Camp Nou question and general Barcelona info

Each person is a world in itself and we all have our preferences, expectations, tastes and oddities. Thus, in order not to be uselessly shooting in the dark, it's best if you first have a look at the myriad of possibilities that Barcelona has to offer and prepare your own 'bucket list'. Here a few sites to get you started:

http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/en/
http://www.infocatalonia.eu/
http://www.timeout.com/barcelona
http://lameva.barcelona.cat/en

Once you have a rough itinerary, it's far easier to advise and provide tips.

As per the specific questions you asked:

1.) Yes, it is.

2.) Best to go on a paying day, on Sundays is packed to the rim and although there's, of course, a max capacity at any time, the queues outside the museum are epic. On a paying day you can (and must!) pre-book online, on a free day you can't.

3.) There are a number of sites where it's best (almost mandatory!) to pre-book online. If you list exactly which sites will you be visiting, then I can help you there. Do purchase the tickets on each site's website (at the horse's mouth!). No, you certainly can't "do" them in one day -unless of course, you're only after ticking a list, which I assume you're not :) The city of Barcelona has over 150+ sites (museums, historical or artistic houses, etc.) which are often visited by locals and visitors alike, plus dozens of other sites that arise the interest of specific visitors -from specialised parks and gardens to workshops, etc.

4.) I assume you mean "visiting Montserrat", check out: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/spain/a-visit-to-montserrat-the-holy-mountain-near-barcelona-in-catalonia

Enjoy!

The Sagrada Familia is a must see. It must be booked in advance. We just returned from Barcelona and we booked our tickets online. I recommend booking now online so you can hopefully get the time you want. We booked the chapel, the tower and the audio guide all together. You will select an entry time for the chapel and a separate entry time for the tower. We went up into the Passion tower, but I am not sure that it really matters. It faces the city and the Nativity tower apparently faces the mountains or Park Guell. You will only be up there for a few minutes and will be able to look out over the city, and will have some closer views of the outside of the structure. You will then descend the stairs, which also have views every few feet as you descend. I recommend giving yourself at least an hour to see the chapel before your scheduled tower tour time (we scheduled 1.5 hours downstairs, but I took lots of pictures and used the bathroom which took more time than just looking). Rick recommends scheduling for 9:00AM, their opening time, to help avoid crowds. We scheduled for 9:30 and it was fine, but it was also the off season.

We saw the Sagrada Familia, had lunch and then went to Park Guell. These took the majority of the day (9-5). If you don't linger at either place and take a taxi to both of them, you may be able to do do something else that day, but that would make for a very long day. You have to book an entry time for the "Monumental" portion of the park, where Gaudi's buildings are. We booked that in advance, but arrived about 90 min prior, so spent time in the rest of the park (the free part). We enjoyed the free area as much as the monumental area. It is a pleasant, planned park with great views over the city towards the sea. Inside the monumental area there are refreshments. It will most likely be quite warm when you are there.

We took a Hop On Hop Off open top bus tour our first day which gave us the lay of the land without much stress after flying. It takes 2 hours to do the historical loop, and 2 hours to do the "outside loop" if you don't 'hop off' at all. You should not have to book this in advance, but can purchase them on the spot. We got a discount through our hotel. Camp Nou is not in the historical old city. Nor is Montjuic where the Olympic stadium is located. Depending where you stay, you may have to take the metro or a bus (or the funicular which we did!). You will get a better idea of where they are located with the open top bus. We met some people that walked up to Montjuic, along the garden paths that zig zag up the mountain. That might be fun for your active bunch. I think the paths might have a view out over the city to the sea, but am not sure.

I recommend staying in the old town if at all possible. This puts you right in the heart of things. By June, it might be nice to stay at the beach, too, but then you are a fairly far walk from the historical part of the city. If history is not your thing, then it won't matter.

As for Picasso: the museum is located in a very historical area of town that is fun to see (el Born). I tend to avoid museums on the free days because of fear that the lines would be really long. This museum does not contain the cubist works that people associate with Picasso. It contains his earlier work. We enjoyed it, but I am not sure your teenagers would. We enjoyed the Miro museum on Montjuic even more, but if you are not into art, you may want to use your time in other ways.

