So, I'm trying to book our tickets for Casa Batllo this spring. I kept getting a message saying there was a problem on the issuer's end (my credit card). I have Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite Mastercard. I called and they are unable to let the transaction go through; evidently they've had some fraudulent experiences with this vendor and refuse to do any new transactions. Bummer for me as I use that card for basically everything so I'll have to try a backup card instead. Also a new experience as I've never had this happen before when pre-buying tickets to a venue. Wonder what would have happened if I would have tried to buy them on the spot! Anyone else have this happen??
Posted by
Massachusetts, USA
414 posts
Yes, I have Capital One and tried to buy the tickets online while in Barcelona last summer and the charge would not go through even after calling the CC company as you did. I walked over an hour or so later and just bought the tickets on the spot (short line if you want to pay extra for the VIP tickets) and the charge went through no problem.
And it was worth it - we loved it - better than Casa Mila IMHO.
Posted by
Washington DC
28085 posts
I wouldn't want to just show up, though I suppose if you're willing to pay even more for what is already an expensive ticket, you'd be OK. At the time of my 2016 visit, you could buy tickets for most of the key Barcelona sights, including Casa Batllo, in person at the tourist office beneath Placa de Catalunya.
If Casa Batllo takes PayPal, that should work for you.
Posted by
OP
KS, USA
677 posts
I tried a Citi Card and it went through, thankfully. Though, I still got a fraud notice I had to approve. Yes, I’m beginning to think the sights in Barcelona are some of the most expensive that I’ve ever paid for. I’m big into architecture so nit going to miss it; but definitely pricey! We are planning to visit it, Casa Mila, and Palau Güell.
Posted by
Washington DC
28085 posts
I think Palau Guell is less interesting than at least two places you aren't planning to see: Casa Mila/La Pedrera and the Sant Pau Modernista Site. The latter is that rarity in Barcelona: a great modernista site where you can buy your ticket and get inside right away. It was designed by the same architect as the Palau de la Musica Catalana. Sant Pau is a multi-building complex that takes a good while to see--between 2 and 2-1/2 hours, I'd guess, if you don't spend time reading the (voluminous) information posted about the complex's life as a hospital. Don't cut time there short, because two of the prettiest rooms are at the very end of the self-guided tour.
Posted by
OP
KS, USA
677 posts
Acraven, we are planning to visit Hospital Sant Pau (after Sagrada Familia) and also Palau de la Musica Catalana (on a different day). I'm very excited for both visits. They look gorgeous. And it's good to know on Palau Guell - I have that earmarked for our last morning in Barcelona. I originally planned to visit it prior to visiting Batllo and Mila but with itinerary modifications it unfortunately ended up at the end, instead. Maybe I should wait to buy tickets and just play it by ear instead - if we've ran out of time and would rather do something else we'd have more free time that way?? Hmmm.
Posted by
Mechanicsburg, PA
6 posts
About 3 weeks ago, I was able to purchase tickets on line without any issue for Casa Batillo for our upcoming trip to Barcelona . I used a card issued by Barclays, but my card is not the Arrival World Elite Mastercard.
I did get a fraud alert when I tried to buy train tickets on Rail Europe, but have not had any issues with buying tickets to venues.
I have found for major sites that pre-buying tickets is a good option when time is limited and itinerary's are hard to change. We usually do a mixture of pre-buying and allow room in the day to visit sites as interest/time allows.
Hope you are able to get your tickets purchased with your back up card.
Posted by
Sevilla
1303 posts
I thought Palau Guell was worth seeing, but principally for the rooftop with the chimneys and view. Internally, it wasn't as interesting as some other modernist (?) sights perhaps, although the horse entrance was noteworthy. When we went (in June, mid-week about 2 years ago), you could just walk up and buy a ticket, no queue. Of course, things change, but I think I might be tempted to play it by ear on your last day. You might be "gaudied-out" by then.
Posted by
Washington DC
28085 posts
In that case I think you could wait and see how you feel about Palau Guell. I walked past it at least twice in 2016, and the lines varied in length but were never as long as those at Casa Mila and Casa Batllo. Judging by how comparatively infrequently it is mentioned here, I believe it gets a lot less traffic.
Since you're obviously very interested in the modernista sights: Are you aware that the MNAC has a modernism collection? It focuses on jewelry, furniture and decorative arts. The MNAC has many other interesting things as well, primary among them being medieval frescoes rescued from churches in the Pyrenees.
Don't waste your time in the Casa de les Punxes, and don't expect Casa Amattler to be modernist on the inside (it's more like a pseudo-castle).
Posted by
OP
KS, USA
677 posts
I’ve decided to not buy tickets ahead of time. That will give us more flexibility in case we want to get somewhere we haven’t had time for yet.
We were planning to go to the MNAC but I didn’t realize it had the modernism collection! Good to know. I will keep my eyes open for it.