We'll be in Barcelona in a couple of days, Wed through Sat afternoon, before leaving on a cruise Sat. I've put together a fairly busy itinerary seeing the most common/popular sites (got timed tickets as to not have to wait in line), a few walking tours, etc. I've blocked out time Fri morning/early afternoon (ie, 8/9a-2p or so) that I'm not quite sure how to fill. Was thinking we could do a nearby day trip for a few hours - was thinking Monserrat vs Sitges vs Girona - but wondering if they are worth the 'hassle factor' to get to those places, as opposed to going to Barceloneta beach and chilling for a bit (knowing it will be crowded), since we will likely still be tired from the flight over and (as my wife is reminding me), having a bit of downtime might be welcome at that point. I'm not necessarily inclined to spend a lot of time on the beach in Europe since we live on the east coast and have been to beach in DE or NJ many times, but can appreciate we'd want a little downtime not running around before our port intensive cruise. We can obviously play it all by ear, but wondering if any trips to the above places or somewhere else makes any sense or not, or are really "worthwhile" places to go to on our short stay in Barcelona. A comparison of Sitges to I think Lewes, DE in another post made me question if Sitges specifically was worth it. FWIW, we have a Gaudi walking tour planned and then night visit to Casa Batllo in the evening, so not really looking to go anywhere out of the city all day. Thanks!
Posted by
Paris
6905 posts
Montserrat or Girona are full day trips: if you just have until 2, it won't cut it.
And I am not sure Sitges is worth it.
How about just walking a bit around the city, perhaps revisiting areas that you pass through and liked on previous days during your timed sightseeing or walking tours?
Posted by
OP
Maryland
33 posts
Looking more likely that's what we'll do, just stay in Barcelona, maybe hit the beach, based on what I've been reading. Or sleep in and explore the gothic quarter (not far from our hotel) til our walking tour in the afternoon.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
6560 posts
Monserrat is a one hour train ride each way, then getting up the hill and looking at what there is to see. As Balso said, it’s a full day trip. We don’t go to Europe to hang out at the beach. However, there’s nothing wrong with hanging out in Barcelona and walking along the beach and combining a visit to Ciutadella Park at the same time.
Posted by
FL USA
1529 posts
throughout your journey make time to "be there" in lieu of just "seeing there".
Posted by
7673 posts
Skip the beach, go to Monserrat or Girona. You can do the beach in the USA.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, US
425 posts
We actually really enjoyed Sitges, but for different reasons. We enjoyed getting out of the hubbub of Barcelona for a day. Mind you, it was April so Sitges was cool, windy, and quiet. I did jump into the sea for a minute just to say I had gone swimming on the Spanish coast. Yes, you can walk along the beach in Barcelona, too. We did that. and went up to the top of the W Hotel and had drinks. If I were in Barcelona during high season, though, I think I would prefer Monserrat.
Posted by
NC
242 posts
On our visit September, 2019, a highlight for us was Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau. It was beautiful, peaceful and non-touristy. You could spend a lovely morning there.
Posted by
Toronto, Canada
24 posts
I would say Montserrat is definitely worth the trip, and it really wasn't too much hassle. I did a half day trip (12 pm-8pm), so about the same amount of time that you have available.