Look into the Magic Fountain. I believe it is at the Plaza de Espana, which I believe is near Camp Nou. There is a show there on weekend nights. We did not get to go, but people recommended it to us. Buen viaje!

Just to be clear: The Picasso Museum tends to be a mob scene even on days when one pays for entry. If you're looking for a Barcelona museum (art or otherwise) more out of duty than out of interest, I'd recommend choosing a different option. I don't think you'll have half the crowds in any other museum that you'll see at the Picasso. The Miro is much more spacious but is (except for a special-exhibition area) 100% Miro. If he's not a special favorite, I'd opt for a more varied museum.

The Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC) on Montjuic is very large, but one could pick and choose. There's an interesting modernism collection (furniture, jewelry, etc.), and there are really impressive frescos rescued from churches in the Pryenees. Plus paintings, of course. But Barcelona has lots of museums. Take a look at Enric's links and review your guidebook to see what sounds most appealing to your crew.

You should pre-book Casa Mila (La Pedrera) to avoid a very long line. You can buy the tickets online. To me this is needs at least a 90-minute visit (crowding is a given) if you ignore the supplemental information on the top floor that covers other Gaudi buildings. Folks interested in the latter may need around 3 hours all told.

If you'd like to visit a modernista sight without the crowds, I suggest Sant Pau. It's north of La Sagrada Familia. This is a multi-building sight that will have you outdoors part of the time. There's an English-language audio guide, so you don't necessarily have to time your visit to the English-language tour schedule.

A lot of the (paper) maps you can pick up in Barcelona mark dozens of modernista sites that you can make a point of walking past on your way hither and thither. That's a good way for an active group to experience part of what makes Barcelona so distinctive.

Casa de la Ciutat (City Hall) is open on Sundays from 10.00-13.30 and is free. Well worth an hour. There's the Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum, not far from there, that's interesting (no samples, though). The Santa Maria del Mar rooftop tour was interesting (great guide) with good views.

Hi all! Sorry for the late response and thank you for all of your advice. I will skip the free day at museums as we want to avoid crowds when possible. I think on the first day we won't book anything because we are not sure how jet lagged the kids will be. We arrive at 9:30 am so we will either nap for 4 hours and go out late afternoon/evening or if we feel up to it, we will drop our bags off and head out but make it a very early night, (I'm thinking prob 1st option but won't know till that day obviously). With that said, I don't want it to be a wasted day so I want to have some idea of what to do.

We are staying in the eixample area. Some of the things I would like to see and do for sure are Camp Nou, magic fountains (prob same day I assume), Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Casa Mila, any other great cathedrals, hospital Sant Pau, Montserrat,El born, las rambles, gothic quarter and any other "must do's" other than art museums. We would like to at least see the beach but don't need to spend more than an hour or 2 there. FYI we arrive on Thursday at 9:30 am and leave to Seville on Monday June 5th at 9:00 am. I am having a hard time with putting together an itinerary and I want to make sure I am planning the most efficient way before I book any tickets.

Thanks again for your help with this!

For info, note that the Magic Fountain show is performed only in the evening and on certain days. Check the schedule: http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/en/page/614/font-magica.html

@Enric yes I have seen that. Are you able to help guide me with what things to do on each day with what I listed? I am thinking...
Day ?
-Sagrada Familia
-Hospital Sant Pau
-Park Guell

Day?
-Monterrsat

Day ?
-Passing de Gracia- Casa Mila & Casa Batilo
-Ramblas- La Boqueria markets & Placa Real
-Bari Gotico- Cathedral
-El Born/La Ribera- Basilica Santa Maria del Mar
-Barceloneta seafront

It seems that I could add the fountain show on the first itinerary I have up there or after Montserrat? The days I will be in Barcelona are arriving Thursday AM and leaving Monday AM so all days should work for fountain show? The only thing that I have not added to this is Camp Nou. Can you suggest a spot on my draft for that? Also, would you say that I am leaving out anything important? My family is pretty active and fast paced and does not want to look at any art museums, just FYI.

