Hello, first time travelers (family of 4, kids age 11/13) coming in via train after a week in Paris and departing via cruise ship. 4 days in Barcelona and after much research it seems that renting an apartment will be a better option for us vs hotel. We intend to sightsee, and eat a lot of wonderful tapas, ham, and other culinary delights. My question is this: having narrowed down our apartment choices to several with glowing reviews (quiet, excellent host, etc) two areas have emerged. San Antoni and several circling Placa Catalunya. Placa Catalunya is running about twice as much, and so I am trying to figure out why. Better location overall? Safer neighborhood? More desirable? Less? Any insight and help would be much appreciated.
Posted by
Washington DC
28647 posts
Provide full addresses and Enric will be in a better position to advise you.
I stayed in a hotel just off Pl. Catalunya last year and adored the location for proximity to many of the sights I wanted to see. It is considered a very central location. The Sant Antoni area is a bit to the SW, and some of it is quite close to Montjuic, which would be handy if you plan to spend a lot of time there (MNAC, Miro, etc.) The path to the Barri Gotic from some of the Sant Antoni area would take you through some not-yet-gentrified areas (not yet all polished up for tourists). I walked through there several times and wasn't uncomfortable, but I know that some tourists wouldn't be happy doing so. But taking the subway would avoid the issue if it exists.
Posted by
CA, USA
266 posts
We stayed here in June (family of 5) and I found the location to be walkable to many areas (we walked to La Sagrada Familia and also down to the Barri Gotic).
http://ramblacatalunyasuites.com/
I would stay there again in a heartbeat.
Posted by
OP
Oregon
372 posts
Thank you both this is helpful.
The apartments I do not have exact addresses, just a 2-3 block "circle" to show where it is (airbNb). I am thinking for a first visit and one that is short we may be happier the more central to sights that interest us most. I will have to form a map, so I can be sure which that is as both areas appeal.
Posted by
OP
Oregon
372 posts
For sure Bill! I should absolutely insist on that # if I understand correctly. I eliminated one owner already she wouldn't provide one. Thank you for the link to the great article! Very helpful!
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Mercat Sant Antoni is only about 10-15 mins walk from Placa Catalunya so the locations are not far apart at all. For me I would choose Sant Antoni as a more funky 'backstreet' location with great bars/ restaurants over busy commercial Placa Catalunya. In terms of centrality for sights, it really makes no difference.