Please assist with Barcelona Holiday. 4 people traveling together; 1 married couple and 2 singles. We are spending 3 full days in Barcelona. We arrive on a Monday during early morning, at 7:00am. We would like to stay at a home or apartment that is close to transportation. For us this would feel more relaxing than a hotel. Plus it would probably be less expensive as we would split the cost four ways. I have checked VRBO, but don't want to put down the large deposits requested. We would rather take the train or bus to sightsee, not rent an auto. We want to be in a safe area so that we may walk about in the evenings. Are the highrises at the beach a good place to stay? If anyone has a recommendation please advise, it would be appreciated. Is there anything we simply must "see". We enjoy learning about the city its people and history. And lastly we are looking for a great leather store (coats, pursues). Thank you.
Posted by
Buffalo, State, NY
1 posts
Rainie,
I'm going to Barcelona in March to run the marathon, and a well-traveled friend found some reasonable apartments in a great part of the City, near the University district -- 3 minutes from the Placa Catalunya. Their customer service has been wonderful, and they have great reviews.
Check out www.destinationBCN.com
By the way, can anyone tell me a good way (recommended books or websites) to learn a working knowledge of Catalan? I have some words/phrases (which is less than I want) and a complete "Learn Catalan" series (which is way too much).
Posted by
Kirkland
223 posts
Rainie, my wife and I stayed for a week in a 1-BR apartment last Fall in El Born, 50 yards from the Picasso Museum, and loved it. We rented through Habitat apartments - read about in tripadvisor. They also have 2 and 3 bedroom units. They met us when we arrived, oriented us to the neighborhood, and were always on call if we needed them. Fortunately all went well, so we simply left our key on the kitchen table at the end of the week and left. The apartment was near a subway stop and the Estancion Francia - easy to get everywhere if you don't want to walk. Lots of markets, tabas bars/restaurants and ATMS. A great stop.
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
695 posts
Rainie, we rented an apartment from www.friendlyrentals.com and we had very good service from them. I would rent in Barri Gothic, Born or Eixample area if you want to walk. We really like the Sagrada Familia, Picasso Museum, walking Las Ramblas, La Boqueria (big outdoor market) and Montserrat. You can go to Montserrat with the metro for a day trip. Enjoy Barcelona it is a great place!