Hello,
I am landing in BCN on Dec 17th and will be flying back home on Jan. 6th. Although my initial plan was spending the most of the time in Spain, I am just getting a feeling that the Spain would be mostly closed during that time. Is there any suggestion regarding my trip?
I wanted to stay in Barcelona for a couple of days, then take a train to Madrid, do day-trip to three sites around Madrid and then head toward the south.
Thank you.
It will not be shut down except for the Dec 24.25 and Dec 31/Jan 1. And it is mostly the same across all of Europe with England throwing in a extra day - 26 - Boxing day. Just have to be prepared that the 25th and 1st is closed. I am a little surprise you would think that things would be open.
Thank you;
I did not expect Spain or any other part of EU to be open from late 24th through 26th, and the same for Dec 31st and Jan 1st. I was asking for the dates EXCEPT for those days.
Then I don't know what you meant by "mostly closed during that time." When were we in Spain four years ago in that time frame everything was open and bustling except that the shut down started on the afternoon of both the 24th and 31st. We were in Seville and nothing was open except for a couple of restaurants associated with big hotels on the 25th and 1st. I don't know where in Europe you could go to avoid that situation.
Ok!! I believe that I have already had enough inputs from you !!!!!!!!
It’s been a few years since I was in Spain that time of year, but other than Christmas Day and New Yera’s day, I’d expect everything to be open. Remember that 3 Kings Day, is as important as Christmas and it is January 6. I’m not certain if transportation to the airport would be affected.
Thank You Jaimee. I would definitely expect some dead dates during my visit (Late Dec. 24th- Dec. 26 + Dec. 31-Jan1st). And, this would be the case everywhere. A colleague of mine was in Spain a couple of years ago, and she says it was totally "tourist-less". As long as I see the local (except for the dead dates) I will be really fine. I think I need to make reservation already for the Christmas lunch, though.
I’d go with something like this ...
December
17. ARRIVE Barcelona (5N)
18. Barcelona
19. Barcelona
20. Barcelona
21. Barcelona
22. Fly to Granada (3N)
23. Visit Alhambra
24. Granada
25. Train to Cordoba (2N)
26. Visit Mezquita
27. Train to Seville (4N)
28. Seville
29. Day to Jerez or Cadiz or Arcos
30. Seville
31. Train to Madrid (5N)
January
1. Madrid
2. Day to Toledo
3. Madrid
4. Day to Segovia
5. Train to Barcelona (1N)
6. DEPART Barcelona
I have a strong suspicion that Barcelona will not be without tourists! There are a bunch of sights in that city for which we normally suggest purchasing tickets in advance so you don't risk a very long wait in line. I don't know how much, if any, better that situation might be in the lead-up to Christmas; Barcelona seems to be busy year-round. At the very least, I'd arrive in the city with a list of the top places I wanted to see and consult the tourist office about which might need to be pre-booked. These are the toughies:
Picasso Museum (unbelievably mobbed even once you get inside)
La Sagrada Familia (decide whether you want to ascend a tower)
Casa Mila/La Pedrera
Casa Batllo
Parc Guell
Palau de la Musica Catalana (prebooked tour required, English available)
Camp Nou (soccer thing; I suspect that it sells out year round)
Despite the length of that list, Barcelona has many great sights where you can just walk in.
... Ahem.... why there is always this thing about Barcelona being "closed" anytime during the year? This ain't a summer resort, gosh! Much like SF, Seattle or NY, this city -which has nearly 2 million residents- does work and function all year round... except on very specific days during the year. But even on specific dates like Christmas for example (25th), although businesses and shops are mostly closed, there are several attractions and other sites (ie many restaurants) open. Don't fool yourselves, my friends, despite being always flooded with tourists, the tourism industry is not, by a long shot, the basis of the city, so we don't rely on "seasons" or anything like that :)))
I am in Spain now;
This is a great country. The people are beyond nice. They are not fake, they have soul and the food is incredible. I visited France before, but Spain is something totally different. I cannot get enough of it.
Someone’s having a great time then. Good to hear. Keep enjoying.
David! I ammmmm. I am totally impressed ...
Just as an update:
Madrid is back to be fully bustling since the afternoon of 25th. The Shops are all closed, but all the restaurants/tapas/cafe are open.
Merry Merry Christmas
