"First real visit to Spain" Barcelona by rsilva

Barcelona Travel Guide: 11,814 reviews and 20,924 photos

"Ciudad Condal"

Although I have been to Spain about 10 times, this was the first time I actually went TO Spain, as the other times it was only on the way to/from Portugal. My family used to drive to Portugal from Sweden every year and we usually stayed in Spain (mainly Madrid) for a night, but since the last trip was almost 20 years ago, I don't remember very much of it.

So, I was very glad when my girfriend decided to give me a trip to Barcelona for my Birthday, even if only for a 3-day weekend.

The architecture...

View through a window in Casa Batllo

Such a short trip always leaves you with the feeling that there was so much more to see, but I still feel satisfied.

On the first day, we walked around the Ramblas (the least interesting area we saw) and the Barri Gotic, Barcelona's gothic quarter, down to the port and along the sea to Monument a Colon (Columbus).

The next day we headed to Paseig de Gracia to see, among other things, Gaudi's creations (like casa Batlló or Casa Mila - "La Pedrera").

I particularly liked to spend some time on the roof of "La Pedrera".

More architecture/art...

Parrots in Park Guell

The last day was a bit shorter as we had to head back to the airport.

We decided to go to Park Guell and it was worth it. It is only a 25-30 minutes bus ride from Plaza Catalunya and it is indeed very interesting. I enjoyed the view from the "3 crosses" outlook and the whole park is very beautiful.

We left the Sagrada Familia last and it turned out to be a good choice. The weather had been great the whole weekend and also Monday until we got to there. A very dark cloud approached from on of the ends and since it was the end of the day, the sun was very low and created some stunning light effects. I will create an Album soon.

Then it was time to head back home... with the desire to go back.

I will create a few tips, mainly on restaurants. There are already so many tips on Barcelona, so I will only create the ones I think are really useful (I always try to do that, but even more in this case).

Check the travelogues for some pictures from this trip.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Very lively, nice and friendly people. Beautiful sights
Cons:A bit too crowded, even in January
In a nutshell:I'm glad we went in the low-season

Last visit to Barcelona: Jan 2005
Intro Updated Feb 3, 2005
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Reviews (14)

Go for the roof... at the end of the day Things to Do (3)

For more detailed information on this building read http://www.gaudiallgaudi.com/AA009.htm, but I wanted to add that it... more travel advice

Restaurant behaviour Local Customs (2)

Lunch and dinner in Spain usually starts later that in the rest of Europe. Most people will have lunch from 14.00 to... more travel advice

This city is made for walking - Barcelona

This city is made for walking Transportation (1)

Most of the nicest streets in Barcelona are pedestrian and parking seems to be impossible, so driving is probably not... more travel advice

Barcelona Restaurant (Attic) - Barcelona

Restaurant prices Local Customs (2)

Unlike many other places in Europe, in Barcelona most restaurants do not state the prices including the VAT. The menu... more travel advice

Restaurants (7)
See All The best meal we had in Barcelona

Hotels (1)
Central but quiet

Travelogues (5)

1 - 4 of 5

Comments (21)

RMunoz1 Jan 21, 2010 at 2:46 PM Report Abuse

The tomato bread is a Spanish tradition called Pan de Tomate. Add some vinegar and oil to it and it tastes delicious or use it to dip into the paella juices or with food your eating - your comment is hilarious as this is a traditional side plate in Spain.
PierreZA Oct 8, 2009 at 3:16 AM Report Abuse

Great city. Very good restaurant tips, thank you for sharing.
joiwatani Jan 24, 2009 at 4:24 PM Report Abuse

Looks like the cuisine over there is good. Thanks for the tips.
volopolo Mar 28, 2008 at 1:59 PM Report Abuse

one of my favorite cities in the world!! Hope to be there one day!
de_lady May 23, 2007 at 3:54 AM Report Abuse

graet page. and wonderful pictures. love them! really artistic. its obvious to see you are trying. keep doing that you are doing really well!!!
deecat Apr 15, 2007 at 9:00 AM Report Abuse

Outstanding tips about restaurants. I did not find in Barcelona that we were ever rushed, just the opposite. Excellent photographs. Thanks for a beautiful tour of lovely Barcelona.
Raffies Aug 26, 2006 at 9:16 AM Report Abuse

Great things to do tips , keep it up
Jim_Eliason Jul 4, 2006 at 2:59 PM Report Abuse

nice tips, it brought back fond memories!
ncfg Mar 14, 2006 at 1:30 PM Report Abuse

Gostei muito da tua página de Barcelona. As fotos são fantásticas! Adorava ir lá, principalmente visitar o Camp Nou para ver o Benfica vs Barcelona :-)
scottishvisitor Mar 11, 2006 at 2:52 PM Report Abuse

A nice city to visit full of charm & interest = good page