We have just decided to walk the Camino Ingles this June, and after, we will spend a couple of days in Barcelona to relax and enjoy after the walk. I haven't yet purchased Rick's book (doing so on the way home this evening) but would like a jump start of recommendations... Since we will be "bare bones" for the walk, we would like a very nice place to stay before coming home. But also, something close to the things we will "need to see." We will probably spend a couple/few hours at the beach as well. So...any thoughts? Thanks in advance.
Posted by
1 posts
When I was in Barcelona I stayed at the Hotel Praktik Rambla
Rambla de Catalunya 27, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
It was close to the Rambla, great eateries, and the hotel itself was beautiful. Good luck and have a wonderful trip.
Posted by
OP
San Antonio, Tx, USA
46 posts
Thanks. I'll take a look.
Posted by
Barcelona (Catalonia)
3071 posts
Just for info, the things you'll "need to see" (I guess you're referring to the most popular sightseeing sites) are spread across the city so regardless where you choose to stay you'll always have to rely on public transportation to see them. Having said that, the centre is considered to be Plaça Catalunya (plaça, pronounced "plah-sah", is "square") and many of those sites will be in that area. Therefore, the districts of l'Eixample and Ciutat Vella are likely candidates. Map: http://bit.ly/BCNdistricts
Furthermore, the areas I always recommend are marked green in this other map: http://oi44.tinypic.com/20r5nd3.jpg Note that the red zones don't mean "no stay", they just mean (to me) that are not convenient for a short stay in the city, either too far or too rowdy or a bit seedy, but by all means one has to visit them as all have their own charm. Keep in mind though that this is a very personal response, other members will surely recommend different things and probably equally good (or better!)
Just for info I include links to three videos showing the areas of l'Eixample, Gràcia and El Born -as per the above map- so you can have a glimpse on what they look like:
L'EIXAMPLE: http://infocatalonia.eu/w/IE0qN
EL BORN: http://infocatalonia.eu/w/xTEtn
GRÀCIA: http://infocatalonia.eu/w/9OM8W
L'Eixample is classy and elegant, a large district with wide streets and avenues
El Born is historical with little streets and alleys, may get a bit rowdy at times
Gràcia is like a homy little town within the city with a life of its own, slightly farther (15' by metro) but worth considering.
Just for info, the city is divided in 10 districts which in turn are comprised of 76 neighbourhoods
Posted by
OP
San Antonio, Tx, USA
46 posts
Thanks, Enric.
What are your thoughts regarding staying at/on the beach?