Hello - We are flying into Madrid Christmas day and thinking of heading to Barcelona 26-30. Return to Madrid 30 evening.
Any advice for holiday in Madrid and Barcelona? We know a lot could be closed.
Posted by
Barcelona (Catalonia)
3047 posts
What sort of advice would you expect? I mean, other than the fact the 26th is a holiday in Barcelona, there's not much to say as the rest of the days are work days like any other during the year.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Do you think it will be hard to get into tourist spots? Will anything be open on the 26?
I actually didn't know the 26th was a holiday! So, thank you!
Posted by
Barcelona (Catalonia)
3047 posts
Certain "tourist spots" are ALWAYS hard to get into, no matter the day (ie Sagrada Familia or Casa Batlló among others), so pre-booking is essential. The rule of thumb (or rather, a "generalisation") is that if tickets are available online, pre-book!.
Yes, it's "Dia de Sant Esteve", much like Boxing Day in the UK. Offices and shops are closed that day, but many tourist attractions open on a special schedule (until 2 pm or 3 pm depending on the attraction, check their respective websites). Transportation works like on a regular Sunday, that is, it operates all day long but at a slightly reduced frequency. And regarding eateries, some are open, some are not, but with +9500 of them in the city you'll still have plenty of choice.
Posted by
89 posts
I was in Barcelona last year from the 24th thru the 30th. Almost everything was open for tourism, no problem finding restaurants either. Make reservations in advance for the 25th and 26th.
There were loads of people out and about everywhere. We’ve done Xmas trips to big cities 2 years in a row and we are taking a break. Both years we got sick. Everyone is sick during that time and you’re stuck on the metro with them. Be safe.
Personally, I would skip Barcelona and go south on the train. Barcelona is a zoo, nice sites but not a pleasant experience with all the tourists and having to watch your belongings 24/7.