azzy73 Posted February 20, 2018 #1 Share Posted February 20, 2018 We are taking western Mediterranean cruise on NCL Epic leaving from Civitavecchia. I have excursions booked for a couple of our ports but I’m kinda stumped on whether we should do an excursion in Barcelona or do it ourselves wth the hop on hop off bus I’ve heard about. What are your suggestions/experiences? I don’t really know much about the city so don’t really have any must sees so not sure of what to do. TIA! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK Dreaming Posted February 20, 2018 #2 Share Posted February 20, 2018 I took that cruise last year and left from Barcelona. We got in two days early to adjust for jet lag. I had never really looked into or considered Barcelona as a travel destination but was really surprised with how much I enjoyed the city. I’m going back this year. The HOHO bus is a great way to get around but a little prep for certain places will save you a lot of time. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EnricM Posted February 20, 2018 #3 Share Posted February 20, 2018 ... so, if you "don't know much about the city", the first thing you should do is getting acquainted with it. Start here: http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/en/ http://www.infocatalonia.eu/ http://www.timeout.com/barcelona http://lameva.barcelona.cat/en http://www.barcelonaesmoltmes.cat/en/inici http://patrimoni.gencat.cat/en/discover/search Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare mskaufman Posted February 20, 2018 #4 Share Posted February 20, 2018 Barcelona has become one of our favorite destinations. We used the HOHO bus on our first trip there. Look at the links provided on a previous post. I do not recommend just riding around on the HOHO bus. Pick what you want to see (Sagrada Fam, Parc Guell, etc.) and then determine if the HOHO makes sense or if taxis or public transportation make more sense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gopherpharm Posted February 20, 2018 #5 Share Posted February 20, 2018 Barcelona is a great city and doable on your own with some planning. Research and figure out what you’d most like to do there and have a great day! Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogs4fun Posted February 20, 2018 #6 Share Posted February 20, 2018 Barcelona is a wonderful city and very easy to DIY. The Sagrada Familia is a must see for almost everyone - you need to book your tickets online to avoid the queues: http://www.sagradafamilia.org/en/ There is much to see in this fascinating city - google "top 10 sights Barcelona" (or top 20) to get an idea of what interests you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare ollienbertsmum Posted February 24, 2018 #7 Share Posted February 24, 2018 Barcelona is one of my favourite cities, it is vibrant, easy to get around and has so much wonderful architecture. I have been a number of times and cannot decide what I have enjoyed most - Parc Guell, Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllo, Barcelona Cathedral, the Gothic Quarter, the Ramblas, Montjuic ... and if you happen to like football there is a stadium that is popular ;p;p You cannot do all this in one day, you need to do a little research, Enric has given you some ideas, and decide what you want to do. The Hoho bus is not necessary, but it might be a good idea to buy entrance tickets for a couple of the sites ahead of time. I am going to Alaska this year so I will miss out on BCN. I am a little sad about that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted February 24, 2018 #8 Share Posted February 24, 2018 There is no right or wrong here. As mentioned with careful planing you can do it on your own but like many cities you could also get a guide. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted February 24, 2018 #9 Share Posted February 24, 2018 Barcelona is one of my favourite cities, it is vibrant, easy to get around and has so much wonderful architecture. I have been a number of times and cannot decide what I have enjoyed most - Parc Guell, Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllo, Barcelona Cathedral, the Gothic Quarter, the Ramblas, Montjuic ... and if you happen to like football there is a stadium that is popular ;p;p You cannot do all this in one day, you need to do a little research, Enric has given you some ideas, and decide what you want to do. The Hoho bus is not necessary, but it might be a good idea to buy entrance tickets for a couple of the sites ahead of time. I am going to Alaska this year so I will miss out on BCN. I am a little sad about that. I love Barcelona but I truly love Alaska so I would not be sad about going there. :) Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare ollienbertsmum Posted February 25, 2018 #10 Share Posted February 25, 2018 I love Barcelona but I truly love Alaska so I would not be sad about going there. :) Keith Happy to go to Alaska, sad to miss the European cruise - so many cruises and so little annual leave !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samavarcruiser Posted February 25, 2018 #11 Share Posted February 25, 2018 You don't need a guide, check this link which is very helpful for some ideas https://www.gpsmycity.com/gps-tour-guides/barcelona-524.html Have fun planing :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare frantic36 Posted February 26, 2018 #12 Share Posted February 26, 2018 You don't need a guide, check this link which is very helpful for some ideas https://www.gpsmycity.com/gps-tour-guides/barcelona-524.html Have fun planing :) Thanks for the link. It looks very useful for my planning when I'm there again later this year. Julie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samavarcruiser Posted February 26, 2018 #13 Share Posted February 26, 2018 Thanks for the link. It looks very useful for my planning when I'm there again later this year. Julie You are welcome Julie :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare jean87510 Posted February 26, 2018 #14 Share Posted February 26, 2018 When my husband and I went to Barcelona last November, we researched what we wanted to do in 36 hours. One of the ways we got around Barcelona was using the public transportation system. What made it really easy was an app called citymapper. We would type in where we wanted to go and it would give us precise directions on how to do it (which train, what time the train was at, how to get to the train station...etc...buses...etc...). We had previously used it in rome and it was fantastic. We went all over Rome and Barcelona and it was very helpful; however, you do need to do your research beforehand. We wanted to see Park Guell but wanted to do the perimeter, not go inside, and it took right there from our hotel. Then onto the fountain. Then to Las Ramblas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gazpacho Posted March 1, 2018 #15 Share Posted March 1, 2018 I use "Visitacity" for our DIY days: https://www.visitacity.com/en/barcelona/itinerary-by-day/1 You can use their suggested planner, remove or add to it or completely create your own. You can tinker with timings to create the perfect day out. You then get a PDF of the plan .... and its all free ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cancruizer Posted March 13, 2018 #16 Share Posted March 13, 2018 It is a very easy DIY city. We were there in 2018 pre and post cruise and loved it. We will be back in Ocober pre cruise and are looking forward to it. I did not end up booking a tour at La Sagrada Famiglia so I can't say to do this. I prefer a busy but relaxed day all the same. You cannot "see it all" while still experiencing the great vibe of Barcelona. I suggest going first to Sagrada Famiglia either as a tour or just to see the outside. It is unique! It is across a park and a casual little place for filled churros at 2E each! From there you can walk or cab to Playa Catalunya and walk on La Ramblas stopping at La Boqueria market) and grabbing a fruit smoothie. You can see some of Guadi's buildings on sidestreets and walk to the Gothic Quarter (all off La Ramblas). There are charming shops and amazing churches and an old Jewish quarter and lots of places for a bit of tapas and Sangria. Warning - prices are highest on La Ramblas as you get closer to the Columbus monument and further away from Playa Catulunya. Keep looking for what you really want to see and enjoy. You can walk most of it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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