First time in Spain or Barcelona

[kate99]

Our cruise will be stopping in Barcelona for just one day next April. Any tips or recommendations on what to see/do keeping in mind that we will not dock until 9 am and will need to be back aboard by 4:00 for a 5:00 sailing. Our time is limited and we want to use it in the best way. Also, what kind of weather should we expect and should we be buying euros now?

[kestrel]

You definitely need to see La Sagrada Familia! Other recommended attractions include: La Pedrera (Casa Mila), Casa Batillo, Parc Guell (this one is a bit far), Picasso Museum, Les Ramblas and Barri Gotic. Since you only have 7 hours or so, I don't think you can see all the above places. I will suggest that you do some research and pick either La Pedrera or Casa Batillo. Spend some time strolling in either Les Ramblas or Barri Gotic. Visit the Picasso Museum if you are a big fan; otherwise save time sightseeing elsewhere.

[HeinBloed]

Our cruise will be stopping in Barcelona for just one day next April. Any tips or recommendations on what to see/do keeping in mind that we will not dock until 9 am and will need to be back aboard by 4:00 for a 5:00 sailing. Our time is limited and we want to use it in the best way. Also, what kind of weather should we expect and should we be buying euros now?

 

As your time is so much limited make sure that you pre-book your tickets for Sagrada Familia and Casa Batllo.

 

It's not much time.

 

Take the port bus to the Columbus Column (currently 2 EUR single/3 EUR return).

 

 

From here various HoHo-Bus-lines start.

 

Personally I would go to WTC and take the rope car to Miramar.

 

 

Walk up to Montjuic rope car station.

Take it to Castell and back.

You will have a beautiful view over Barcelona:

 

 

Take the funicular railways down to Parallel.

Take the subway to Sagrada Familia.

 

 

Get back to Passeig to Garcia to see the buildings of Gaudi like Casa Batllo.

Walk over to Placa Catalunya and walk down La Rambla.

 

See the La Boqueria market hall:

 

 

Subject you still have time you can walk over to the Gothic Quarter:

 

 

and see the Cathedrale between the narrow lanes...

 

This would be my personal walk for about the time you have.

 

Have a great time in Barcelona... We are back on Saturday.

 

Regards,

HeinBloed

[Jrabbit128]

Those are amazing pictures. Thank you for sharing.

We were in Barcelona for only a day last month and we did the go-carts. We were able to drive around and the GPS tells you where to go, as well as tell you history and facts as you go. It is only about a 20 minutes walk from the plaza where the shuttle bus drops you off.

[newlifeca]

I would definately roam around the ramblas and the gothic quarter, stop by the fruit market pictured above, it's on the Ramblas

[PMO]

What go carts? Could you tell me about them, where did you get them and were they safe?

[Mexfolkart]

We love Barcelona and what HeinBloed recommends is the best option..you see quite a lot! On Las Ramblas there is a restaurant called Pain & Co...like a Spanish/French fast food with delicious chicken and brie sandwiches..takes very little of your precious time. This year we will again take the HOHO bus and get off at the top of Las Ramblas and walk down..

Sherry

[cruiseluv]

What I love the most of Barcelona is La Boquería market. What a feast for the senses! You can eat there too. The main entrance is on Las Ramblas, around the middle.