Must Do's in Barcelona

[loveourcottage]

What are absolute MUSTS to see and Do in Barcelona...and is one precruise night enough or should we do 2 precruise nights or one precruise and one post cruise..yes, we are sailing from Barcelona...excited about for sure.

 

Thanks,

Tricia

[Andee]

The more time you can spend in Barcelonas, the better! We spent three days there before a cruise, and it wasn't enough. We especially loved the Gaudi sights--La Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, Casa Batllo, Parc Guell.

[kestrel]

Check this thread: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1088792

 

IMHO it is better if you can spend 2 days there. If you have extra time, you can visit Montserrat too.

[eandj]

One day in Barcelona will make you long big time for another visit. We were there 3 days and still want to go back for another week. It is not just the fabulous "sights" but the whole city's vibe is amazing...the art, architecture, fashion, food, walkability, nightlife...geez I could go on. I have never met anyone that wouldn't go back in a heartbeat. Spend as many days as you can pre cruise. Plus that will give your body clock some time to acclimate before you cruise.

[mollymoo12]

Agree with all the sights that Andee suggests but I would also add a walk up Las Ramblas. Just watch out for the pickpockets as Barcelona is notorious for them.

[eggypann]

Check the Ports section of this board and I'm sure there will be lots of posts regarding Barcelona.

[tartanexile81]

The hop-on, hop-off bus (Bus Turistica) is very good in Barcelona. You can buy a day ticket for the three different routes and get on and off as much as you want. You can pick up the blue route close to the port but most of the Gaudi sites are on the red route and it's straightforward toget off one bus and onto another. Check out the website before you go, The Gaudi bits imho are the unmissables if you just have a day in Barcelona. The Casa Mila is my favourite: Gaudi designed building with an apartment with Gaudi designed furniture. LOVED IT!!! The Sagradia Familial (the big church designed by Gaudi) is intriguing but invariably covered by scaffolding. I also think a visit to El Corte Ingles, an upmarket department store is not to be missed, and definitely finish off with a walk down Las Ramblas, as you head back to the ship. There's lots more to do so sure you'll want to go back. Have fun!

[Fredr]

Hello,

 

While Barcelona has many excellent restaurants, if you get a hankering for American food, there is a Hard Rock Cafe on the Plaza Catalunya in downtown Barcelona. The menu is in English andjust about every one speaks English. Food in Barcelona is wonderful no matter where you go, and to save money order a pizze or pizza. All restaurants serve this and you wil get filled up nicely at a reasonable price.

 

There are several McDonald's including one on a side street bordering the Sagrada Familia. Even if there is scaffolding and you do not have time to go inside, walk around the outside of the church as it is a one of a kind in the world.

 

As you walk down or up Las Ramblas, you can also see the Gothic Quarter. This interesting section is aboutoneor two short blocks off Las Ramblas. Las Ramblasis themain walking/shopping street in Barcelona.

[johnfas]

I see you will be traveling a far distance, all the way from Pen. If you are doing a 7 day cruise, for sure get there a day early rest, then get on the ship and enjoy the cruise. The Med is very intensive as you know. You will want some relaxation after the cruise. We took a 7 day out of Barcelona a few years back. Found this really nice little place on the eastern side about 20 min from Barcelona by train. The town is called Sitges. We stayed in a very reasonable hotel which even included Bf. It was right across the street from the beach. Walking to all the towns activities, restaurants, sights etc. We traveled to Barcelona two days it was great. We also spent time touring Jean Leon winery then a trek to a rest. in the hills. Had a great time. If we did another cruise we would do something similar, take the cruise then pick a spot and spend a week. Now if your cruise is 12 days and you don't have that much time then I would definitely do all the visiting before or after. Just give yourself at least 2-3 days as you will not see much in one day. Barcelona is fabulous. It is Gaudi all over.

Most important thing is to get there at least a day in advance of your cruise. A long flight and you just don't know about delays. You will love it!

[Host Kewlguy]

The more time in Barcelona the better. I also recommend taking a train to Montserrat. We would love to go back there in the future.

[Canuker]

Take the local (modern) commuter train service north, right along the edge of the beach to, say, Callella. Beautiful. Explore the town/beach/swim. We had a great time. If you're feeling adventurous and want to get away from the big city crowds, take the train on to Girona, a beautiful medieval town, great for walking around and discovering. Glad we did.

[JudeeJim]

Take the local (modern) commuter train service north, right along the edge of the beach to, say, Callella. Beautiful. Explore the town/beach/swim. We had a great time. If you're feeling adventurous and want to get away from the big city crowds, take the train on to Girona, a beautiful medieval town, great for walking around and discovering. Glad we did.

Your suggestion is right on. We did a cruise into the East. Med. from Barcelona. We felt that since we spent quite a bit to fly to Barcelona we decided to spend 6 post cruise days in Spain. We thought it too expensive to get a hotel in Barcelona so we took the train north to Santa Susana. We were able to get a hotel for about $70 per night. It was a lovely area and where most Europeans spend their holidays in Spain. We were able to walk from the train to our hotel. We took the train into Barcelona twice and then took the train to Girona and another town called Figueres and toured the Salvador Dali museum. We are so glad we took the extra time to see more of the Barcelona area than one day.