Barcelona is a magnificent town well worth the visit, both for quality and price. Avoid the tourist traps like the downtown area near the Ramblas and the Plaza de Cataluña. 90% of all tourists go, stay and lodge there. The only thing you'll find there are high prices, plastic souvenirs, postcards, people begging for money, and hordes of tourists from everywhere taking pictures. No natives at all! Go far away, my pick is the neighborhood called Gracia and anything beyond in the Zona Alta or so called High Neighborhoods since as you get away from downtown you are going uphill. Here, you've got paradise, only smiling natives eager to get to know you and talk to you. Also theaters, cinemas, outdoor concerts, green parks, cheap restaurants with menú del días (starter, main course, dessert and wine) for 10 euros! There is a slow feeling to these areas as you kick back, have a sangria, take a walk, explore the farmers' markets, old bookshops. In Gracia you've got it all. As its name suggests, it has been touched by the "grace of God". By the way, real seasoned travellers to Barcelona know that you have to rent an apartment, not a hotel room. For as little as 500 euros for two weeks you can have a two bedroom apartment with equipped kitchen, bath, living room, dining room and balcony!
Yes, my friend, go up up up, to San Gervasio and Sarriá, these are the trendy new spots with hot clubs, cafés and restaurants. You'll feel a hundred miles away from that raucous port.
Top 10 list
1. Puerta del Sol, Plaza del Diamante, and other squares in Gracia
2. Parque Güell, take subway all the way up to the top and walk down
3. Take the train up San Gervasio, and then up to the top Mt. Tibidabo
4. El carrer mayor de Sarriá. Hang out there in the evening
5. The mansions on Calle Pedralbes. Walk down from the top of the hill
6. Pabellón de Gaudí, Calle Pedralbes at the bottom of the hill
7. Take a regional train to Sitges del Mar, the most beautiful beach town.
8. Check out the Gaudí houses on Paseo de Gracia (Sat. best)
9. Hang out in El Borne in the evening, the gentrified ghetto with swanky cafés and shops.
10. See a zarzuela concert at El Palau de la Música Catalana and check out the Gaudí architecture and frescos.
Personally, I'd avoid the Barceloneta and its spoiled beaches, Montjuich and its spoiled beauty and overrated museums, the Barrio Gótico during the day, the Picasso musuem (kind of small for the price), also the Sagrada Familia until its more finished. For now it's a noisy construction zone filled with tourists, cranes and policemen. Totally overrated. And get away from those Ramblas
Yes, my friend, go up up up, to San Gervasio and Sarriá, these are the trendy new spots with hot clubs, cafés and restaurants. You'll feel a hundred miles away from that raucous port.
Top 10 list
1. Puerta del Sol, Plaza del Diamante, and other squares in Gracia
2. Parque Güell, take subway all the way up to the top and walk down
3. Take the train up San Gervasio, and then up to the top Mt. Tibidabo
4. El carrer mayor de Sarriá. Hang out there in the evening
5. The mansions on Calle Pedralbes. Walk down from the top of the hill
6. Pabellón de Gaudí, Calle Pedralbes at the bottom of the hill
7. Take a regional train to Sitges del Mar, the most beautiful beach town.
8. Check out the Gaudí houses on Paseo de Gracia (Sat. best)
9. Hang out in El Borne in the evening, the gentrified ghetto with swanky cafés and shops.
10. See a zarzuela concert at El Palau de la Música Catalana and check out the Gaudí architecture and frescos.
Personally, I'd avoid the Barceloneta and its spoiled beaches, Montjuich and its spoiled beauty and overrated museums, the Barrio Gótico during the day, the Picasso musuem (kind of small for the price), also the Sagrada Familia until its more finished. For now it's a noisy construction zone filled with tourists, cranes and policemen. Totally overrated. And get away from those Ramblas
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment