barcelona

[northendhous]

Going to Barcelona in two weeks time with wifes work. Arriving late friday night and leaving monday lunchtime. Be grateful for any ' must do' whilst there.Thanks

[raysparx1]

You will love it, go on tour bus, " Bus Tourisitico" you can hop on and off as much as you like, Las Ramblas is a great place to see, so is the nou camp and Parc Guell, catalunia square at night is brilliant it is at the top of las Ramblas, lots of cafes and bars but never any trouble, the unfinished cathedral Sagrada famillia is well worth seeing, you will want to go back it is a magical place,

one word of caution though, watch out for pickpockets, there are loads of them and they are so quick, we never got stung but know a few who have been, good luck and enjoy it, Ray

[northendhous]

thank you very much. great info especially about the pickpockets

[LuBlu]

Definitely see the Gaudi buildings & areas. The cathedral is amazing and I loved the park, was like a wierd outdoor gallery/adult playground (in a good way!!).
And I agree with Raysparx, you'll want to go back!!

[netibiza]

Definitely go and see Parc G�ell, it's fasinating, get a no.24 bus from outside El Corte Ingles in Plaza Catalunya, and it stops (eventually) at the side entrance to the parc, the stop comes up on a lighted sign in the bus and anyway the driver will tell you. Las Ramblas and the tour buses, last time I did the Barcelona Tours which did it all in 2hrs.45m and was terrific. Always wear your bag across your chest, as the police wiull tell you to, La Ravall is interesting but can be a tad "shady" but not at night! Enjoy, it's my most favourite city in the world.

[lynbrown]

Must emphasise the warning re pickpockets. Its the only city we have ever been robbed in. My husband was going up the escalator at the metro, I was a couple of people behind him, and at the top, someone appartently dropped his ticket and in the resulting pile up, my husbands pocket was emptied. We had just arrived, so lost a lot of spending money right away! Luckily we were insured, got a police report number but wasted precious hours at the police HQ, with loads of others in same boat. Keep a tight grip of all your stuff and be alert.

[mrsann]

Hi northendous,Barcelona is a fab. city and you'll love it!. I lived in spain for nearly 20 tears and visited Barcelona several times.All previous advice is excellent . It's probably no worse than any other city in the owrld but being robbed does spoil a holiday!.One other scam to be aware of..........Gypsy women sometimes throw what appears to be a bay at you and natural reflex is to catch it when they promptly relieve you of bags etc! This was prevalent last autumn both in Barcelona ad Alicante when I visited both cities.Another smll annoyance can be kids offering you carnations DON'T be tempted

[deggers316]

be sure to go to mount tipidabo. fabulous vista of barcelona (the hightest pont in that area) and a great church on top too plus a bit of a fun fair its on the tour bus route

[munchie63]

great city, the bus tours worth doing, and the beach area, built as part of the Olympics refurb is really nice.

I'd 2nd the bit about the pickpockets though. I've been to many countries around the world on holiday and to see footy games, but Barca's the only place I've had stuff stolen.
A simple distraction con at a bus stop, but very fast. The police aren't really interested, as there's no chance of a catching them and getting a conviction, and no-one gets physically harmed.
La ramblas can be crowded, and people stop to look at stalls, mime artists etc, amking it easy to 'bump' into someone.
Keep your money in an inside or zipped pocket if you can, never back pockets, and beware if anyone asks for directions etc.
Be sensible, be aware and you'll be fine.
I know 5 friends who've all been with no problems, but me, I get robbed.......
As I said at the start though, a lovely city to visit. I'm sure you'll have a great time

[netibiza]

Also the Ice Bar is a must see, down by the Olympic Village. 15� each and with that you get clothing, and a drink in an ice glass, and sit on ice furniture. Mind you it's probably like that in England at the mo!!