Author Topic: Barcelona Thread - Holiday Info / Help / Recommendations etc. (Read 27163 times)

Phil M · « **on:** June 18, 2012, 01:02:46 am »

Previous threads....

http://www.redandwhitekop.com/forum/index.php?topic=274073.msg8547858#msg8547858

http://www.redandwhitekop.com/forum/index.php?topic=269734.msg8051026#msg8051026

Am heading there with my other half for 3 nights next weekend.

Was there previously a few years ago but don't remember much apart from a rather dull 1-1 draw at Camp Nou v Valencia and staggering around various bars/clubs!

This time it's all about the touristy side of things, keen to take in the Segrada Familia particularly, some of the Gaudi museums.

Was thinking of doing a bike tour? Has anyone done one? I did a bike tour in New York before and it was amazing. Was a great value way to see the sights.

Was hoping to pick up some must-do/see suggestions from this and hopefully it can provide a guide for any other Barca bound folks this summer and onwards.

bornandbRED · « **Reply #1 on:** June 18, 2012, 01:33:55 am »

I was thinking of visiting for a week with my Dad in August. Might be too late now though.

Phil M · « **Reply #2 on:** June 18, 2012, 04:39:37 pm »

Bit quieter than I expected in here, come on Barcelona fans let's be 'avin you!

Cre_mCr_cker · « **Reply #3 on:** June 18, 2012, 04:48:30 pm »

Was there two weeks ago, love the place, the way we did it was one of those open top bus tours, you just pay for the day and you can hop off and on whenever, takes you all around, Parc Guell, Sagrada Familia, the centre, then up to the olympic village and out to the Nou Camp and whatnot. Go into the market next to Las Ramblas, quality stalls selling everything and anything. While you will get people saying 'watch your wallet' etc. didn't get any problems with it, but don't take that to mean it doesn't happen. I'm rambling now.

Jimmy Conway · « **Reply #4 on:** June 18, 2012, 04:54:46 pm »

Watch ya wallet on Las Ramblas.

Barefoot Doctor · « **Reply #5 on:** June 18, 2012, 05:27:14 pm »

Went at the end of March, amazing. Not my first time there but probably the best.

My girlfriend and I went to a cracking cooking school. Only cos 50 or 60 euros each, and we were there for a good five hours or so. You're taught how to make about six authentic Catalan dishes, and have a big feast at the end. There's about 14 people at each class, and we all had a great laugh. Biggest bonus is the unlimited wine - you're allowed to just keep going to the fridge and take more out whenever you want! Can't recommend it enough really, one of the best things I've done. It's in El Gotic, which is the coolest bit of the city, filled with great bars - all 14 of us went out on a bit of a booze-up after the cooking session, which was good fun.

http://www.cookandtaste.net/

Also, we didn't bother with the tour bus. Just got a T10 pass for the metro (ten journeys for less than ten euros, and a single 'journey' can include multiple transfers). The metro is definitely the best way to get about - regular, fast, clean and safe. Not complicated at all either, as it's all colour-coded. Runs to quite late as well, and with our hotel's location we only ended up getting a taxi once or twice. We took a taxi from the airport to the city, but got the train back - again, it just counted as one journey, so it saved us a massive amount of cash.

MichaelA · « **Reply #6 on:** June 18, 2012, 05:39:55 pm »

If you keep an eye on Jon Hall's Twitter feed you'll be able to time your trip to avoid one of his many trips to the city. Happy to help

Phil M · « **Reply #7 on:** June 20, 2012, 01:43:27 am »

Cheers fellas. Keep em coming.

KERRYKOP · « **Reply #8 on:** August 13, 2012, 05:13:07 pm »

Anybody have any decent shouts for hostels or cheap hotels? Me and a few mates are off to the Athletic game in December. Flights are very reasonable at the moment, so should be able to this quite cheaply, any tips Iv never been to Barca?

Ycuzz · « **Reply #9 on:** August 13, 2012, 05:15:46 pm »

Going in march next year, 6 lads in total.

Going the Deportivo la Coruna match. Thats all thats planned for the moment.

Bring on more ideas!

