Barcelona

[North]

Get the bus just outside the Airport, drops you right in Placa de Catalunya (which is slap bang in the City centre).

[Jemma]

Get the bus just outside the Airport, drops you right in Placa de Catalunya (which is slap bang in the City centre).

This. cant remember the bus number, but go to the tourist info desk at the airport and theyll direct you. 5euros ish, goes to placa espanya, universtat, then placa de catalunya. really quick, cheap and easy.

taxi is a lot more expensive. and train is just awkward and takes longer as far as i remember.

[North]

Plus Taxis are a right rip-off and they charge you extra if you want to put luggage in the boot.

[Jemma]

On the whole I found taxis pretty reasonable in barca (compared with London anyway!)

[North]

I was comparing them to cheap Northern prices!

[Joffle]

Train is really easy too! Despite there being more than one operator that require different tickets...you'll work it out.

[Bassmonger]

Train is fine, as long as the air con isn't bust, like it was on the one we took last August. I have never sweat so much in my life, I was an utter disgrace. Wear something white or black, just in case.

[Elizabeth]

Should probably read the rest, but always double, double, triple check the bus timetables, especially on Sundays.

[BennytheBigDog]

We got on the wrong train and missed the flight back because they don't properly indicate the platforms. Platform 9 on the screens indicates 9 or 10. Something to watch out for, I've heard of other people doing the same thing.

[zildjian]

I'm heading out last minute with the mrs this saturday. Justed book the flights tonight. I've got a couple of Q's that i would appreciate anyones answers who has been or knows anyone

1) Places to stay? We havent book anywhere yet, but will tomorrow, so a bit last minute for any recommendations if anyone has any? (the hostel mentioned earlier in thread has no availability for our dates sadly )

2) How much was a Taxi to the city centre / or what was the bus no and cost there?

3) Things to do ?(i know they have been mentioned but would appreciate any recent updates)

4) Things that we must do when there.

5) Places to eat?

6) Gigs? Would love to try out going to a local gig. Edit: Joshua Radin playing the night we arrive. So might try and get to that.

Cheers!

[dtszine]

Taxi was about 30 euros I think.

[Bassmonger]

There's plenty of advice about this, but mine would be: just get the train.

As for hotels, depends on your budget.

[Jemma]

There's a bus that goes directly from the airport to plaza de cataluya which is quicker (i think) and more advisable than the train. Can't remember the number but they're really frequent - airport website will tell you more,
For accommodation I used friendly rentals for an appartment - we were there peak sonar time so everything was more expensive and got booked up quickly but we got a beautiful apartment right off catalunya for fairly cheap.
I'd recommend staying around las ramblas - easy to walk everywhere but their metro system is also really good (and air conditioned as far as I remember)
Sagrada familia is worth a visit, as is one of the gaudi houses if that's your thing. Parc Guell is lovely. You must visit la boquera (food market on the ramblas). I'll try and think of some more suggestions and send them over

[zildjian]

Cheers! I checked Friendly Rentals and i think if we had booked earlier their would have been more things in our price range.

Will definetely go and see the sights your recommended! thanks again!

[Jemma]

Also, something I was reminded about today. Look out for the donut man on the beach
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoEw2JwtR3g
We saw him the last 2 years, and Jackmaster tweeted about seeing him today. He must have legs of steel.

[zildjian]

hahaa im not leaving barcelona till i see that guy!!!

[zildjian]

"indian coconut seller"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&featu ... gnHRoh_UQU

The beach sounds like a great day out!

[Jemma]

YES! I forgot about that guy. So good!

[zildjian]

Had a great time in Barcelona. I stayed in the Hotel Caledonian. Reasonably priced, good room, and good location (5min walk to las ramblas in a safe area). I would definetely recommend it.

Also managed to catch Joshua Radin in the Barcelona Music Hall.

The Aerobus was brilliant. 10 euro return from airport to the heart of barca! ( the university stop was only a 2 minute walk to hotel).

Did a few guadi tours and that which were good.

[North]

Anyone know the best way about getting tickets for a Barca game? I'm taking my son over for a holiday soon and would love to take him to a game.

[Bassmonger]

Not sure about the best way, but all we've ever done is pick one of those dodgy sites that offer tickets, and order them from there. Effectively online touts. I can dig out the one we used for the super cup game 2-3 seasons ago if you like?

If you're staying at a half decent hotel, you could always drop them an email asking if they'll get you some. They'll probably have better contacts, or be able to get you some from the club.

[Jez]

Anyone know the best way about getting tickets for a Barca game? I'm taking my son over for a holiday soon and would love to take him to a game.

from the club themselves http://www.fcbarcelona.com/info-tickets

[Jez]

So, i'm off to Barcelona for 10 days and will have the days mainly free to myself.

I like the following; cheap food, cheap booze.

I do not like the following; art, museums, anything of educational value.

where am I going/what am I doing to pass the time?

[Joffle]

So, i'm off to Barcelona for 10 days and will have the days mainly free to myself.

I like the following; cheap food, cheap booze.

I do not like the following; art, museums, anything of educational value.

where am I going/what am I doing to pass the time?

You are basically fucked. I think you are going to have to sit in your hotel and pretend you are in some grim northern Industrial town with a Wetherspoons.

[Jemma]

So, i'm off to Barcelona for 10 days and will have the days mainly free to myself.

I like the following; cheap food, cheap booze.

I do not like the following; art, museums, anything of educational value.

where am I going/what am I doing to pass the time?

Don't go to Barcelona then, I'll happily take your place.