I know I need advanced tickets for Sagrada Familia and Camp Nou which I will purchase as soon as I get my schedule down. Is there anything else that I must schedule now? I really appreciate anyones input in this!!

Sure @kwarbritton79

Note that I am a slow pace traveller, I don't like rushing things or stuffing too many things in one day so as I don't really enjoy each one of them... so take that into consideration with my response.

You are leaving a lot out, there are a number of other sites worth visiting... have a look at the websites I pointed earlier. But you don't really have the time anyway. The "rule of thumb" is to plan for three/four sites per day.

FRI: perfect. If anything I'd do something different, first Park Güell, then Gràcia, then Sagrada Família then Sant Pau -btw, it's called Sant Pau Recinte Modernista... this ceased to be a hospital in 2009, now Hospital de Sant Pau is somewhere else. Saying so to avoid confusion. Check out this for a suggestion on this itinerary: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187497-i44-k7350676-First_Timers_Help_With_5_Day_Itinerary-Barcelona_Catalonia.html#57433425 and the map mentioned is here: http://bit.ly/DIYroute-pg-sf

SAT: If you intend to visit all the places you mention then it's far too dense. If you only intend to "pass-by" and admire the façades then it's perfectly doable -but you'd be missing the whole point. Anyhow, in order to see many of the places you mention, I'd suggest to plot them on Google Maps -so you see where they are- then see post #7 at https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187497-i44-k7926144-Where_do_the_cruise_ships_dock_in_Barcelona_Port-Barcelona_Catalonia.html For this day I'd stick to everything located in the Old City (red and orange routes).

SUN: Montserrat > https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/spain/a-visit-to-montserrat-the-holy-mountain-near-barcelona-in-catalonia I would probably include the Magic Fountain here as the station is located a few yards from it so when you come back from Montserrat you can just see it. Make sure you plan so as to return in the late afternoon -so you don't have to wait for the performances of the Magic Fountain to start. I'd probably would want to plan all of this for Sunday anyway.

MON: Casa Batlló + Casa Milà then in the afternoon you could visit the Stadium and Museum of FCB

There are other combinations of course... and you'll find numerous "things" that will catch your attention in between A and B and C.... so you won't find excuses to fill up your time.

As explained, for many of those sites you need to pre-book, or else you won't be able to see them when it's suitable for you. If a site offers online pre-booking -there's a reason for that- then do so.

I think Camp Nou is likely to sell out, so you'll probably need to book that ahead of time. I don't know how far in advance.

To avoid likely long lines (which you cannot afford to wait in), you'll need to pre-purchase tickets for La Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell, Casa Mila and Casa Batllo. The latter two are typically packed, which will somewhat slow down your progress through the buildings. Not counting any delays in admittance (you probably won't walk right in even with a ticket) and travel time to and from, I'd figure on over an hour at La Sagrada Familia (probably 2 hours or more if you ascend one of the towers; I didn't do that), about 90 minutes at Casa Batllo (can be really crowded), and at least that long at Casa Mila. The latter has an extensive (time-consuming) exhibit about Gaudi's other buildings, including some videos. I spent about 3 hours there, and I had already been to a lot of the other buildings. All of those sites have audioguides; they're not 15-minute stick-your-head-in-the-door sites. Not to mention that the entry fees average over 20 euros per person.

Time at Parc Guell will depend on whether you want to see the Gatekeeper's Cottage, whose line was already 45 minutes long short after the park opened, and the free part of the park.

Sant Pau is fabulous and doesn't require a pre-purchased ticket, but you might want to look at the website to see when English-language tours are scheduled. I used the audioguide and probably spent a rushed 2 hours there. I think they've opened an additional building since my visit. One thing to know is that there are a bunch of buildings there. You'll be walking around to admire the exteriors then will be able to enter some of them. As you head back to the main building (using the audioguide), you'll be thinking "this was really great". Then you'll get inside and realize that there's more to see. So allow plenty of time there.

I adored the modernista architecture, but I think you may need to drop one of those sites due to time constraints. Sant Pau is cheaper (not for long, I'm betting), but the others are all rather expensive. I'd rather take my time at three of the Gaudi sites rather than rushing in order to squeeze in four. So I'd seriously consider dropping Casa Batllo (probably the most crowded) or Casa Mila. I think the teens will like being outdoors at Parc Guell; otherwise, that's probably the one I'd drop, if only because of the logistics.

I urge you to keep Sant Pau since it's by a different architect. Plus, not having to pre-book your entry time there gives you some much-needed flexibility.

@ enrich thank you!! We keep being told to do Sagrada Familia first thing in the morning. We are most excited abt that so that plan sounded good. I see you actually live there so what are your thoughts if I do that first and then (in no particular order) Gracia, Park Guell, Sant Pau Recinte Modernista? What would make most sense as far as order if I do Sagrada first or are you saying that doesn't make sense? Also, do I need tickets to Sant Pau? I see that there is an option to purchase tickets in advance but don't see if there is an option for an audio or live tour or do we just explore on our own? FYI we are staying in Eixample area, very close to Sagrada.

I really appreciate all of your time! I owe you a drink!!:)))

@acraven Thank you for your insight. I am fine with dropping one of the sites, I am already thinking that my 12 and 17 year olds are gonna have Gaudi overload and be bored with too much of it. Can you explain the towers at Sagrada? I'm wondering if we need to do that part and if we do, which tower to choose. Last year we toured the Eiffel tower and chose to go to the top, we could have done without that part. Thinking it might be similar concept?

Just to confirm... I want to go to Sant Pau Recinte modernista, not Sant Pau? They are 2 separate things or the same thing? I'm a bit confused with this.

Well, you don't say where you come from so I don't know how do you tolerate heat. While Barcelona is not the Seville or Tangiers, being next to the Mediterranean Sea, on humid days in the summer heat can be a factor to reckon with. The beginning of June, while not technically summer yet, can be already hot. This is basically the reason why I always suggest Park Güell first, moreover noting the park is on top of one of the hills in Barcelona so after the park, everything is "downhill" :) (no, this ain't San Francisco, but we do have hills too).

Those suggesting SF first do so because of the morning light thru the stained glass... but not in June... sunrise is at 6ish and SF don't open its doors until 9am, so there's little incentive to visit it in the morning for 'that' reason. As per "being the first" or "avoiding crowds", that's history as visiting SF is time-based, that is, you purchase a ticket that allows you to visit the site at a certain hour, so the only queue you'll have to do is the one with the fellow visitors entering at the same time. This is not to say there aren't literally hundreds of people at SF at ALL times, the capacity is 2000.

Having said that, there are a large number of visitors that either for lack of research or for disdain, they choose not to pre-book online... and then when they arrive at Sagrada Família -especially in those dates- they find themselves queueing under a scorching sun for hours to get a ticket at the booth that might or might not allow them to immediately enter the premises. Sometimes they can purchase a ticket that has an entering time yet a few hours away. Certainly, I don't recommend this tactic.

In any case, should you want to switch the itinerary, you could do something like... 9am SF > 11am Sant Pau > walk to Gràcia and lunch > 3:30pm take bus #24 (click on #24 to see its itinerary) anywhere along Carrer Gran de Gràcia to Park Güell > 4:15pm Park Güell.

Do use the full name: Sagrada Familia, as shortening it to "Sagrada" makes no sense -it only means 'sacred' in Catalan, the local language. It's like if I was to refer to Saint Paul's Cathedral as "Saint".

Yes, you need tickets for Sant Pau: https://www.santpaubarcelona.org/en/visits -scroll where it says "Buy your ticket". You can explore on your own (Visita Lliure) or on a guided tour (Visita Guiada). Click on the (i) icon for details.

I hold you to that beer, LOL! :)))

Oops sorry my mistake, we do shorten certain names too.

Sant Pau Recinte Modernista: the site you want to see. The old hospital designed by Catalan Modernist architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner..

Sant Pau is also... :

• Catalan, the local language, for "Saint Paul"
• A fully functional major hospital located in the neighbourhood of El Guinardó, not far from the above mentioned recinte modernista.
• A street located in the Old City, in the neighbourhood of El Raval
• The name of a famous Michelin-starred restaurant from famous cook Carme Ruscalleda, located in Sant Pol de Mar, north of Barcelona
• One of the oldest churches in Barcelona, Sant Pau del Camp, located in the Old city.

@Enric we are from Florida so we are most definitely used to heat and lots of humidity! I will take your exact advice and book the SF day right now. Do I need tickets for park Guell? Someone has probably already answered this but I have so many things on my mind right now:))

Day 1 (Thursday)
-arrive in am, check in our apartment if possible or store luggage if not, suggestions where to store)
-explore Eixample area around our apartment
-hop on/hop off bus to get lay of the land
-casual lunch and dinner (reccomendations)

Day 2 (Friday)
-SF (booking now)
-Sant Pau (booking audio tour now)
-walk to Gracia, have lunch
-bus #24 to Park Guell
Sounds like a great day, lots to do! any recommendations for lunch and dinner for this day? Good food but nothing too fancy or $$$. Maybe lunch around $40 (not including alcohol) and dinner under $75ish)?

Day 3 (Saturday)
-Montserrat
-Fountains
-dinner suggestions?

Day 4 (Sunday)
confused about this day. Want to still see Camp Nou, any great Cathedral(s), Gothic quarter, Las Ramblas, and Montjuic. I think this covers all of our top interests. I'm wondering if I need to try to add either Casa Mila or Casa Batllo. My kids are very excited abt Camp Nou and SF. I don't know if they will enjoy see Casa Mila or Casa Batllo. Have you had any input on this from teens? They are not into art at all FYI. Please let me how and where to add anything on this list to above itinerary and what to do on day 4.

Once again... HUGE THANKS!!

before I book, what are your thoughts on tower at SF. Is it worth it and if so, any advice on which one to choose?

I forgot to add that we would like to at least peek at the beaches or seaside if possible

I didn't do a tower, but I will comment on the timing, based on what someone else posted some time ago: If you book the tower ascent for about 1 hour after your entry for the church, you will probably have just about finished seeing the lower part of the church. If you have not, you can finish up with the lower level after descending from the tower. There's also a small museum and quite an attractive shop. Once you enter the shop, you cannot go back to complete your sightseeing.

I am nervous disagreeing with Enric, but I think having the first entry time at La Sagrada Familia is helpful because when you walk in, the only people there will be others with the same entry time. At other times of the day, when you arrive, there will be a lot of holdovers from earlier time slots. So I like the idea of the first entry there. The Tourist Office told me that's a popular time and that I should book 48 hours ahead of time in early August to be reasonably sure of getting that time slot.

It's my vague impression that the towers are about more than the view--that you get a close-up look at interesting parts of the edifice. But as I say, this is not first-hand information. If you Google "which tower", you'll probably find some comments from earlier visitors. Kids do usually like to climb, so I think a tower is probably worth the time and cost.

The point about possible heat at Parc Guell is a very valid one. I was able to schedule it first thing on a different day, so I didn't have to contend with midday conditions. The downhill walk back to the center city should be very nice, but probably best not at 1 or 2 PM. One thing to consider, though, is that you have a really packed schedule. I'm a wanderer by nature, and Barcelona's architecture is made for strolling, so I hope you have time to do some of that. If you pre-book too many time-specific site-visits, I fear that you'll always be running to the next obligation. But that's a pretty long walk back from Parc Guell and--in truth--I question whether you have time for it. With a group of 4 I'd at least consider a taxi.

You mentioned churches. The Barcelona Cathedral is in the Barri Gotic. It's free part of the day and has an entry fee at other times. I don't remember the details. Santa Maria del Mar is also often mentioned. This website will give you some other ideas. I'd circle the interesting-sounding ones on my map and take advantage of proximity to see a few.

Enric, is it necessary to buy tickets to the Sant Pau modernista site ahead of time now? Perhaps I hit a fluky August day, but I don't think I saw more than 10 other tourists the entire 2 hours I was there.

