Spain...Hop On, Hop Off Bus?

[Healthmark]

I have never been to Europe and we are doing a Transatlantic Cruise in April.

Our ports in Spain are Cadiz, Malaga, Barcelona and Valencia.

 

How are the HOHO buses in these ports.

Any recommendations?

 

Thank you. 

[edinburgher]

I would not recommend a HOHO for Cadiz as most of the historic centre is pedestrian only and the bus route runs around the outside alongside the sea and to part of the more modern area.

Read the many many past threads and replies about Cadiz  by using the SEARCH box under your user name for Cadiz info the results of which you can read as there have been many suggestions for sights in Cadiz and the old town is very close to, and just across the road from, the port.

 

Valencia is a little bit similar although not quite the same as there are two areas in Valencia, the ultra modern futuristic area and the Old Historic area, both very easy to DIY.  Take a public bus to either from close to the port then explore on foot.  Many past threads on Valencia, sameSEARCH process as for Cadiz, actually for all your ports. And the Valencia Tourist Info website is an excellent source of info so do look at that.  Even has bus toutes, bus stops and all sorts of useful info on it.   Once in the historic centre from the dock,  The Old Town is flat with most sights in close proximity to each other so very easy to DIY before you take a different bus back to the port.

 

OTOH Barcelona HOHOS are an excellent way to get an overview of the city as it is large and quite spread out.  There are two routes so you cover most of the city highlights  with stops at the top sights, but on a first visit you might just want to sit back for the full routes and enjoy what you are seeing with the absolute exception of the Sagrada Familia which you should definitely visit in person.  Book a time slot ahead of your visit..

 

Malaga, sorry no idea of HOHOS  as we usually DIY on foot  there, unless going out of the city and we would use a train or public bus for those visits.

 

HOHOS are not your only option for sightseeing.  Many places can be just as easily visited using minimal (or no) public transport, you only need to spend some time doing online homework before you leave home, as information is all there waiting for you to find it, and sometimes strolling around stopping for drinks or a meal or snack is the nicest way to sightsee.

Edited March 2, 2023 by edinburgher

[Healthmark]

Thanks so much for this information....greatly appreciated.

One question: How do you book a time slot for the Sagrada Familia?

Edited March 3, 2023 by Healthmark

[edinburgher]

You should have been able to find that info in the ticketing section on the official Sagrada Familia website, so if you could not access first time (was the site temporarily down?) , try again. And if you want a tour, book that too. 

 

Many many previous threads and replies about accessing from the cruise terminal, timing and much more so do read past threads.  Instead of back paging you could use the SEARCH box under your user name.