Questions on Barcelona. Luce.rocks, are you there?

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depreciator

Luce, I didn't mean 'there' as in Barcelona, but 'there' as in online.

We're heading to Europe in December on a family holiday and I'm booking accommodation.
Rome and Venice are done because I'm familiar with those cities. The places I have booked in Rome and Venice aren't smack bang in the middle of the tourist areas, but in walking distance. I guess if I think about Sydney, it would be the equivalent of staying in Surry Hills.
But we've never been to Barcelona so I don't know the layout of that city at all. It will probably end up being about 10 days including Christmas. We'll be getting an apartment through Airbnb - lots to choose from in Barcelona.
Anybody have any advice on locations?
Scott
 
Hi, just came back. LOVE Barcelona. I want to go back and stay a few weeks.

The "best" area is Eixample but it is quite expensive (by my standards anyway.

Placa de Catalunya is right in the middle of everything so see if the hotel is near that. You can walk to lots of sites and restaurants from there.

We stayed at Ayre Hotel Rossellon which is next to the Sagrada Familia church. Sites said it was a great spot but it wasn't near the action. It was a nice hotel. If you stay there make sure they don't give you the corner rooms. They are TINY. Others are quite nice. Depends if you like noise, being right in the action.

We got the 2 day HOHO bus so it was OK.

Make sure you go to Parc Guell. It's amazing. If you have the time take a picnic and spend the day. When I return I'm going to spend severl days there.
Also book the Familia church online and book a time. That way you don't have to line up for over an hour to get in. I just booked it from the computer in the hotel foyer for the next day. Go up the top. It's an amzing piece of architecture. Go to the little parc by the church too. Locals playing boche. Nice atmosphere.

I love Gaudi's work. I was in my element.

I'm jealous. Hope you love it as much as I did.
 
I love the city to bits.

I always stay around either El Barri Gotic or between Rambla de Catalunya and Passeig de Saint Joan to the south of Av. Diagonal - Claris, Balmes etc - Eixample District.

I need to go back :(
 
Thanks for the tips.

We'll be staying in apartments listed on Airbnb. That's where I have my place listed. I like the idea of having a kitchen and a laundry and stuff.

What does this mean?:

We got the 2 day HOHO bus so it was OK
Click to expand...
 
Hi, I'm here:)

The equivalent to Surry Hills (trendy, cafes, easy walk to CBD, not touristy but popular with local hipsters, etc.) is Gracia. It's a pretty big hood, so if you're looking on air bnb look for something in 'Vila de Gracia', that's the old part of Gracia.

It's a great neighbourhood. Lots of lovely, hidden plaças, pedestrian streets, cafes, beautiful easy 20min walk down the main street (Gran de Gracia, which turns in Passeo de Gracia) into the centre of town and the Gotico.

Placa Virreina is probably my favourite Plaça :)
https://maps.google.com.au/maps?q=p...+la+Virreina,+08024+Barcelona,+Spain&t=m&z=16

If you have any questions about specific addresses, streets, etc. in Gracia, or other hoods, or just general questions, fire away!

PS. Totally forgot to say: we'll be there over Xmas too. Dec 20 to Jan 20. So if you'd like to meet up we'll be around! Or if you get lost, get pick-pocketed, etc. and need someone to rescue you or translate :)
 
Beauty. I'll get the map out this weekend.
I might need some advice on what to do on Christmas Day with an 11 year old and a 13 year old. I'm thinking it might be an idea to book somewhere to eat soonish.
Best way to go to Bilbao would be plane?
 
We were there on christmas 4 or so years ago. just about everything is shut down and i mean everything. id suggest you start looking early.
 
No car. I could hire one, I guess, but it's a long drive. I'm thinking we just fly there with overnight stuff and stay the night in a hotel and then fly back to our apartment.
On a quick search, these are a few of the things I've found in Vila de Gracia:
https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/773886
https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/753322
https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/490259
There are heaps of places in that area. They are the sort of thing I'm looking for. I had trouble in Venice finding anything that was sort of old with a bit of character. Lots of the apartments had been renovated and looked like an apartment I might find over here - except the street outside might be water.
 
depreciator said:
No car. I could hire one, I guess, but it's a long drive. I'm thinking we just fly there with overnight stuff and stay the night in a hotel and then fly back to our apartment.
On a quick search, these are a few of the things I've found in Vila de Gracia:
https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/773886
https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/753322
https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/490259
There are heaps of places in that area. They are the sort of thing I'm looking for. I had trouble in Venice finding anything that was sort of old with a bit of character. Lots of the apartments had been renovated and looked like an apartment I might find over here - except the street outside might be water.
Click to expand...

The second one, on Gran de Gracia is a better location than the other two. Aren't they all just lovely though? I love the old hydraulic tiles (not sure what is hydraulic about them? but that's what they're called, 'suelos hydraulicos' - hydraulic floors) :)
 
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Thanks for the advice on the location. I'll dig out a few more on the weekend and get your opinion.
Yes, they are lovely. I decided some time ago that if we're renting an apartment in Barcelona, it needs to have tiles on the floor. Yep, they'll be cold on the feet given we'll be there in winter, but I don't care.
 
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