KERRYKOP · « **Reply #10 on:** August 13, 2012, 05:16:55 pm »

Barca fans must be driven up the wall with all the OOT's

mabbympb · « **Reply #11 on:** August 13, 2012, 08:47:16 pm »

Quote from: KERRYKOP on August 13, 2012, 05:16:55 pm

Barca fans must be driven up the wall with all the OOT's

Yeah with their bloody cameras!!

Jonathan Hall ☆☆☆☆☆☆ · « **Reply #12 on:** August 13, 2012, 08:51:35 pm »

Quote from: KERRYKOP on August 13, 2012, 05:13:07 pm

Anybody have any decent shouts for hostels or cheap hotels? Me and a few mates are off to the Athletic game in December. Flights are very reasonable at the moment, so should be able to this quite cheaply, any tips Iv never been to Barca?

You can probably get Pensio Alamar for under 25 euros a night. Has about 10 rooms, mixture of singles doubles etc and shared facilites of 2 toilets and 2 bathrooms. Stayed there about 10 nights and only once had to wait for bathroom. Right in the Gothic Quarter. Close by is Hostal Levante which is a bit more but probably not too much. Hostal Orleans in Born is half decent as well.

Or try an apartment?

KERRYKOP · « **Reply #13 on:** August 13, 2012, 11:55:03 pm »

Cheers for that, if I was to pick now Id go for Pensio Alamar, looks pretty reasonable and we're on cheapy. Apartment is a good idea, we saved a bit of money in Poland this summer doing that for a few nights.

FCukBarca Haw-Haw · « **Reply #14 on:** August 14, 2012, 12:03:54 am »

Quote from: KERRYKOP on August 13, 2012, 05:13:07 pm

Anybody have any decent shouts for hostels or cheap hotels? Me and a few mates are off to the Athletic game in December. Flights are very reasonable at the moment, so should be able to this quite cheaply, any tips Iv never been to Barca?

Just a little bit of research will uncover a lot of options to cover the entire spectrum of any budget...Don't feel pressure to get something near Camp Nou, it's too far away from the center of town...Even in winter, give yourself a few days to explore the city because there is a ton to see & do

Johnny Foreigner · « **Reply #15 on:** August 15, 2012, 08:21:55 am »

Quote from: FCBarca on August 14, 2012, 12:03:54 am

Just a little bit of research will uncover a lot of options to cover the entire spectrum of any budget...Don't feel pressure to get something near Camp Nou, it's too far away from the center of town...Even in winter, give yourself a few days to explore the city because there is a ton to see & do

Looks like we'll be in the region around the time of the classico in october.

Any selling of tickets outside the stadium and what price ranges could we talking about ?

cheers

Jonathan Hall ☆☆☆☆☆☆ · « **Reply #16 on:** August 15, 2012, 09:29:18 am »

I'd suggest hundreds of euros. Most popular game to go to.

I'd save the cash and find a locals bar.

FCukBarca Haw-Haw · « **Reply #17 on:** August 15, 2012, 01:47:19 pm »

Quote from: Johnny Foreigner on August 15, 2012, 08:21:55 am

Looks like we'll be in the region around the time of the classico in october.

Any selling of tickets outside the stadium and what price ranges could we talking about ?

cheers

The usual rules apply, it's technically illegal but it is rampant and tickets are always available...As always, it depends on how much you want to pay...Clasico?...If you have to ask, you can't afford it

But several hundred, easy - as the match approaches, nothing under 500

SamAteTheRedAcid · « **Reply #18 on:** August 15, 2012, 01:48:26 pm »

Going Spanish Supercup soon, going to enjoy that.

OOT Army!

Antics · « **Reply #19 on:** August 15, 2012, 03:42:38 pm »

Just sorted tickets to the Valencia game. Yes!

Ycuzz · « **Reply #20 on:** August 16, 2012, 02:45:29 pm »

Looks certain we'll be at the Barca - Coruna game and we'll be staying here.

<- happy fishy

MOZ · « **Reply #21 on:** August 16, 2012, 11:40:51 pm »

If you are going to a Barca game make sure you go for a drink in 'La Jarra' before hand!

