We'll be in Barcelona for 85 days this November-February (no responses on Schengen, please). Do any of our readers have recent on-site experience staying on the Ramblas in the Santa Monica section? Some older guidebooks say it's somewhat seedy with prostitutes, but improving. On the other hand, we have an opportunity to rent a very lovely apartment one block off the Ramblas on Avenue Santa Monica for 2500 Euros for the whole time - a real deal for a retired couple. The apartment has excellent reviews. What's advice do you those of you who have stayed in the area have for us? We're experienced travelers (we have spent two months every year in Europe for the past 20 years, and will be spending six months a year there in the coming years; our three daughters live in Germany and Switzerland and we visit them regularly). Thanks!
Posted by
FL USA
1520 posts
Use google earth street view and input the address to obtain an immediate view of how the area appears.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
We stayed off the Ramblas for four days and liked it. Normally things quiet down quickly as you get a block or two off the Ramblas.
For a longer stay, I'd lean toward just the other side of Placa Catalunya. There are quieter, nicer neighborhoods there that are still convenient to Metro.
If the reviews are excellent, however, and you are satisfied they are legitimate reviews, I'd go with it.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
With price and other features to recommend this apartment, I wouldn't let a few prostitutes or their customers scare you away. Maybe you'll get to know them.