Hi, I'm planning a trip to Barcelona in early May and would like to hear any suggestions on things to do and places to stay that's affordable but clean. This is my first trip to Spain.

(I know, I'm really anal about planning foreign trips because I end up traveling alone and don't speak the language, so I tried to be really prepared to get the most out of it.)

I'll be in Barcelona for about 10 days but plan to take a side trip, most likely to Valencia. So if anyone has any suggestions on the best way to get to Valencia from Barcelona, that'll help.

And finally, I was supposed to travel with my sister and brother-in-law, but now they're flaking on me. So I may end up going alone, which I hate doing. So if there may be anyone else who plans to be in Barcelona from May 5 to May 15, I would love to hook up and hang out!

Gracias!

Hi Batboy, lucky you, 10 days in Barcelona! I've been to Spain twice, Barcelona, by far, has turned out to be one of the most beautiful cities I've ever been to. On both trips I've stayed at the Condes de Barcelona on The Passeig de Gracia, which is a major shopping blvd. with tons of sidewalk cafes and lot's of Gaudi designed buildings, it is also centrally located, so other areas of town are easily accessible. The best way to get to Valencia would be by train. Since you are going to be there for a reasonably lengthy period of time, take the train to Sitges for the day. Sitges, located about an hour south of Barcelona by train, is a very gay friendly beach resort town, lot's of clubs, bars and cafes and most importantly - gorgeous European men on holiday. Getting back to Barcelona - I have found it to be quite tolerant, lot's of bars and "other" places to explore, the Spanish are very friendly with a zest for life that no other people enjoy, the men (and women) are gorgeous. Don't be too upset that you may have to travel alone, there are worse things which could happen! Enjoy!

Definitely take the "Euromed" train down the coast. I've never been to Valencia, but I've been to lots of other Spanish cities. Never found one I didn't like. The food is amazing. The pace of life is slower, especially outside of Barcelona. If you go an hour or so north, there's a fun Salvador Dali museum. I have friends in Tarragona, which is full of Roman ruins and excellent beaches. Have a good trip. I'm jealous. I never had much trouble with language, even though my Spanish is awful. Learn a few words in Catalan, and you'll impress the locals.

Thanks Sobayman and Sheaboy! Wow, bi-coastal comments, I'm getting it from both ends. wink
I just read about Sitges and will definitely check it out, hope the beaches are warm in May!

Batboy, will you have any time for Rome, Italy. Rome is a must!

I went to Rome and Florence a few years back. Wouldn't mind going back to Italy in the future, but I like to go to one place at a time and just absorb the whole environment rather than doing a 45-cities-in-10 days tour. But yea, Italy was fantastic. Sigh.

Definitely consider Sitges. Also, you could take a train west to Bilbao, and see the amazing Guggenheim there. It wasn't built when I was last in Spain (1990), but I did see Valencia and Madrid, which is worth a trip as well, even if for a day.

SBM pretty much covered it all. Barcelona is my favorite of all the places I've visited. Be sure to get some Spanish Tapas while you're there. And yes, Sitges is a must.

I spent all of summer 2002 in Spain. Madrid and the canary islands (Las Palmas in Gran Canaria and Arrecife in Lanzarote)

I love Spain as many of you on this board know already. The men are gorgeous. The gay atmosphere is awesome, the food is great and did I mention the men are gorgeous?

If you can go to Madrid, go! If not... Barcelona is awesome and beautiful. Just remember that Barcelona is Catalan. So..... many places, the signs and spoken language willl be Catalan and not castellano (spanish spanish... as opposed to spanish in latin america) and the catalans are very proud of being a separate people with a separate language.

and let me be anal and nitpick just a tad.... don't be mad. I realize it's not a big deal. But "Tapas" are spanish by definition. Tapas originated from la cucina espanola and any other form of tapas is a derivation of it. Sort of like how you would never say "japanese sushi" you don't call it "spanish tapas". Just "tapas".

