Could you recommend a good guidebook for Barcelona? We're going for a few days and will only be staying in or around Barcelona, so we don't need Rick's Spain book. Should we still get it? Thanks!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32321 posts
Jo,
I'd probably still use the Spain Guidebook, as it has lots of information on not only sites to tour in Barcelona, but also nearby places for day trips. There's also hotel information, opening & closing times / days for Museums, transportation information and other useful tips.
If you can find a copy in the local Library, you could perhaps photocopy the sections you're interested in.
Happy travels!
Posted by
Chicago, Illinois, USA
586 posts
Hey, Jo! I agree...it's worth the $20.00. In the meantime, you can find a number of Rick Steves-inspired details about visiting Barcelona on my travel blog at http://moltogentileitalia.blogspot.com/2009/04/week-in-espana-itinerary-barcelona.html. We were there in December, and loved it. We especially liked our hotel and its location for exploring Bari Gotic, L'Eixample, and Las Ramblas.
Posted by
Chicago/Rural WI
811 posts
In addition to Rick's book, you may want to take a look at the free Maribel's Guide online. Maribel wrote a mini-guide for many Spanish cities, including Barcelona. Although it looks like the Barcelona guide was last updated in 2007, there is still a lot of relevant information regarding the top sights to see (then you could confirm operating hours/costs on the internet).
Have a great trip!
Posted by
Des Moines, IA
2193 posts
Other Barcelona city guides you may wish to consider include DK, Frommer’s, Lonely Planet, and Time Out. I like the idea of visiting your local library branch and simply copying what is needed from Rick’s Spain guidebook, but spending $23 for the 2009 edition would be wise.
Posted by
Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
324 posts
My recommendation for a several day stay in Barcelona is here: http://quia-absurdum.com/barcelona/two_days.html Beyond that, you'll have to decide for yourself how much you're willing to explore and "play things by ear" and how much you feel you need a guide. Either way, enjoy the trip.
Posted by
Dallas, TX, US
22 posts
Take a look at "Fodor's CityPack: Barcelona's 25 Best". It's compact and has a nice fold-out map. I love these small guide books. I have used them for Madrid, London, and New York.
Posted by
Anaheim, CA, USA
1455 posts
I LOVE Maribelsguides!!!
I shrank down her pages and carried it with me.. great tips!