I am looking at B&B's, but they specify different districts. I do not need 5 star (prefer quaint), I just want to be close to transportation (I will fly in and out) and close (walking distance?) to sites, historic centers, local areas, and the sea. Thanks in advance!
Charlotte
Barcelona is a very big city so you really can't be close to all of those things. But the city has an excellent and comprehensive metro system. You can be in the city center from far outlying neighborhoods in 15-20 minutes.
The Barri Gotic is the historic core of the city and surrounds the Ramblas. Close to just about everything as you can get. Barceloneta is next to the Gotic but near the harbor. The Olympic Village area is along the cost north of the harbor. The Eixample is the more modern (early 20th century modern) district and is quite large. This area is of a standard grid layout and has some of the more high-end shopping and Gaudi architecture. Gracia is a popular neighborhood but further out from the center. Sants is the neighborhood near Placa de Espanya and the main train station.
Pull up a map of the city to see these neighborhoods and located where your options are. Google maps show the metro stations too so you'll know where the nearest ones are. It's an easy city to walk even when distances are far.
Since this question gets asked a lot... this is my sort of standard response ;)
For a visual response to your question: http://oi44.tinypic.com/20r5nd3.jpg Note that the red zones don't mean "no stay", they just mean (to me) that are not convenient for a short stay in the city, either too far or too rowdy or a bit seedy, but by all means one has to visit them as all have their own charm. Keep in mind though that this is a very personal response, other members will surely recommend different things and probably equally good (or better!)
Just for info I include links to three videos showing the areas of l'Eixample, Gràcia and El Born -as per the above map- so you can have a glimpse on what they look like:
L'EIXAMPLE: http://infocatalonia.eu/w/IE0qN
EL BORN: http://infocatalonia.eu/w/xTEtn
GRÀCIA: http://infocatalonia.eu/w/9OM8W
L'Eixample is classy and elegant, a large district with wide streets and avenues
El Born is historical with little streets and alleys, may get a bit rowdy at times
Gràcia is like a homy little town within the city with a life of its own, slightly farther (15' by metro) but worth considering.
great b&b El Balcon de Born...check it out...close to most of what you want to see. Not on an automobile street, you will walk 1/2 block...Authentic, Spain...excellent place. I hope to return.. Number 1 B&B in Barcelona I think by the ratings.
Ah yes, forgot about your comment on B&Bs Charlotte... I am active in other travel forums too and I prepared a map with the B&Bs most visitors 'mention' in one other forum. Also, check out hostals (different from 'hostels', hostals are small hotels with basic amenities: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hostal). I can't vouch for any of course (I live here!), but I only pass on the info: http://bit.ly/hostals_and_BBs_in_BCN
Thank you all so much! I will definitely check out the maps and videos!
Last year we spent 4 nights at Barcino 147 for which I gave five star ratings on TripAdvisor. The location is great walking almost everywhere. Metro to Parc Gueil. And, a cab back from La Sagradafamilia (5 euros). Please note that not all rooms are en suite.
I would place potential spots on a map. A natural center for both sights and transportation is Placa Catalunya. Between there and the Mediterranean is the Bari Gotic. I like the area but it's old and can be noisy near the Ramblas. The opposite direction from the Placa is nicer and quieter but a little further from most of the sights. You can also compare places to a metro map to see how hard it would be to get onto the metro.
Just stayed 6 nts at the Silver aparthotel a 3 minute walk from the Fontana metro station this place was awesome the English speaking staff quite rooms we had room 601 with terrace and small kitchen. Excellent location 4 stops to Los Rambla. Check it out.
Just stayed 6 nts at the Silver aparthotel a 3 minute walk from the Fontana metro station this place was awesome the English speaking staff quite rooms we had room 601 with terrace and small kitchen. Excellent location 4 stops to Los Rambla. Check it out.
