sharona555

Hi everyone!
I (mid 30s) am taking a graduation trip with my mom (early 60s). It is our first time in Spain and we are flying into and out of Barcelona. We have 6 days total. Many of my friends seem to think 6 days in Barcelona is a lot and recommend going elsewhere as well. I thought I'd ask here for suggestions. I have checked out a fair no of guidebooks and still feel a little torn about how to structure my itinerary. My mom and I would like to spend half our time seeing sights but focus the other half on spending our time browsing stores (clothing, household, antiques, local designers), eating well and hanging out. Beaches, hiking etc are not our priority. We don't want to cram too many museums and sights into our trip, either. Currently, I'm thinking a few days in Barcelona and a few days elsewhere.

Also, any suggestions on where to stay in Barcelona? Not sure if there are any New Yorkers that frequent this forum but to make an analogy I'd rather stay in areas like the west village or true Chelsea versus Hell's Kitchen or Times Sq. Thank you!!!

Thank you!!

danon

There are a few interesting day trips you may consider if you find you have too much time in Barcelona.
iBarcelona it is a good size city with a number of attractions.

El Born is a hip part of the city.

virginiafish

A day trip to Montserrat (mountaintop monastery) https://www.montserrat-tourist-guide...rat-train.html is great. You take a cablecar up to the monastery and the views are fantastic. Girona is also an interesting town north of Barcelona to visit. On the other hand, we spent 5 days in Barcelona and still did not do everything we could have enjoyed.

Southam

Also to the north of the city, day trips to the old and picturesque Girona and to Figueres for the Dali museum are easy train rides.

kimhe

Another vote for staying in the medieval and vibrant El Born area, a cradle of Catalan identity and culture. Great tapas bars, cafés and restaurants in the plazas and narrow streets in and around beautiful Pesseig del Born. Many designer shops around. I use to stay here: http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.c...s/el-born.html
http://www.barcelona-life.com/barcelona/born

The 14th Century Santa Maria del Mar Church in the heart of El Born is one of the finest Gothic buildings around. http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/en/page/423/.html

I also recommend the laid-back Barceloneta-district just inland from the beach with the same name. Excellent seafood in many hole-in-the-wall places and cool cafés and bars. http://www.theguardian.com/travel/20...taurants-spain

And Montjuic (Jewish mountain) is an adventure in itself, with the castle, the views, the musuems, the theaters, the Olympic sports arenas and the greens. http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/...-montjuic.html
The fabulous "theater city": http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/...el-teatre.html

And at the foot of Montjuic you'll find the great atmosphere Poble Sec district, few tourists and brillaint tapas bars and cafes all around. Two of my favourite restaurants in town are also close by, Xemei and La Perla: http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/...to-bodega.html

And the modern Eixample district is of course both elegant in itself, brilliant restaurants and upscale nightlife: http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.c...barcelona.html

You could easily spend all six days in Barcelona, you would just scratch the surface of an adventure of a city with tons of secrets and wonderful central districts just off the most beaten track.

100 reasons to visit Barcelona: http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/en/

BigRuss

Need for and utility of day trips also depends upon mom's mobility (assuming you're of at least average condition for someone in her 30s). If she's fully ambulatory and energetic, you can cover more of Barcelona each day. Barcelona isn't a small town, its population is in line with Philadelphia's and if you're into museums and modern art you'll be hard pressed to exhaust its offerings.

One suggestion - fat tire bike tours. They're in English (sort of - various Aussies or Brits are often tour guides) and stay in the flatter parts of Barcelona (read: they do not go to Parc Guell) so they're designed to be useful and not overly strenuous.

Another suggestion - http://articketbcn.org/ if you're into modern art. Unfortunately, the ticket once included Casa Mila (La Pedrera) but has not for about 5.5 years.

greg

6 days = 6 full days = 7 nights?
6 days = counting arrival and departure days = 4 full days = 5 nights?

Whether "6 days," whatever that means, is too much or not enough depends on YOUR interest. This was probably the biggest mistake on my first trip. Relying on someone else's "enough/not enough" assessments.

There are certainly no shortage of interesting things to do, eat, visit in Barcelona. Whether adding various things outside by shaving away time depends on value you place in seeing those things outside Barcelona.

If I had interests totally outside Barcelona, I would have considered flights other than a round trip to BCN. If "6 days" = 6 full days, For example, I might have flown into Barcelona then other half in Madrid and flew home from Madrid which tends to have more flight options. Of course, I have many interests around Madrid. Others have different interests.

sharona555

Thanks, everyone! yes, we are there for 6 days, 7 nights. =)

Based on your suggestions, guidebooks, and considering our interests, we have decided to stay in Barcelona and do two day trips...one to monserrat and another to Figures/Dali Museum + Girona. We're happy doing 1-2 sites a day and spending the rest of the day just relaxing and browsing stores.

Thanks, again!!

Keds1

We spent a week flying in and out of Barcelona last month. Stayed in Eixample, liked it there, relatively quiet but close to Plaça Catalunya? Two full days in Barcelona, took taxis to all the spots we wanted to see, had booked tickets ahead for Parc Guell and Sagrada Familia ahead of time. Took day trips on our own to Monseurrat and Figures, very easy, trains were great, both interesting.
We then went to Girona by train for 3 nights. Loved it there!! Spent one day touring the town, took a half day tour with a guide, saw all the Game of Thrones spots. Next day took a full day tour with Girona Experience to some beautiful coastal and hill towns alone the Costa Brava. Walked the amazing city walls in Girona, some very good restaurants, be sure to go to Roca Brothers gelato shop, works of art, if you go. Returned to Barcelona for our last afternoon and evening before leaving next morning. It was a great trip! Very glad we did not stay in Barcelona the entire time although it is a lovely city! We did not get a car this trip but driving is pretty easy leaving the city if you get the car at the train station.