Edited to add: Casa Mila and Casa Batllo are to me quite different from art museums, but I do love art nouveau, so I'm biased. If I were you I'd wait until I'd been in Barcelona for just a little while and seen how everyone feels after seeing one or two other modernista sites. I believe you'll be able to get a ticket to one of them on two days' notice. If you run into a problem, you can still enjoy their fabulous exteriors. The Palau Guell would be another possibility, not as heavily visited though it would be best to buy the tickets ahead of time, because I did see a bit of a line.

I don't think a HO/HO bus is a great idea. Perhaps on a weekday if will be OK (though I assume rush hour traffic would be quite a drag), but when I arrived in Barcelona around noon on an August Sunday, there was a line that looked about 200 people long at Pl. Catalunya. They were waiting for the HO/HO bus. Not a good use of time or money. Also, you'll probably be sluggish that first day; I think you'd do better to keep moving. You might check into a walking tour for that day. Don't make arrangements ahead of time, but know whether something is available and how you would hook up with it.

Hi Ann,

So you are "nervous disagreeing" with me, huh? c'mon, I'm not an ogre, am I? hahaha!

I see what you mean but I'd still say that a number of people "hanging" around, whether because they didn't pre-book online or whether they didn't arrive on time during their window slot to get in, shouldn't bother you because they shouldn't affect your entry time. In theory, if you miss your window slot for 15 or 30' (not sure which one it is in Sagrada Família) you've simply lost your right to get in and need to purchase another ticket if you want to. In the past, the people at SF were very understanding and, when possible, accommodated the late birds anyway... but the sheer number of visitors have forced them to be much stricter now. Thus, whether it's people queuing to purchase a ticket or late arrivals, it shouldn't really mess your plans.

One exception though: as I mentioned, for security reasons SF holds a maximum 2000 visitors at any time. While you need to enter the basilica at the specific time you booked, once you've entered you can stay as much as you like. The basilica uses a predictive software to manage the crowds of visitors and it seems it's quite accurate... but sometimes doesn't get it quite right (alas, the unpredictability of human beings!) and indeed, albeit it's not common, there might be some instances in which you have to queue not only with fellow visitors that have your same entry time but also a few holdovers that couldn't get in at their assigned slot due to the basilica simply being full.

As per Sant Pau Recinte Modernista... you're right, you didn't use to need to pre-book... but its popularity has grown exponentially and these days I'm not that sure that's the case anymore, especially in summer months. But again, it's one of those sites that can be difficult to say. For me, if you can pre-book, do pre-book... it's easier to stick to ones' own schedule than to have to adapt to the unpredictability of others. But that's me.

You're making a great point... many visitors from the other side of the pond are not "used" to strolling a city -after all most of your cities are not really designed for that, are they? (yeah, yeah, I can hear my East Coast friends complaining...: except those, of course, LOL!)- and they tend to plan itineraries based on "milestones": we go to A, then to B, then to C... without realising that in many European cities there are plenty of things to see/enjoy in between those milestones and that strolling -whether it's to admire the architecture, window shopping or something else- it's often a fulfilling activity in its own right. Again, those that have been in the Old Continent before they do know this of course. When I travel, it's probably my European background, I can't conceive not to stroll a city and mingle with its people and the different neighbourhoods... but I suppose this is a very personal matter.

@kwarbritton79

Answers in no particular order:

Ann's observation is quite right: queues at certain hoho stops in the central areas, on a Sunday in August can be epic. Despite the fact there are many hohos and frequency is very high, one can easily be put off seeing some of these queues. I wouldn't discard the idea, but I would reconsider when you're here... and act accordingly. Have a Plan B just in case. Her suggestion of a walking tour is not a bad idea... there are plenty of companies, but to my knowledge some of the best free walking tours are http://www.runnerbeantours.com/ , http://www.neweuropetours.eu/barcelona/en/home and http://www.discoverwalks.com/barcelona-walking-tours/ I have very good references from the first one... and the departure point is not far from Plaça Catalunya, actually is in Plaça Reial (for info, "plaça" = square in Catalan, the local language and it's pronounced "pla-sah")

Yes you need tickets for Park Güell (yet they are inexpensive, just 7€)

About storage... confirm before arrival with your apartment. If you can't definitively store it before a certain hour, you could simply leave it in a locker in the meantime. There aren't that many in the city, but one is very close to Plaça Catalunya (http://lockerbarcelona.com/en/). If you're flying in you could get into the city by Aerobus (under 6€ each) which will leave you in Plaça Catalunya and simply walk to Carrer Estruc, 36 and store your luggage there. Then you can go for a walk and pick it up later.

