Taking a cruise, and will be in Barcelona for about 10 hours, and also Palma de Mallorca for the same amount of time. What are the must-see attractions ? Thank you.
Posted by
San Antonio, TX
48 posts
The most famous POI in Barcelona is La Segrada Familia-- probably Gaudi's most well-known architectural work. Most people say you need at least 90 minutes to see it, not including ascending the towers. You will want to get tickets in advance online to avoid using the little time you have waiting in line. La Rambla is also a pretty famous boardwalk-type area with vendors, people-watching, etc. I have heard from several posters here that it is very touristy though, so if that's not your speed, I'd pick another attraction like Le Pedrera (more Gaudi) or Sant Pau. The Gothic Quarter is also suppose to be a very nice area to walk around in-- cafes, shops, and lots of good architecture.
Full disclosure: I have not been to Barcelona but am planning my itinerary for a trip at the end of the month, so I've done a bit of research and gotten a fair amount of feedback on this site as well.
Hope that helps!
Posted by
OP
53 posts
Your advice is very helpful, and I appreciate you taking the time to assist me. Thank you much. Gary
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
With ten hours which is really closer to eight, you have time for the hop on'off bus. Second the local TI at the head of Las Ramblas offers walk tours. We have taken a couple that were excellent. Steves' guide book for Spain has an excellent section on Barcelona. If you don't want to buy it, check it out from your local library.
Palma de Mallorca is small island. They have a little hop on/off train looking vehicle that will take you up to the old castle on top and goes through the town with a commentary along the way. We enjoyed that. The train itself is a little lame but works ok. Palma .... reminded me a little bit of southern Florida.
Posted by
Stuttgart, Germany
3050 posts
Palma de Mallorca is small island. They have a little hop on/off train looking vehicle that will take you up to the old castle on top and goes through the town with a commentary along the way. We enjoyed that. The train itself is a little lame but works ok. Palma .... reminded me a little bit of southern Florida.
Mallorca is a decent sized island (try driving it), Palma is the main city on it, but one of several. I wouldn't bother with the tourist train.
Palma is a beautiful city with a much larger old town/gothic quarter than Barcelona. It's Cathedral is one of the best I've ever visited and well worth an hour. Great food scene, too. If you're into food I recommend checking out Yelp/Trip Advisor for an excellent lunch in the old quarter.