience. Speaks fluent English and Spanish. Great guy.