Some help and answers from a Barceloner

[Judgekw]

Dear BCN Lady,

 

We are excited to find that we will be in Barcelona on 23/6/09 and there is a big holiday with fireworks and bonfires. Is there anything we should do to plan for this festival. Do you think we will have any problems flying out of Barcelona on 24/6/09 if this is a holiday? We have two teenagers, 16 and 17 will they enjoy this event? Thank you for any information.

[cookiersmom]

Hi BCN Lady

 

So glad to have found you here. We will be in Barcelona, arriving April 30. We are thinking to stay over 2 nites "in the area". We visited Barcelona for 6 days back in 2006, so we are thinking to spend two nites somewhere near by where we might see some sites or enjoy a different experience than in the city. We could either drive or take a train. We had also thought about a short flight to Majorca, but not sure if early May is a good time to go.

 

What would be a few suggestions you might have?

 

thank you

[Host Karen]

BCNLady hasn't visited the boards since late January, so perhaps other members can answer some of the recent questions.

 

Karen

HostKaren@CruiseCritic.com

[Normandie-BCN]

Dear BCN Lady,

 

We are excited to find that we will be in Barcelona on 23/6/09 and there is a big holiday with fireworks and bonfires. Is there anything we should do to plan for this festival. Do you think we will have any problems flying out of Barcelona on 24/6/09 if this is a holiday? We have two teenagers, 16 and 17 will they enjoy this event? Thank you for any information.

 

The June 23rd festival (Verbena de Sant Joan) is lived in particular houses and in the center's streets and beaches. There is a lot of people (hundred thousands...) on the beaches and also in Montjuic (near the Magic Fountain) and Ramblas. You have not to prepare anything. You have to buy a "coca de Sant Joan" made of brioche but try not to buy one in the street or supermarkets as they are industrial ones; ask in the hotel for a good and artisanal pastry not to late as they run off. Buy also a cold bottle of cava (champagne style wine) and enjoy. It is a popular feast. You may stay in the beach until 7am when they come to clean them.

 

With respect to fly out Barcelona on the 24th, it is a bank holiday but as it is a wednesday there is not a long week end. In such a case, the problem would be to fly in Barcelona but not to fly out.

[Normandie-BCN]

Hi BCN Lady

 

So glad to have found you here. We will be in Barcelona, arriving April 30. We are thinking to stay over 2 nites "in the area". We visited Barcelona for 6 days back in 2006, so we are thinking to spend two nites somewhere near by where we might see some sites or enjoy a different experience than in the city. We could either drive or take a train. We had also thought about a short flight to Majorca, but not sure if early May is a good time to go.

 

What would be a few suggestions you might have?

 

thank you

 

Girona, Tarragona and Palma de Majorca are very interesting. Palma is one of the most beautiful cities of the Mediterranen. It has not the masterpieces of Firence or Naples but is, in my opinion, as charming than them if not more. Also, Majorca has very beautiful beaches and panoramas to enjoy.

 

Girona is a small medieval city with beautiful surroundings as the Costa Brava, Besalú, Figueres and its Museu Dalí, Cadaqués with Dali's house in Port Lligat, the Ampurdà's country and its villages like Pals and, in close to the french border, Cotlliure o Collioure and its fortifications.

 

Tarragona is also an agreable city, with roman ruins (was the first roman capital of Hispania and one of the only 3 cities of the Roman Empiere with theatre, amphitheatre and circus). In the nearby you have the Cistercien Abbey of Poblet, which was the old pantheon of Aragon king and whichs is the biggest abbey in Europe (for size not for number of monks), the forme Abbey of Santes Creus, the walled city of Montblanc and very good beaches in Salou.

 

To Palma you may go by plane or fast ferry. To Tarragona and Girona you may go by train. To see the countryside you will have to rent a car there.

