I am going to barcelona, help?

Question

please help me. i am going to barcelona this early summer, and i need to book a hotel.

can anyone give some really good suggestions on where to stay, what to do, where to go, and anything else i might need to know.

oh, and the language issue, as well. i speak a fair amt of spanish, but catalonian..?

any help is appreciated ! thanks so much!

Answer 1

Language shouldn't be an issue.  The majority of people that speak Catalan will speak Spanish as well.  And a lot of people know a fair amount of English.  Note though, although they will understand you in English, that doesn't mean you should start a conversation with it expecting them to understand; it's a bit rude to travel to another country and expect them to speak in your language.  At least try to speak in Spanish/Catalan and you'll get a smile, you can speak English afterwards if you'd like.

Barcelona is a WONDERFUL city, I'm sure you'll have fun.

Answer 2

go to gobcn.com.

It will help with all your questions.

I can´t recommend where I stayed, because it´s surely too big for you, too expensive, and I didn´t think it was one of the best places I´ve been in .

Oh, don't worry about the language!  Everyone speaks Spanish.  Most people speak Catalán, and a lot of people speak passable English, too.  Spanish will certainly get you through, and you can figure out enough from the street signs to understand how to get around.  All announcements are in Catalán first, then Spanish, and I think they come in English as well (like at the train station and Metro).

You will find all the great things to do on that site.

I recommend if you have ANY interest in the Palau Musica, to check it out first, and try to schedule something, because they close up sometimes, and we couldn't get in, as it was our last day...a bit of a dissapointment.

The Chocolate Museum was a treat!

Don't miss Casa Milá, but as much as we really wanted to see Casa Batlló, we decided 18€ per person, little or no discount for a child, was a bit steep.  Don't miss the Parc Güell.  That was really neat!  

Try the ice cream.  All along the Ramblas there are shops that sell ice cream made fresh right on the premesis.  REALLY good stuff!  I put on ten pounds in a week, just on ice cream alone!

Also, we found a wonderful little café for churros and chocolate, called Café de la Opera.  It´s across the Ramblas from the Opera.  Really good!  

And don´t miss the Boqueria.  Go there early, so you can buy some staples to get you through your stay.  

Oh!  and be sure to keep an eye on your valuables.  As soon as they sense you aren´t paying attention, the pickpockets will hit.  If they think you are vigilant, they´ll be more likely to leave you alone.