I'm trying to decide how many nights to stay in Barcelona? Any thoughts on the bare minimum and what should be on the must see/must do list? I haven't had a chance to pick up Rick's book yet on Spain/Barcelona...
Also, we are driving from Sarlat (Dordogne) to Barcelona. Can anyone recommend a good stop over in between?
stephanie,
There's a lot to see in Barcelona and area so if your time and budget will allow, I'd plan for at least four nights. It's a bit difficult to recommend "must see" places, as everyone has different ideas on that. One definite sight I'd recommend is La Sagrada Familia and online reservations would be a really good idea. Also allow a few hours for wandering around La Rambla and be sure to have a look at La Boqueria Market.
If you plan on travelling with an iPad, Kindle or whatever, you could also download the E-book version of the Spain guidebook (current price $8.34 on Amazon).
One question though - are you planning to rent the car in France and drop in Spain? There's often a HUGE charge for dropping off in a different country.
Hi Steph...
Sarlat-Barcelona... too many that I don't know where to start! You have two routes, one inland and one passing by the coast. Both have very nice sites you shouldn't miss, but since you can only choose one, I'd suggest the one by the coast: http://bit.ly/1Cl7XmW Upon entering into Catalonia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalonia I'd choose Girona http://infocatalonia.eu/w/Q08lR as a stopover and, if you have a couple of extra days I'd stick in the area and visit the nearby Costa Brava http://infocatalonia.eu/w/AioW1 where you'll find plenty of picturesque coastal towns worth visiting. For more text info on this area: http://www.costabrava.org/en
As per how many days in Barcelona, note that the city (and the region!) has a zillion things to see and do so the more the better. If you were to stay in Barcelona for a whole month you could easily fill your schedule every single day. Having said this, since we mortals normally have shorter vacations, let me say that most visitors tend to stay 4-5 days minimum. Get some ideas for things to see/do in Barcelona here: www.turismedebarcelona.com also www.infocatalonia.eu and for sites and things around the whole Catalonia www.catalunya.com
As mentioned by Ken, dropping rental cars in a different country has a sizable penalty so you might want to drop yours in France, say in Perpignan and take the train to Girona, then you can rent another car there.
Thank you for the great advice! Darn there's not unlimited time. First, the suggestion to drop the car in Perpignan is great...we will do that. And catch the train to Gerona. But now I'm wondering if we should shave off a day from Paris (5 currently) or possible skip the Loire (horror...I've been before, but my family has not) and grab a car to explore Costa Brava for three days. It's always a trade off. Again, thank you for the suggestions.
The Costa Brava is great, but I wouldn't sacrifice Paris for extra time there. An overnight in Girona is a great idea and spend a day going to Figueres (Dali Museum) and Cadaques beautiful seaside town (Dali House is nearby with advance reservation only). You'll need a car for Cadaques. That should suffice without losing time in Paris.
I agree with spending 4-5 nights in Barcelona depending on your interests. Lots of architecture to see (mostly Gaudi but others too) and even if you aren't big on buildings, most people love Gaudi's work. Get advanced reservations (a week should suffice) for Sagrada Familia and Parc Guell. There are several excellent art museums (Picasso, Miro). There is a great beach. Lots of food and great restaurants. Great shopping in the Eixample. Wander the twisty streets in the Bari Gotic. You can even daytrip to Montserrat (mountaintop monastery), Tarragona (Roman ruins) or another costal town (Sitges) - all easily done by train.
Driving from Sarlat if you make an early start you could stop a few hours in Carcassone for lunch and the sights. Then push on to the Spanish border for a seaside overnight, Cadaques perhaps. Then Figueres and Girona on the way into Barcelona.
I say 4 nights minimum (3 full days) for a first time to Barcelona. A leisurely week is preferable but not always an option.
3 easy days to see the best sights of Barcelona...
Day 1 - Historic Barcelona
Start at Plaza Catalunya and walk down the Ramblas to the Port visiting the Boqueria Markets on the way. Explore the nearby Gothic Quarter dropping into the Picasso Museum. If time allows visit Palau de la Musica.
Day 2 - Gaudi Barcelona
Start at Plaza Catalunya and walk up Passeig Gracia for Casa Batllo and La Pedrera.
Take the Metro across town for Sagrada Familia. If time allows visit Hospital Sant Pau.
Day 3 - Barcelona vistas
From Plaza Espana head up Montjuic to the Olympic Ring and perhaps visit the Joan Miro Foundation.
After lunch at one of the great authentic tapas bars in Eixample make your way to Parc Guell for another great view of the city.
Agree with at least four nights in Barcelona. It's amazing.