[Normandie-BCN]

I have enjoyed your posts very much, and you should never worry about your English! (and I am a former English teacher)

 

We will be visiting Barcelona in November, and someone told me to try to see Los Tunos (dancers). Are you able to tell me anything about when/where to see them or how to find out?

 

Thank you so much for all your wonderful suggestions, lists, etc. :)

 

Cruzin Lady Carolynn

 

I do not know Los Tunos (dancers) as I do not know anything about flamenco. I expect that other member will be of more help.

 

There is a possibility that you are talking about the members of a Tuna (a traditional music group formed by students), see here:

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuna_(music)

 

In such a case, it is imposible to know where to find them or at what time, but it is not difficult to see them in turistic restaurants. However, you may find that some students are quite old as to be a Tuno is very amusing so there are students that are reluctant to leave the Tuna when studies are finished.

[NYC cruiser lady]

If anyone has been to Barcelona and can give advise, please let me know. I will be in Barcelona one day, dock at 8, leave at 5. I would love to see the Park Guell, both cathedrals, Casa Mila (Pedrera), Casa Batllo and stroll down las Ramblas. I know there won't be enough time to go into the cathedrals or either house, but I was wondering if this itinerary is possible and, if so, how to do it. I thought I would get off the ship, go directly to the metro and take the metro to Placa de Catalunya, then the bus 24 to the Park and then back to Placa de Caatulunya by bus so I could see the other sites without spending a fortune on cabs from the Lesseps metro stop. Does anyone know if this is possible? How long would the bus take?

Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[rome2009]

Can you answer these questions for me.

1. Are there any decent, authentic, and reasonably priced tapas near Hotel Universal in Las Ramblas?

2. Is Las Tarantos (Placa Reial 17 Barri Gotic Barcelona) worth going to? How much are the shows and how much do they charge?

3. Does the airport bus stop near Hotel Universal?

[BCCRUSINGCOUPLE]

Hello can you suggest any good appartments to stay in for 3 nights while we are in Barcelona as we are travelling with a group of 4

[rome2009]

Can you answer these questions for me.

1. Are there any decent, authentic, and reasonably priced tapas near Hotel Universal in Las Ramblas?

2. Is Las Tarantos (Placa Reial 17 Barri Gotic Barcelona) worth going to? How much are the shows and how much do they charge?

3. Does the airport bus stop near Hotel Universal?

[KeiEdy]

We stayed at Hispanos Siete Suiza. Here is part of my Voyager Review October 2008

 

 

 

Barcelona-We flew from Philadelphia on Thursday night and arrived in Barcelona on Friday, October 24th. We purchased the T-10 tickets at the airport to take the train to our hotel (€7.20). The RENFE train runs every half hour from the airport. We were on the 10AM train which was very crowded. We transferred from the RENFE train to the L2 Purple Line (towards Pep Ventura) at Passeig de Garcia. It was an extremely long walk up and down steps to the L2 line from the RENFE train. It was not too bad with only one piece of luggage but others in my group had several pieces of luggage which made it a longer walk to the next train. We took the L2 Purple line to Sagrada Familia stop (approx 3 stops). I made reservations for the Royal Suite (for 8 adults) at the Hispanos Siete Suiza located on Sicilia (255) Street between Provenca and Rossello. The hotel was only 2 blocks from the Sagrada Familia. It was a very easy walk. When we arrived at the hotel, the royal suite was not ready yet. The desk clerk offered us 2 junior suites (each with 2 bedrooms) for the same price as the Royal Suite (€460). This worked out better so everyone had a bed instead of 2 of us on rollaways in the living room of the Royal Suite. One of the rooms was ready at that time. The room was very nice. One of the bedrooms contained 2 twin beds with a bathroom with a multi headed shower. The second bedroom was a king size bed with the bathroom with a tub in the hall. There was a safe in the closet. The electric did not work in the room until we placed one of the room keys in the slot by the door. The balcony overlooked a school yard. The windows had electronic shutters to completely cover the windows. We placed our luggage in the rooms and ventured off for lunch. We ended up eating a sandwich and pizza at a small place near Sagrada Familia. We should have asked for the prices of the items before we ordered but everyone was hungry. I paid €28 for a sandwich, a small pizza, coke zero and one beer. On the way back to the hotel we found a grocery store called Caprabo 45 which was located on Provenca. We were able to buy bottled water and soda for the hotel room. When we went back to the hotel, the second room was ready. Everyone took a nap for a few hours. After the nap, we ventured on the train to go to Park Guëll (free admission). We took the L5 Blue Line at Sagrada Familia to the Diagonal stop. From this stop we took the L3 Green Line to Lesseps. After we exited the train, we followed the signs to Park Guëll. It was about a 15 minute walk uphill. After walking around Park Guëll, we took the L3 Green Line to Catalunya. We went to Placa de Catalunya and ate at the Hard Rock Café. We took the L3 Green Line back to Diagonal stop then the L5 Blue Line back to Sagrada Familia stop.

The breakfast buffet was wonderful at the hotel. Since we were a group of 8, they had a table ready for all of us but 4 of the group slept in. After we ate, we went to the Sagrada Familia at 9AM (€10). We were on the second elevator to the top. It was worth the €2.50 to go to the top for some amazing views. We decided to walk down the 426 steps instead of taking the elevator. We checked out of our hotel and walked back to the Sagrada Familia for a cab to the pier. The cab was €20 for 4 people with 4 pieces of luggage. We were on the ship by 12:30PM. If you order a cab at the hotel, it will cost €35 Euros to go from the hotel to the pier.

[jonsul]

Barcelona is one of our ports of call next month - thank you - this is all so helpful! We want to make the most of our time there!

 

Susan & John

[gatorfamily]

Thanks so much for all this wonderful information. I have been reading this post for hours. I have learned so much! I had a few questions. We are staying at a hotel that I have not seen on the boards. It is the Gallery Hotel in the Eixample area.1) Does anyone know about this hotel and the area it is in? How far is it to the port and Las Ramblas from here? Also my kids play soccer and would just love to see the stadium. 2)Can anyone get in to see it for free and how far would it be from where we are staying? Thanks so much!!!!:)

[gatorfamily]

I have a question for Normandie BCN. We are a family group that will be going to Palma in June. It is one of the stops on our cruise. We have three kids 5, 9 and 11. Do you have any recommendations on what to do there? We saw there is a train and that is an option. They love to travel and it doesn't have to be "something for kids". They love architecture and just to see new places. My brother is going to rent a car and go to Valldemossa, Stoller, Deia and just drive along the coast. What do you think of this option? I really trust your opinion and we have never been to Palma so I'm trusting your direction. Thanks!!!!!!:)

[HMSDingy]

There is another thread abut pickpockets in Barcelona. Is it really that bad:confused:

[susiesan]

We will be in Barcelona 5 nights/4 days after a Viking River cruise in October. I want to rent an apartment instead of a hotel. What areas would be good to look at? I'd rather have a quiet, safe neighborhood than be in the middle of the action. I'm considering Eixample. What about an area called Born? I'd like to spend 100-10 euros a night.

 

Thanks for your advice as one who lives there.

 

Susie

[KeiEdy]

We stayed in Barcelona after the cruise for one night....here is my review for the last day.