I also agree with Ann: Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (aka La Pedrera) are not either, to me, "museums" -in the traditional sense. Check out a couple of promotional videos: https://vimeo.com/81086090 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzg1J60kVOA

Some suggestions for a lunch in Gràcia... check the map I've included earlier, any should do, such as Goliard, also Disbarat or, most especially, if you like rice dishes such as paella, Xàtiva. Check the map, there are more suggestions there.

Sunday: it's my understanding you're spending 5 days in BCN, right? then you still have Monday, correct? I would split sites between those two days.

Btw, for the sites you've pre-booked please make sure you are on time otherwise you won't be allowed in. Each site has a "window", so to speak, to get in --between 15' and 30' on the hour shown on the ticket, this window depends on the site. But again, to prevent "problems" make sure you're on time.

One last thought: there are a lot of things to do/see, five days is barely enough so don't fret and try to pack too much in, you'll end up not really getting to know much and rushing from one place to the other like a headless chicken. Just sayin'.

Hi! Thanks for all the advice. I am going to book the 9:00 SF and follow Enric's schedule after that. I will also prebook tickets at 11:00 to San Pau Recinte modernista just to be safe. Enric, we leave first thing Monday morning for Seville so we only have Thursday-Sunday. With that said, how could I add Camp Nou, peeking at the seaside for a bit, Montjuic, Las Ramblas, Gothic quarter and possibly Casa Batllo. I see that runner beans has tours for Gothic Quarter or Gaudi tour daily at 4:30 so on the first day, instead of HO/HO we can schedule one of those? If we arrive in the am and can't quite check in we will either try HO/HO or figure something else out at that point. I'm just trying to have a plan and a backup as not to waste precious time researching. Also, I know I said that we are not into art or museums too much but BOY does Casa Batllo look amazing! Once we get there, we might want to fit that in!

So at this point I just need...

Day 4 (sunday)

-

Thanks Enric and acraven!

I have tried many times to get onto sagradafamilia.org for tickets and there is an error code that appears. I see that I can purchase tickets on tiqets.com but there is a $27 booking fee. Should I wait to see if the main website becomes available or just book here? I have tried multiple time since yesterday and its not working

Works fine at my end....

Try cleaning your browser cache.

9:30am Camp Nou -yes, you need to prebook also! https://www.fcbarcelona.com/tour/buy-tickets

11ish -metro L3 (green) from Palau Reial station to Plaça Catalunya -you'll be then at the top of Les Rambles
... check the map I published above and follow the RED/ORANGE routes. That'll take you thru the most emblematic parts of the area (inc. the Cathedral, La Boqueria, Temple d'August and a zillion more things). Take your RS guide (or similar) where you'll be able to see what other things are in that area. For a glimpse: http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/en/page/158/ciutat-vella.html

noon Palau de la Música Catalana?? -pre-booking!

6pm Casa Batlló -also requires pre-booking: https://www.casabatllo.es/en

I know it sucks to have to adhere to a schedule full of pre-booked stuff but that's the way it is... we get too many visitors all year long to do it otherwise and some attractions require pre-booking if you want to see them at all -at a given time that is.

IMPORTANT:

On Sunday stores are closed (also the markets, therefore no Boqueria on Sundays), that's why I suggested Montserrat instead on Sunday and everything above on a SATURDAY.

I am skipping Montjuïc altogether... it's far too much for a single day. Besides, Montjuïc is a huge district with numerous sites, gardens and parks, etc. If you're interested in anything in particular you should say so, otherwise it's far too vague.

Don't panic about the La Sagrada Familia ticket situation. Try a different browser, try a different computer, give it a day or two. It will work out.

