Hi all, Looking for alternative suggestions for 'off the beaten path' with following window: Wed 4/27 Arrive Barcelona 8:00am (Overnight train from Paris, well rested!) I also speak Spanish (not Catalan though:( First time to Spain, but have traveled in Europe) Thur 4/28 Ideas for other place nearby Fri 4/29 Ideas? Sat 4/30 Ideas? Sun 5/1 May Day, Ideas? Mon 5/2 Depart Madrid Airport Noon Thanks,
Mike in NC
Posted by
Reeds Spring, Missouri, USA
120 posts
First off, no such thing as 'off the beaten path', particularly in and around Barcelona. Just got back yesterday after two weeks there, and it's prime tourist time. La Rambla packed solid, Sagrada Familia has ticket lines extending along three sides of the building, city tour buses by the dozen from morning to night and packed buses and metro. Of course, that's what makes it such an interesting place. One thing nearby that is worth a trip is Montserrat. You get the tickets for the one-hour train ride and ten minute cable car ride (both round trip) at Placa Espanya for about 17 euros. Start early, the trains run once an hour starting at 8:36. Head back to BCN around 4 to 4:30 pm since the last cable car down leaves at 6:30 and you don't want to get hung up in the scramble for it. Sitges is a very popular place to go if you're interested in doing the beach thing. It's about a 45 minute train ride. I haven't been there so don't have details. There are other beach cities to the north that are best reached by bus. Considering the time it takes to get around in Barcelona and the number of people you'll be competing with (Saturdays and Sundays in particular, I'd just spend the time exploring as much of the city as possible and enjoying long dinners at a sidewalk cafe.
Posted by
LaGrange, Ga, USA
1178 posts
The Picasso Museum in Madrid; The Roman Ruins also there. The sea port area, Las Ramblas, Sangra Familia, Park Guel....all in the city and it will take a good bit of time to see these...
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17440 posts
I don't have any suggestion on "off the beaten path" places to go, but since you are flying out of Madrid on May 2 at noon, you need there at least by the night before. Is it correct to assume you don't have transport from Barcelona to Madrid arranged yet? If that is the case, you are in luck, as there are still some Estrella (discount) fares left for the AVE trains between Barcelona and Madrid. Afternoon tickets on April 30 and early morning tickets (but as late as 9:00 am) on May 1 are still 70 euros. If you are interested you better buy them quick on Renfe. thos prices are 40% off. Either one will allow you to spend May 1 (Labor Day) in Madrid which should be nice.