 

Barcelona- We decided to stay an extra day in Barcelona since we made our own plane reservations. The airlines constantly change the flight times and we did not want to worry about getting to the airport in time. We had reservations at the Renaissance Barcelona Airport. The hotel offered a shuttle from the pier to the hotel for €10 per person. We reserved 2 rooms with 2 bedrooms with access to the elite zone. When we arrived at the hotel, one of the rooms was ready. Juan took all of our luggage to the one room and took us to enjoy ourselves in the elite lounge. After our luggage was delivered to the room, we took the free shuttle to the airport to Terminal B. At Terminal B we took the 46 bus (using our T-10 ticket from the first day) to the Placa Espanya (the end of the line). We walked from the bus stop to Telefèric de Montjuic. There were many steps but escalators were available in front of the Catalan Art Museum. We went passed the Olympic stadium on the way to the cable car. It was about a 30 minute walk from the bus stop to the cable car. The cable car ride was €7.90 (round trip). We took the cable car to the top and got off to view the area. There was a castle at the top along with a museum. We were able to view our ship from the top. After we were done, we took the Funicular down the mountain (using our T-10 ticket again). The Funicular was located right next to the cable car. At the end of the line which is the Paral Lel stop we took to Barceloneta stop. We went to Restaurant 7 Portes for dinner. The restaurant was located at Passeig Isabel 11. The food was very good but they do charge you €2.20 for each roll placed on the table. I do remember someone warning us of this on cruise critic but I forgot to ask if there was a charge for the rolls. After dinner, we walked to the Columbus statue and took the Green Line L3 from Drassnes to Placa Espanya to get the 46 bus back to the airport. Once we got back to the airport, we took the free shuttle back to the hotel. At the hotel, the elite zone had liquor available to make your own cocktails. We took the 6AM shuttle back to the airport in the morning for our 8:30AM flight.

 

The T-10 was a great investment. After using public transportation for 2 days, we still have 3 rides available on each card.

[ragboat]

We'll be in Barcelona on May 28 before our May 31 cruise on the Oosterdam. Can you recommend a quiet hostel?

 

Thanks for your travel tips.

 

Jo:p

[Spygirl13]

Hi, we are sailing out of Barcelona on 5/10 on Celebrity and we are getting a group together in Barcelona from our roll call. We have been researching tapas restaurants to meet at (there will be about 10 of us). DH suggested Cal Pep but it looks really small on the website. We would also like a place to sit outside and drink sangria as well. Do you have any recommendations? We would like to be in either the gothic or los ramblas area if possible, but nothing too commercialized or like a chain tapas place.

Thanks in advance for your help! :D :D :D

[Normandie-BCN]

I have a question for Normandie BCN. We are a family group that will be going to Palma in June. It is one of the stops on our cruise. We have three kids 5, 9 and 11. Do you have any recommendations on what to do there? We saw there is a train and that is an option. They love to travel and it doesn't have to be "something for kids". They love architecture and just to see new places. My brother is going to rent a car and go to Valldemossa, Stoller, Deia and just drive along the coast. What do you think of this option? I really trust your opinion and we have never been to Palma so I'm trusting your direction. Thanks!!!!!!:)

 

I am from Barcelona and not from Palma de Mallorca (not to be confused with Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de la Palma in the Canaries). Palma de Mallorca is a beautiful city (one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean) in which to spend the day visiting the cathedral, the Royal Palace of la Almudaina, and the old quartier. The train to Soller it is also a good alternative with the only problem of the schedules. Rent a car and visiting the north coast (Costa de Tramuntana) with Formentor and Pollensa it is also a possibility. Mallorca is one of the most agreable calls in the Mediterránean, at least for me.

[Normandie-BCN]

Hi, we are sailing out of Barcelona on 5/10 on Celebrity and we are getting a group together in Barcelona from our roll call. We have been researching tapas restaurants to meet at (there will be about 10 of us). DH suggested Cal Pep but it looks really small on the website. We would also like a place to sit outside and drink sangria as well. Do you have any recommendations? We would like to be in either the gothic or los ramblas area if possible, but nothing too commercialized or like a chain tapas place.

Thanks in advance for your help! :D :D :D

 

In this thread there are many places recomended for tapas. I do not know a lot of them but I use to go, from time to time, to Irati whichs is placed in Cardenal Casanyas street which goes from the Ramblas, just opposite to the Liceo Opera House, to the church of Pi (esglèsia del Pi) and also to Sagardi which is in the Argenteria street, in a small place near Santa Maria del Mar, which goes frome there to Via Layetana/Plaça de l'Àngel.

 

With respect to sangria, I cannot advise you as I do not drink alcohol for some years but you may taste some at the entrance of the Boqueria market, in Las Ramblas and in other places and then compare.

[Normandie-BCN]

Thanks so much for all this wonderful information. I have been reading this post for hours. I have learned so much! I had a few questions. We are staying at a hotel that I have not seen on the boards. It is the Gallery Hotel in the Eixample area.1) Does anyone know about this hotel and the area it is in? How far is it to the port and Las Ramblas from here? Also my kids play soccer and would just love to see the stadium. 2)Can anyone get in to see it for free and how far would it be from where we are staying? Thanks so much!!!!:)

 

Gallery Hotel is near Passeig de Gracia, no far from La Pedrera. You have the Green Line to Las Ramblas and the port near the hotel (Diagonal station). On foot you will need 15 minutes to Plaça Catalunya where starts Las Ramblas down to the port.

 

With respect to Barcelona Football Club stadium for free I cannot give you any information. To go to the stadium, you may take in the Diagonal Avenue, near the hotel, the bus number 7 which stops opposite Hotel Princesa Sofia which is very near to the stadium. Also you may take the Green Line until Zona Universitaria.

[Normandie-BCN]

We will be in Barcelona 5 nights/4 days after a Viking River cruise in October. I want to rent an apartment instead of a hotel. What areas would be good to look at? I'd rather have a quiet, safe neighborhood than be in the middle of the action. I'm considering Eixample. What about an area called Born? I'd like to spend 100-10 euros a night.

 

Thanks for your advice as one who lives there.

 

Susie

 

Eixample is a good zone for an apartment, mainly if not far from Passeig de Gràcia. El Born is the zone near Santa Maria del Mar in the old city and it is now very fashionable. I reccomend you both.

[Normandie-BCN]

If anyone has been to Barcelona and can give advise, please let me know. I will be in Barcelona one day, dock at 8, leave at 5. I would love to see the Park Guell, both cathedrals, Casa Mila (Pedrera), Casa Batllo and stroll down las Ramblas. I know there won't be enough time to go into the cathedrals or either house, but I was wondering if this itinerary is possible and, if so, how to do it. I thought I would get off the ship, go directly to the metro and take the metro to Placa de Catalunya, then the bus 24 to the Park and then back to Placa de Caatulunya by bus so I could see the other sites without spending a fortune on cabs from the Lesseps metro stop. Does anyone know if this is possible? How long would the bus take?

Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

I am not an experienced tourist in my city but where you have the biggest ques is in the Sagrada Familia church so, i advise you to go first there. If you can arrive before opening at 9 am (I think) the beter. Taxis are not expensive in Barcelona so take a taxi in the port an then go to the Sagrada Familia. From there I would go to the farthest place that is the Park Guell. From there to La Pedrera and from there to Casa Batlló you may go on foot going down by the Passeig de Gràcia. At the end, down, of Passeig the Gracia you will find Plaça Catalunya from where you are close to the Cathedral of Santa Cruz (Seo de la Santa Creu which is the cathedral as la Sagrada Familia is, and will be, only a parish church).

 

If you are going to take a cab, take it to the Sagrada Familia and at the end of the day to come back to the ship.

[Normandie-BCN]

Can you answer these questions for me.

1. Are there any decent, authentic, and reasonably priced tapas near Hotel Universal in Las Ramblas?

2. Is Las Tarantos (Placa Reial 17 Barri Gotic Barcelona) worth going to? How much are the shows and how much do they charge?

3. Does the airport bus stop near Hotel Universal?

 

1. You have already information on this thread.

2. I have not the slightest idea. I have never been on a flamenco show.

3. I do not know where is Hotel Universal.

 

Sorry!