Barcelona - Too Long?

For Barcelona itself, two days are almost enough, three is plenty. Day trips could be to Monserrat, ,Cadaques, or Figures (in my order of preference). Unfortunatel, I have no idea if you can pull off any of them by public transportation, but I'd guess you could find tours of some sort to either Monserrat or Figures.

I have to disagree with Ed. We spent three nights in Barc and could've stayed longer. But six nights with a day trip or two (by my estimation) should give you a comprehensive, well-rounded leg of your trip. We didn't take any day trips from Barc, so I can't speak to those options, but they're well documented in RS's book. Have a great trip.

I had five nights in Barcelona and loved it. I did a trip to Monserrat. I took public transit. I cannot remember the name of the train station but it is so easy. Any hotel can help you with this. I would be sure to be in Monserrat early in the day. I saw the crowds later in the day and was happy that I saw the main sights first. Great walks in the area. Enjoy

Six nights in Barcelona is perfectly OK as far as I'm concerned. Consider a day in Montserrat, the Dali museum in Figueres if you like his art. I gather Sitges is a reasonable day trip if you like the beach.

I just came came from Barcelona where we spent 5 nights. It was longer than we needed. I actually enjoyed Madrid at least as well. We arrived just after the Pope consecrated Sagrada Familia and it was busy but a great experience. We did the day trip to the Dali Museum and it was easy and fun. We ate twice at a great small restaurant called Cal Pep. Wonderful fresh seafood. You have to wait to get a seat at the counter. The market was also a great visit for the looking at the fish, meat and game and for the fruit and candy to eat. Have fun, Dan

Six nights in Barcelona would be too many for me, particularly with all the lovely Costa Brava nearby, but everybody's different. Are you planning on having a car in France? If so, you could spend some nights in Barcelona, then take the train to Perpignan. Pick up a car there, then backtrack down the coast to Cadeques and Collioure, France. That way you won't pay a big drop fee by renting in Spain and dropping off in France. The coast is spectacular and the villages and towns are great. btw I think it unwise for you to take on the responsibility of your friend's enjoyment of this segment of the trip, and unfair for them to put it on you. I advise you to get their input and make it a joint planning operation.

Thanks to all for your advice. I found an apartment that will be great for us and we will stay there for 6 nights before heading for France. I think we will manage to find things to do in Barcelona, and we aren't afraid to use public transportation to venture out of town if we want. We will be getting a car in Perpignan for our week near there. Tex, I like your suggestion to pick up the car earlier, but I don't want a car in Barcelona (not necessary and too expensive to park) and we want to limit moving around. I didn't mean to imply that this entire trip is my responsibility to plan. I love the planning and they don't, so they are happy to have me find the lodging in Barcelona & Paris, watch for airline deals and rent the car. They have seen the apartments I found (I have already stayed in the apartment in Paris before and know someone who recently stayed in the apartment in Barcelona) and approve of the places and length of time in each. We will all have input into the activities we end up doing. I volunteered to take this on, and they were more than happy to not have to deal with it! Thanks again!!