Cruiser · « **Reply #22 on:** August 16, 2012, 11:43:33 pm »

How are you guys booking tickets for Barca games? Through agencies or the club itself?

KERRYKOP · « **Reply #23 on:** August 16, 2012, 11:45:42 pm »

Quote from: MOZ on August 16, 2012, 11:40:51 pm

If you are going to a Barca game make sure you go for a drink in 'La Jarra' before hand!

What's this place like?

Quote from: Cruiser on August 16, 2012, 11:43:33 pm

How are you guys booking tickets for Barca games? Through agencies or the club itself?

I'll be stalking the website for the next few months. Hate those sport agencies, anyone know of another way.

MOZ · « **Reply #24 on:** August 16, 2012, 11:54:27 pm »

Quote from: KERRYKOP on August 16, 2012, 11:45:42 pm

What's this place like?
I'll be stalking the website for the next few months. Hate those sport agencies, anyone know of another way.

Face value tickets from here: http://www.ticketmaster.es/nav/en/deportes/barcelona/camp_nou_estadi_f.c.barcelona_fcbx/f.c._barcelona/index.html?loce=en-deportes-left-1-10-FCBARCELONA

or the clubs own website

or most games have tickets left on the day (except the obvious big games)

La Jarra has the best atmosphere pre-match. Attracts allsorts including Boixos Nois (Barcas Ultras), away fans, tourists, old gits etc. It can get quite rowdy but tell them you are Liverpool and you will be fine! Had a few good pre-match drinks in there.

KERRYKOP · « **Reply #25 on:** August 16, 2012, 11:57:07 pm »

Sounds great, cheers for the info Moz

Jonathan Hall ☆☆☆☆☆☆ · « **Reply #26 on:** August 17, 2012, 08:48:11 am »

Tip for food.

Have main meal early afternoon when most restaurants do 'menu del dia' and loads are ten euros for three courses and a drink. Only decent thing Franco ever did...

If you like cider head to Carrer Merce at bottom of Gothic quarter. Couple of places there, one is call succarena (spelling might be wrong). You also have Bar Celta and Vendimia on same street which are basic but decent tapas bars.

Phil M · « **Reply #27 on:** August 17, 2012, 09:18:37 am »

Do a bike tour, boss way to see and get to know the city for a score or so.

MOZ · « **Reply #28 on:** August 17, 2012, 11:03:22 am »

Best site for apartments:

http://www.apartmentsramblas.com/

MOZ · « **Reply #29 on:** August 17, 2012, 11:30:05 am »

A few more recommendations.

If you are staying in El Born.

Eat at:

El Xampanyet - Tapas/Cava/Cider - gets very busy, share a table with some strangers and tell the waiter to bring you food and Cava. The Cava comes in litre bottles with grolsch tops and goes down a treat and the food is great, very reasonable prices too.

Euskal Etxea - Basque Pintxos/Beer/Basque wine - avoid the restaurant area as it is expensive, just go in the bar and grab the Pintxos (tapas) as they fly past you on trays carried by the waitresses. They all come on cocktail sticks which you need to save so they can add your bill at the end!

Cal Pep is great for seafood but be prepared to queue behind the locals.

Drink at:

La Fianna - very popular drinking spot with DJs playing until late, attracts all sorts.

Bar Rubi - smaller but very good pre-club bar; good for cocktails and popular with locals, opens til 3am then move on the the nightclubs!

KERRYKOP · « **Reply #30 on:** August 17, 2012, 11:38:01 am »

MOZ you're playing a stormer, cheers pal

FCukBarca Haw-Haw · « **Reply #31 on:** August 17, 2012, 01:04:24 pm »

Avoid the tourist areas for food...La Flauta & Cerveceria Catalana, top spots for tapas in town

Jonathan Hall ☆☆☆☆☆☆ · « **Reply #32 on:** August 17, 2012, 01:17:03 pm »

As above...avoid the ramblas for anything fullstop.

Similar to el xampyanet, the secret cava bar on reina Cristina (I think) is decent, cheap and always packed. Clearly not that much of a secret...its on the way to Barceloneta which has amongst other bars - El Vaso Del Oro and Jai-Ca.

