Where to From Barcelona

Have you ever been to Paris? There's now a fast train (6 1/2 hrs.) to Paris--a very popular trip.
Or have you been to Madrid before? It's also a train ride west of Barcelona.

It's pretty far over to Nice, but you can easily fly it inexpensive on Vueling Airlines.

Thanks David. I have been to Paris 3 times. Now I hear my friend doesn't want to go to France. We are flying into Barcelona and he thinks Seville is closer. I think Madrid is. What about flying from Barcelona to Amsterdam for 3 nights/2 days? Any idea of good pricing?

Madrid is closer than Sevilla. Sevilla is more interesting, but you are right - it is likely to be very hot. That wouldn't bother me too much as long as I could find and afford a place with AC. If the heat is an issue for you, a trip to Madrid, possibly with a day trip to Segovia or Toledo would be fun as well. Also hot, though statistically not as bad as Seville.

Re: flying to Amsterdam - yes, that would work I don't know the flight time, but I know there are plenty of cheap, direct flights. I wouldn't fly for 2 nights, but if you can do 3 this might be a good option.

Steve... there isn't a "void" around Barcelona, you know... just saying :)))

Check out...

GIRONA | FIGUERES -note this and Girona are very close | SITGES | MONTSERRAT | TARRAGONA | VIC | BESALÚ | ROSES or TOSSA DE MAR to name a few... all of them are within Catalonia, a stone throw away from its capital, Barcelona. Say you like the coast and the sea, who wouldn't fall in love with this?, say you like the mountains and the wild nature instead, what about that?... shall I continue? I seriously doubt there are many other places with such a variety of landscapes in such shorts distances. No matter how cheesy it can be, I feel compelled to point you to one of the latest Catalonia's promotional video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGCAjg5pZGg LOL!

More text based info here:
http://catalunya.com/ -Catalonia’s Tourism Agency || http://en.costabrava.org/ -Costa Brava Tourism Agency || http://www.girona.cat/turisme/eng/index.php -Girona City Council || http://www.tarragonaturisme.cat/ -Tarragona City Council

You can easily visit most of those on a day escapade if you want, and by train/bus, without the hassle of having to change hotels or wait in lounges for planes to depart. Or if you prefer, an overnight, or a short 2-3 day stay, in some of the above (or plenty other places I didn't mention in that brief list) can indeed make for a change in your holiday.

What about Valencia? Or maybe up to the Pyrenees?

Thanks Enric! I was at Montserrat last year and loved it. I was in Tossa de Mar on my last day and want to return this year.
Chani, my friend wants to visit Seville and I know you have been. I am worried about the August heat. Any recommendations as far as places to stay? Do you think a flight or 6 hour train trip from Barcelona is better? Will 2 days be sufficient to visit?

How hot is it? I just took a quick look at wunderground.com. The high temps in Seville last year in early August:

8/2 - 39; 8/3 - 33; 8/4 - 38; 8/5 - 39; 8/6 - 38; 8/7 - 41; 8/8 - 38. Average humidity was around 35-50%, so it's not exactly dry heat. 38C = 100F.

It will be coolest in the early mornings, the hottest part of the day is from about 2 pm until . . . . well, probably close to sunset, then cools very gradually.

You can see the top 2 sights (Alcazar, Cathedral) and a few others in 2 full days (depending on your heat tolerance, of course). There's certainly enough to fill another one or two. I've only stayed in one hotel (3 times), the Amadeus. Love it. RS tours have started to use it. The good news is that July-August is low season in Seville.

If you do go to Seville, allow at least a few hours to go to Cordoba to see the Mezquita. If Andalucia is a big priority for your friend, consider Granada (Alhambra) instead of Sevilla. You can fly from Barcelona, and it's a little cooler in Granada and less humid, because of the altitude. There's a reason why the Alhambra is the number one sight in Spain.

Thanks Chani. The heat does concern me a bit so I appreciate your research. Granada is another option. I am also thinking Toledo as it also looks interesting. I appreciate the hotel recommendation... I will check it out!!!