[ January 09, 2004, 06:35 PM: Message edited by: ung ]

Sitges will be mostly straight and largely vacant in May. Still, go. Its worth it even in shoulder season. Just be prepared that the gay crowds are nowhere near the crest that begins late June.

Also, some first hand experience - the train from Barcelona to Sitges takes twice as long as a taxi. If there are two of you to share the fare, take a taxi. Locals recommended we do so, and I couldn't believe how relatively cheap it was. Plus, no monotonous train!

Before anyone mentions the Dali shit in Figueras, let me tell you now - skip it! Long trip for nothing, in my view. Only if you WORSHIP Dali should you make that trip. A side trip to Montserrat, however, would be more advisable.

And make sure you visit the Metro in Barcelona. Loved the backroom!

Within the city itself, several things are must-sees: the Cathedral; the Palau Reial, which houses the Museu d'Historia de la Ciutat (City History Museum) and has great Roman excavations in the basement (and is located next-door to the Cathedral); and La Rambla, the great mile-long, east-west pedestrian street which runs from the middle of the old city to the waterfront. But beware of pickpockets on La Rambla; they prey on tourists there.

Like the Dali museum in Figueras, the Picasso museum in Barcelona is over-hyped and really of interest only to specialists.

The monastery at Montserrat, perched up in the Pyrenees, is a great day trip. It's about an hour by train, and then a trip by cable-car up the mountain.

Sitges may be quiet in May but try to see it. The Mediterranean is surprisingly chilly even in August, so swimming will probably be out of the question in May. In fact, you may not want to spend the whole day there, just go for dinner & drinks.

Don't come home without a pair of Camper shoes. Camper originated the bowling-shoe look that's been ripped off by Steve Madden and Prada. They are amazingly comfortable. They'll go for about 60-100 euros, half of what they go for in this country (they have a store in New York). There are several branches in Barcelona, the most centrally located on Calle Pelai.

And the men? Well, if you like them dark-haired, blue-eyed and fair-skinned, you'll be in heaven. Even the women are stunners.

Thanks for all the tips guys, keep em coming!

(Side note, I just got my tickets in the mail for the Yankees-Mariners game at Yankees stadium on Sunday, May 16! I'm stopping in New York briefly on my way home to San Francisco. Anyone going to that game, let me know! :cool:

ooOOOOOOOOO, Barcelona! I hate you!
Check out Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia Cathedral, La Pedrera apartment, and above all Casa Battlo (just 2 blocks from La pedrera.) You'll never look at a building in the same way again. And don't forget a trip up the hills to his Park Guell--mysterious and fantastic.
Be sure to tour the Palau de Musica--even better, attend a concert there. And the Opera House (Liceu) is wonderful. Have a cava at Cafe del'Opera right across the street---very gay crowd.
I second the vote for day trips to both Sitges and Montserrat. hit Sitges first, so you'll have something to repent at Montserrat! lol
Beautiful men, great food --- try Noti or Folquer.
Damn, I want to go back NOW!!!!

Batboy, I can't BELIEVE I forgot to mention Sagrada Familia. It would be like going to NYC and not seeing the Statue of Liberty!

Great tips of what to do. But anyone have any suggestions on how to find a place to sleep? (Although it sounds like it's party all night in Barcelona. wink ) Supposedly some big UNESCO forum will take place while I'm there so I'm worried all the hotels will be booked, so want to find a place early. Any suggestions on reasonably priced hotels that are nice. I'm willing to spend about $125, but anything more moderate will be great, more money for tapas!

Barcelona, IMHO, is one of Europe's most fantastic cities. Mainly because of the atmosphere, for whatever reason, it always seems so relaxed and laid back. It's a wonderful city in which to linger. You will have a fantastic time!

For me, La Segrada Familia is the highlight, reason enough for a visit in itself. Allow plenty of time to explore the site.

If you're a swimmer, I think the pool they used for the Olympics is open to the public at certain times.

The Roman ruins are also very extensive & well worth exploring.