Close to el xampyanet you also have La Vinya Del Senyor which has decent wine and cava and overlooks Santa Maria Del Mar.

'Mondzz' · « **Reply #33 on:** September 25, 2012, 11:41:16 am »

Might try and get to the el Classico on the 7th October anyone know how hard or a rough price it would be on getting tickets to this? Never been Barcelona before so wouldnt have a clue.

Also on flights it's giving me 2 airports - Barcelona el Prat and Barcelona Reus, any clue which is best?

Ciara (with a capital "C") · « **Reply #34 on:** September 25, 2012, 02:11:42 pm »

I've been stalking the Barca site for a few days now, trying to pick up two tickets together for the Barca v Atletico game but cannot find two side by side. The website itself has plenty in each section but none together. There are two one infront of the other, which I'd be happy with but wonder if it's worth holding out for another few weeks to see if some pop up, due to the system they deploy with freeing up unwanted season tickets.

Any ideas?

I have flights sorted, so it's this game or none. Do I buy now and take two sort of beside each other or hold out and see if I can get two together?

It's a decent fixture so it could sell out soon.

Ciara (with a capital "C") · « **Reply #35 on:** September 25, 2012, 02:15:07 pm »

Also, hotels are ridiculously cheap. 4*/5* hotels for £200-£250 for two nights if booked now. Crazy!

'Mondzz' · « **Reply #36 on:** September 25, 2012, 02:26:52 pm »

Quote from: Ciara (with a capital "C") on September 25, 2012, 02:11:42 pm

I've been stalking the Barca site for a few days now, trying to pick up two tickets together for the Barca v Atlético game but cannot find two side by side. The website itself has plenty in each section but none together. There are two one infront of the other, which I'd be happy with but wonder if it's worth holding out for another few weeks to see if some pop up, due to the system they deploy with freeing up unwanted season tickets.

Any ideas?

I have flights sorted, so it's this game or none. Do I buy now and take two sort of beside each other or hold out and see if I can get two together?

It's a decent fixture so it could sell out soon.

Just been on that booking system myself and couldn't find 2 seats together at all, this is for the Zaragoza game aswell.

Didn't know they free up more tickets so might have to just keep an eye out for that.

What 5* hotels have you been looking at for that price if you dont mind me asking!

Ciara (with a capital "C") · « **Reply #37 on:** September 25, 2012, 02:49:15 pm »

Quote from: 'Mondzz' on September 25, 2012, 02:26:52 pm

Just been on that booking system myself and couldn't find 2 seats together at all, this is for the Zaragoza game aswell.

Didn't know they free up more tickets so might have to just keep an eye out for that.

What 5* hotels have you been looking at for that price if you dont mind me asking!

I searched via laterooms.com!

http://www.laterooms.com/en/Hotels.aspx?k=barcelona&d=20121201&n=2&rt=2-0#celbpm

It's for my boyfriend's birthday, so I'd like to stay somewhere decent, but for those prices you are getting awesome hotels.

We paid €256 for two nights in Paris weekend just passed, and it was nothing compared to these.

KERRYKOP · « **Reply #38 on:** September 25, 2012, 02:57:35 pm »

Booked the flights last week for Friday the 16 of November which means we'll catch the Zaragoza game on the Sunday.

This thread has been fantastic help, but If I could get someones advice on the best way to get four tickets that are seated next to each other. I have been looking at the official website, but ticket allocation seems to be sparse to say the least.

[EDIT]

Just noticed that I should have read the above posts.

'Mondzz' · « **Reply #39 on:** September 25, 2012, 03:08:28 pm »

Quote from: Ciara (with a capital "C") on September 25, 2012, 02:49:15 pm

I searched via laterooms.com!

http://www.laterooms.com/en/Hotels.aspx?k=barcelona&d=20121201&n=2&rt=2-0#celbpm

It's for my boyfriend's birthday, so I'd like to stay somewhere decent, but for those prices you are getting awesome hotels.

We paid €256 for two nights in Paris weekend just passed, and it was nothing compared to these.

Cheers i'll check that out would be a good deal at them prices.