BCN- favorite things to see

[hlsess]

we will be in BCN the day before we board, morning before we board and day after we get off ship-Plan to do Parc Guell the day we land and Sagrada Familia the day we get off. I've read on TA and looked at books- what are your recommended places to visit in such a short time...

[Clarea]

Boqueria market off Las Ramblas.

[campolady]

I agree that La Boqueria is a must see - enjoying a Tapa with a glass of Cava (Spanish sparkling wine) at one of the stalls in there is a 'must do' for us every time we are in Barcelona.

 

After you have been to the market walk up to the Plaza Cataluña and have a Coffee in the café on the 9th floor of the El Corte Ingles department store - panoramic views from there all over the city sadly missed by most tourists.

 

Also make time to visit the Cathedral (NOT the Sagrada Familia) in the Gothic Quarter; a really beautiful building. Entrance is free although it is worth paying a couple of Euros to go up the elevator (entrance is a bit hidden in a dark corner so keep your eyes open) on to the roof for more stunning views. http://www.catedralbcn.org/index.php?lang=en

Edited November 29, 2015 by campolady

[Birder1]

Tablao Flamenco Cordobes on Les Rambles.

 

Best, most-intimate flamenco show I've ever patronized. The pre-show buffet dinner was sublime & champagne (or, for me, fresh-squeezed Valencia orange juice) during the show was ever flowing.

 

I went in 2010, but hope it's still as good.

Edited November 29, 2015 by Birder1

[DragonOfTheSeas]

I agree with the suggestion above. I did a mini review of our 2.5 days in BCN before our cruise. [it was a TA so we did not have a post cruise stay.]

 

The mini review url is below--the only caution is that the table of taxi fares is out of date.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1943583

[Chloe1500]

If you enjoy history and art, the Picasso Museum is outstanding and located within a series of medieval palaces in the Bari Gottic. Also, the Museum of the History of Barcelona is a hidden gem. An elevator takes you down 2,000 years to Barcino, the extensive and well preserved Roman city ruins under modern Barcelona.

[Clarea]

Last month we did a free tapas tour and enjoyed it very much. This was the website we used:

 

http://freewalkingtoursbarcelona.com/

[MADflyer]

My visits to Barcelona almost always include a visit to:

 

1. Favorite Tapas at Ciudad Condal

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187497-d1059712-Reviews-Ciudad_Condal-Barcelona_Catalonia.html

 

2. Walk through the Eixample district viewing architecture and visiting art galleries. Enjoy walking up the Rambla Catalonia more than the more touristy lower Ramblas.

http://www.aviewoncities.com/barcelona/eixample.htm

 

3. Visit the Arenas de Barcelona former bull ring with 360 degree views and rooftop restaurants and bars.

http://www.aviewoncities.com/barcelona/arenas.htm

 

4. Alternative dining at a Michelin starred venue, enjoy a local Fideua (pasta similar to Paella) or even one of my many favorite Asian venues in the city where service and presentation are often among the best globally.

[Clarea]

My visits to Barcelona almost always include a visit to:

 

1. Favorite Tapas at Ciudad Condal

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187497-d1059712-Reviews-Ciudad_Condal-Barcelona_Catalonia.html

 

2. Walk through the Eixample district viewing architecture and visiting art galleries. Enjoy walking up the Rambla Catalonia more than the more touristy lower Ramblas.

http://www.aviewoncities.com/barcelona/eixample.htm

 

3. Visit the Arenas de Barcelona former bull ring with 360 degree views and rooftop restaurants and bars.

http://www.aviewoncities.com/barcelona/arenas.htm

 

4. Alternative dining at a Michelin starred venue, enjoy a local Fideua (pasta similar to Paella) or even one of my many favorite Asian venues in the city where service and presentation are often among the best globally.

Appreciate this! We will be in BCN again next year and these look very interesting.:)

[cc_rider]

Don't have a favorite yet, since we won't be in Barcelona until April.

For a one day visit, I'd go to the usual highlights - Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell, Placa de Catalunya, walk a short ways down Las Ramblas, walk around the Barrio Gotic, stop in at the cathedral.

If there was time, I'd stop at the Chocolate Museum and take the cable car up Montjuic.

 

Luckily we'll have five day pre-cruise, so we'll have time for all that and much more.

One thing we're looking forward to seeing are the two old cemeteries - Cementiri de l'Est in Poblenou and Cementiri de Montjuïc. Some amazing looking sculpture.

We also plan to walk around the old roman walls and temple ruins.

Edited December 10, 2015 by cc_rider

[retiring soon]

HI all!

 

clarea ~ thanks for the walking tour info. I filled out the form on the website to do it next week but haven't heard back. Did you get a reply or should one just show up & hope for the best? So looking forward to visiting Barcelona at this time of the year.

 

~ Jo ~:)

[Clarea]

HI all!

 

clarea ~ thanks for the walking tour info. I filled out the form on the website to do it next week but haven't heard back. Did you get a reply or should one just show up & hope for the best? So looking forward to visiting Barcelona at this time of the year.

 

~ Jo ~:)

I got an email response confirming our tour. Check your spam folder.

[Native Floridian 26]

Last month we did a free tapas tour and enjoyed it very much. This was the website we used:

 

http://freewalkingtoursbarcelona.com/

 

I went to the link but didn't see anything about tapas. Which tour did you take?

They are showing a Gothic, Gaudi, Beach Bike and Alternative tour.

 

Thanks

[rjscott]

I agree with the suggestion above. I did a mini review of our 2.5 days in BCN before our cruise. [it was a TA so we did not have a post cruise stay.]

 

The mini review url is below--the only caution is that the table of taxi fares is out of date.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1943583

 

Thank you for the link and your very detailed review. We will be staying in Barcelona for 2 or 3 days post cruise next Oct. and your info will help in my planning.

 

Thx again!

 

Becki

[MADflyer]

I went to the link but didn't see anything about tapas. Which tour did you take?

They are showing a Gothic, Gaudi, Beach Bike and Alternative tour.

 

Thanks

 

That web site is now showing a 'Tapas Experience' under Private Tours.

[hnsummers]

I've taken a bike tour before http://barcelona.fattirebiketours.com

 

If you are planning on seeing Sagrada Familia I suggest purchasing tickets online before going. Although lines may not be as long in the fall. It is more crowded in the summer.

 

Gaudi Park was fun. Be prepared for steep inclines.

 

Also recommend the Roman ruins as mentioned above. When I was there we were made to lock up bags in the lockers. Have Euro coins just in case.

[trystran72]

Casa Batlló is one of my favorite spots and just in general a walk down Passeig de Gràcia is a beautiful time.