Andorra

I went to Andorra 50 years ago (nothing like stale info, right?). The countryside is beautiful. Even in the 1970s, the town was not particularly attractive, and I gather it hasn't improved. It's known for tax-free shopping.

Will you be driving? What's your route to and from Andorra? Perhaps someone can make suggestions for things to see on the way in and out.

In 2016 I spent a couple of nights in Puigcerda and explored some of the little towns along highway N-260 by bus. (Warning: This area can be surprisingly hot in the summer if you're not at altitude.) As I headed out of the area, I had time to walk around La Seu d'Urgell a bit while waiting for a bus. I liked that town.

I don't think you'll get many suggestions for lodging in Andorra on this forum, so I suggest taking a look at booking.com. The reviews there tend to be reliable, because you can't leave a review unless you've stayed at the property.

I agree about countryside. Drive around to see things like drive to the viewpoint Mirador Roc Del Quer or pretty bridges like Pont de la Margineda or St. Antoni de la Grella and use those as starting points to do some hiking because the nature is stunning. The big bridge at Tibeta wasn't my cup of tea (super scared of heights), but it's probably a highlight. The village of Canillo had a church well worth visiting (St. Joan de Caselles).

The city is incredibly underwhelming, but I would HIGHLY recommend a Trapella beer at a little place that is hard to find. The address is Carrer de la Vall 3 in Andorra la Vella. This was the highlight of our city visit. Andorra is known for its Caldea spa, which is nice if that's your thing, but if I only have a day, I would skip it.

Incidentally, the drive takes you through the village of Cercs, which is situated on a gorge and which we had cause to see by mistake--cool place!--as well as through the Cadi-Moixero Nature Park, which is stunning.

We were underwhelmed with Barcelona and wished we had spent more time exploring the nature of either Andorra or Catalunya.

It's been about 18 months since I was there last, having driven up from France. That's not a drive for anyone with height issues, as it's strictly 2 lanes, not a lot of guardrails, steep drops, sharp turns, and everything from bicycles to busses and lorries on the same road. The large number of wrecked vehicles at the top of the pass is a good testimonial. Outside of the city there's some nice scenery. The bottom of the valley is, frankly, kind of nasty. Parking is a PIA. Very bad.

If you are looking for a deal on booze or tobacco, and you know the prices back home, you may make out. The food I had was okay, nothing special. The Basques do it better. Since I don't ski any more I doubt I'll go back.

Look at staying in Ordino. We stayed at a wonderful place-Hotel Santa Barbara de la Vall d’Ordino. We had a car and they do have parking. Other than driving around a bit to see ski areas, we didn’t need the car. It’s a nice town with enough good restaurants for your stay. Definitely don’t stay in town of Andorra-its very non de script . There is decent enough bus service too. I think you would find enough to do in Ordino for two days just wandering around!