I think a walking tour of the Barri Gotic would be great on your first day. I took the one offered by the T.O. (group size turned out to be quite modest, which was a plus). The cost was 16 euros. But I think it begins at 10 AM, too early for you.

I am on trying to book my SF tickets, Sant Pau Recinte Modernista, and Park Guell. You suggested to go to Park Guell at 4:15. The latest ticket that I can see available is 12:30. I am on the direct website, I believe. If I need to switch some things around because of this I can as I have not booked anything yet. I could do 9:30 Park Guell, 11:00 SPRM, Gracia for lunch then SF at any time. This may not work because of time though, I'm not sure. Can you please advise me on how to move forward?

When purchasing SF tickets I see an option for a ticket for Gaudi house museum. It's inexpensive, is it worth it? Also, I'm assuming I should choose the guided tour of Park Guell??

Enric and Acraven...

Sorry for the bother with this, it should be the last thing for Barcelona!:)))

If I switch my itinerary up to 1st Park Guell, Gracia, SF, then SPRM, I am having trouble. I only see a 9:30 guided option for Park Guell and an 11:00 option for SPRM. Sagrada Familia has lots of times available so that is not a problem. I'm assuming that I can't book a 9:30 PG and then an 11:00 SPRM, I'm sure that Ill need more time for Park Guell and travel time.

If at all possible, I was hoping to start my day about 9:30 or 10 since I am traveling with 2 teens and not sure how their jet lag will be. I thought on the first day we should wake up, not too early, have breakfast and start the day. Any advice at all? Doesn't see this is possible if I want to do all of this is one day and get the guided tours??

Thank you, Thank you!!

I agree that 1-1/2 hours is very tight between the tour starting times at Parc Guell and Sant Pau. I don't think tours are absolutely essential, though. I hope Enric checks back in and gives his views, because I did not take a tour at either of those sites. The Sant Pau audio guide was fine for me, though it's possible I would have liked the tour even more. I didn't have even an audio guide at Parc Guell and sort of doubt that there is one, though I could have overlooked that option.

I think you'd be fine just using the audio guide at Sant Pau if that is what you need to do to make the schedule work.

I think you're smart to allow a bit of a later start on that day, because it's unpredictable how folks will react to jetlag.

I'm sorry, when I say tour, I mean audio tour, not guided tour. It looks like the only English option each day is 11:00 at SP and that I see is for guided, my mistake. So it looks like I can take a non guided tour of SP at 10:00 or 2:00. I assume when I arrive, I can pick up audio guide? Also, Park Guell does have lots of options as far as non guided times. I only need an audio tour, not necessisarily a guide. My family will enjoy it much more if we have an understanding of what we are seeing. I think you are right that they don't offer an audio for Park Guell unless Enric can advise otherwise. Not sure that my kids will appreciate it if they don't know what they are seeing?

At this point all that I have booked is Camp Nou @ 9:30 on Saturday and plan to visit Montserrat on Sunday with Magic fountains that evening. So maybe for Friday... 10:00 Sagrada Familia, walk to Gracia for lunch > 2:00 SP > 4:30 Park Guell. I'm choosing this so my teens don't have to wake up too early on the first day after flying from U.S. If this doesn't work, I will stick to the original plan of 9:00 SF, 11:00 SP, walk to Gracia for lunch, 4:30 Park Guell. Only negative is the early start with kids but if this makes much more sense then they can deal with the early rising;))

Sant Pau at 2 PM and Parc Guell at 4:30 is as tight as I would want to go; Sant Pau is not small, and it's nice to have some extra minutes to wander around outside and appreciate the building exteriors. With this timing you may need a taxi between the two sites. I'm not sure where the nearest taxi stand is.

Although I'm sure a tour at Parc Guell would be informative, I think the children will enjoy the funky architecture even in isolation if that's what fits the schedule. It's a bit different from going to a church (especially as a non-Catholic, as I am) and needing help with the symbolism, etc.

I spent 10 days in Barcelona and opted to skip the Gaudi house based on comments in guide books. Based on what I read, I don't think it can compete with the other modernista sites on your list, and you don't want to have all your time locked down so that you can't stroll a bit.