What area to stay in Barcelona? for 4 days? Going to Barcelona for 4 days, read a lot of good and bad things?
What area to stay in Barcelona? for 4 days?
Going to Barcelona for 4 days, read a lot of good and bad things on the internet about locations to stay in. I have heard about pick pockets but I lived in New York for 8 years so if that makes a difference…
What I want to do and see
I want to be able to photography the Gothic quarter and old town. I want to be able to go to Mar bella beach. I want to stay somewhere that isnt a commute to everywhere and has food and entertainment around.
There are two hotels in eixample that do that but then I imagine I would have to take the metro to the beach…. does not sound so thrilling.
There are two hotels on diagonal one by glories metro and one my poblenou metro. The nicest hotel for price is the ME by poblenou in my opinion, though the neighborhood is lacking from what I have heard but the beach is 17 mins walk. The other is right by glories which means no metro change to gothic quarter but about 25 mins walk from the beach…
So far I am at a deadlock of which hotel to book.
I am also traveling with a Japanese friend and while I would personally have no issues, it says on the state department that asian people are usually the highest rate of tourist crime, mostly because its obvious they are a tourist.
Ive also read how to guides on how to dress in Barcelona in order to not get robbed. I have never heard of such a thing, I really hope this is some scaremongering instead of reality. I live near fukushima, what could be scarier.
I digress, but I think you get the point! I have no idea how to navigate this city and I want to make the most out of the 4 days. I dont plan to spend all day at the beach but an hour or two of sun would be nice. Taking taxis is an option so if taking a taxi from the area near poblenou Metro would be a safer option that staying in the city center, that is what i most need to consider as there is virtually nothing posted about that area…
So hopefully someone has some information and please do not highly focus on the pickpocketing problem, more or less I want to know which area is better suited for the trip as also taking taxi everywhere is not my preference….
Stay any place where there’s a metro station nearby. It’s quick, clean, and cheap. It’s not un “thrilling”.
Pickpockets are pretty prevalent, especially where there are tourists. They are extremely crafty. You DO want to be careful. Be aware, don’t get sloppy. Especially in crowds and touristy areas. DON’T be scared! I don’t know where fukushima is… (Japan?) so I can’t compare, but Barcelona is the pickpockets’ mecca in Europe.
Navigating the city is simple. Keep a tourist map on hand. Use the metro. The bus system is pretty good, too.
If your Eixample places are near Placa de Espanya, go with them…that will put you very near the Gothic quarter.
Really, though, it’s not that long a walk to the beach. You could stroll the Ramblas, then spend an hour or two on the beach, then walk up the other side of the boulevard…
No matter in which part of Barcelona you are, you will enjoy your stay there! Don’t pay much attention to the bad comments! the city is really amazing! It is quite difficult for me to advise you which part the best for you will be but if you want a peaceful atmosphere, you can avoid the central part! Last year I spent my holiday in Barcelona! I stayed in a very nice hotel! this is Abba Rambla Hotel and I am very pleased with its location and service! I found it in a website that is a book now and pay on arrival system! What I like most about this website is the price they offer me which is quite reasonable as for me! For your convenience I will give you the link so that you can check and make your decision!
http://www.hitrooms.com/en/abba_Rambla_Hotel.htm
The surrounding area is quite peaceful and you will feel safe for sure! Good luck and enjoy your stay!
Where to stay. I would want to be walking distance from Placa Catalunya. Try Tripadvisor and Time Out Barcelona, websites.
Diagonal is a bit too far from the action and is a business area.
Any hotel near Barcolonetta is near the beach. The beach is NOT at the bottom of the Ramblas. In fact is is a bit of a route march from there on a hot day. It must be a mile away at least.
Spaniards cannot tell Japanese from Chinese. There are quite a few Chinese who live and work in Barcelona, so being Japanese is not a problem ‘per se’.
The City centre is quite compact although some of the places to see are too far to walk with pleasure.
As a resident, I have never been preoccupied by security but I do worry about my guests, one of whom was robbed by gypsies in a church. (They’ll roast!)
If your friend wants to find a nice Japanese girl, I suggest the queue at 7 Portes restaurant!
Have a great time!
I do.
If you live in New York, just abide by the same rules and you will be fine.
Barcelona is a much smaller city than NY, so wherever you stay almost everywhere will be easily accessible, I wouldn’t sweat that one too much.
Hi there,
I would stay in the Gothic area or El Born where there is much more to see and photograph than in Poblenou. You will also be closer to Gaudi buildings and you can easily get to the beaches by metro or on foot. There are beaches 10 minutes from the old city.
You can see pictures of Barcelona here..
http://photos.barcelonayellow.com
Beaches in Barcelona
http://www.barcelonayellow.com/bcn-beaches/17-beaches-in-barcelona
You can find many hostels and hotels in the gothic area in all prices ranges here
http://www.booking.com/searchresults.en.html?aid=309625;class_interval=1;landmark=1523;ss_all=0;radius=1;order=distance
Have a great trip!
All the best
Peter