Here is an accumulated set of recommendations from our experience staying in Barcelona in May 2016.
Click Read More below right...
Click Read More below right...
Lodging
If you are staying for more than a week we highly recommend Inspired Apartments – Regomir 25. We rented a one-bedroom apartment – 5th floor – facing the street. We loved being able to check out what was happening on the street and the sounds of the city. If you want quiet ask for a rear apartment. This was our absolute best apartment rental to date. It is a very efficient and helpful organization. The accommodations are comfortable and clean. The location is perfect. The cost is a little higher than you can get in less central locations, but it is about the same price as renting an apartment in Naples Florida, and there are far more interesting things to do within a short walking distance. Many sites are easily walk able and there are two bus stops within two blocks that will take you anywhere the Metro does not. The closest Metro is a 7 minute walk.
Transportation
Like much of Europe, the transportation system in Barcelona is wonderful – world class. Both buses and subways are efficient, well run, on time and easy to navigate. And if you have a smartphone, you can use Google Maps to figure out the best subways and busses to take including their schedules. This is a game changer because it takes all of the guesswork out of which is the best way to use the public transportation system in an unfamiliar town.
If you are staying more than a few days buy the T10 tickets. They are very economical and can be used by more than one person on the same trip[. Because we used Google Maps and payed attention to the schedules shown, we never waited more than 5 minutes for a bus or train and that includes the last three days when there has been a strike that they said would affect service.
Introductory Tour
Take one of the tourist buses the first day. It is a big city and this will help you to understand the layout, the major sites, and if you are sitting on the upper level it is very scenic. Realistically, if you are flying from the USA, you really can't do this until the second day you are in Barcelona, because you will arrive sometime in the afternoon of the first day, will be tired and not ready to find your way to the center where the bus tour departs.
Discounts
Must See Sites
Restaurants
There are many good restaurants in Barcelona: in fact, this is a major reason our son Ben came with us -- and are we glad he did because he got us to go to some amazing places. We reference these places throughout this travelog, particularly in the beginning when Ben was with us. Eventually, we will list the ones we went to here. We frequently use TripAdvisor to find good crowd sourced restaurants.
Reservations
Dinner reservations at popular spots are a good idea. Many tourist sites offer online reservations for booking ahead and bypassing the line.
Food
This is a great town if you like food. The local Catalan cuisine taste mild to American’s who love Indian and Thai food. Tapas is wonderful. Share the small plates so you can enjoy multiple tastes. Ordering 2-3 plates per person is a good amount. The combinations of flavors are superb. Since you are right on the Mediterranean the seafood is fresh.
Drink
There is no waiting til 5pm (17:00) to drink in this culture. Beer or Cava (sparkling white wine) are standard at Lunch. The local beers are good. The sangria fruity and wonderful. The local Cava makes it like New Year’s Eve everyday.
Reading Suggestions
If you like to get a head start on understand the culture and history of a place before you go we suggest
Lockers
Most tourist sites have lockers for your belongings. Always have a one Euro coin to put in the locker. You get it back when you put the key back in the slot.
Water
The only water fountains we saw were the municipal water spigots in the streets. Although beautiful we were leery about drinking from them. Taking an empty refillable BPA free bottle is a good idea.
If you are staying for more than a week we highly recommend Inspired Apartments – Regomir 25. We rented a one-bedroom apartment – 5th floor – facing the street. We loved being able to check out what was happening on the street and the sounds of the city. If you want quiet ask for a rear apartment. This was our absolute best apartment rental to date. It is a very efficient and helpful organization. The accommodations are comfortable and clean. The location is perfect. The cost is a little higher than you can get in less central locations, but it is about the same price as renting an apartment in Naples Florida, and there are far more interesting things to do within a short walking distance. Many sites are easily walk able and there are two bus stops within two blocks that will take you anywhere the Metro does not. The closest Metro is a 7 minute walk.
Transportation
Like much of Europe, the transportation system in Barcelona is wonderful – world class. Both buses and subways are efficient, well run, on time and easy to navigate. And if you have a smartphone, you can use Google Maps to figure out the best subways and busses to take including their schedules. This is a game changer because it takes all of the guesswork out of which is the best way to use the public transportation system in an unfamiliar town.
If you are staying more than a few days buy the T10 tickets. They are very economical and can be used by more than one person on the same trip[. Because we used Google Maps and payed attention to the schedules shown, we never waited more than 5 minutes for a bus or train and that includes the last three days when there has been a strike that they said would affect service.
Introductory Tour
Take one of the tourist buses the first day. It is a big city and this will help you to understand the layout, the major sites, and if you are sitting on the upper level it is very scenic. Realistically, if you are flying from the USA, you really can't do this until the second day you are in Barcelona, because you will arrive sometime in the afternoon of the first day, will be tired and not ready to find your way to the center where the bus tour departs.
Discounts
- If you are a senior ask for your discount. Europe seems to still have a little bit more reverence for older folks than hip USA.
- If you are not a senior, use the coupons in the coupon book the tourist bus gives you.
Must See Sites
- Sagrada Familia
- Casa Battlo
- Museu d'Historia de Catalunya at Palau de Mar
Restaurants
There are many good restaurants in Barcelona: in fact, this is a major reason our son Ben came with us -- and are we glad he did because he got us to go to some amazing places. We reference these places throughout this travelog, particularly in the beginning when Ben was with us. Eventually, we will list the ones we went to here. We frequently use TripAdvisor to find good crowd sourced restaurants.
Reservations
Dinner reservations at popular spots are a good idea. Many tourist sites offer online reservations for booking ahead and bypassing the line.
Food
This is a great town if you like food. The local Catalan cuisine taste mild to American’s who love Indian and Thai food. Tapas is wonderful. Share the small plates so you can enjoy multiple tastes. Ordering 2-3 plates per person is a good amount. The combinations of flavors are superb. Since you are right on the Mediterranean the seafood is fresh.
Drink
There is no waiting til 5pm (17:00) to drink in this culture. Beer or Cava (sparkling white wine) are standard at Lunch. The local beers are good. The sangria fruity and wonderful. The local Cava makes it like New Year’s Eve everyday.
Reading Suggestions
If you like to get a head start on understand the culture and history of a place before you go we suggest
- Richard Rhodes – Hell and Good Company: The Spanish Civil War and the World it Made
- George Orwell – Homage to Catalonia
Lockers
Most tourist sites have lockers for your belongings. Always have a one Euro coin to put in the locker. You get it back when you put the key back in the slot.
Water
The only water fountains we saw were the municipal water spigots in the streets. Although beautiful we were leery about drinking from them. Taking an empty refillable BPA free bottle is a good idea.