To still go to Barcelona today

[Tortadellanonna]

I’m supposed to be going to Barcelona today for a tourist break with my 6 year old but Spain has just imposed direct rule and I’m worried it’s all going to kick off. I’m meant to be coming back Sunday.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-41678086

[GoggleLitigation]

Just stay away from the central tourist bits, Rambla etc.

[astoundedgoat]

I would still go. We were there for the independence vote weekend, and there were some marches on Via Laeitana and Placa de Catalunya, but no violence anywhere (apart from at some of the polling stations).

I would say that at most, you might have to go around a pro-Independence march, a much smaller pro-Madrid march, and the occasional spontaneous protest, but nothing remotely violent.

Have a fantastic trip! It was WONDERFUL when we were there a few weeks ago.

[astoundedgoat]

Just stay away from the central tourist bits, Rambla etc.

Most of the central tourist bits are tiny winding streets - it's not likely that there will be any marches there, and if there is anything on Rambla or a big road like that, police will be in full attendance anyway.

[Birdsgottafly]

Astoundedgoat I don't want to derail the thread, but I'm considering Barcelona for a weekend break.

Can I ask what you did?

[BCNChica]

Plaza Catalunya is where the protests seem to be happening, right at the top of the Rambla.
The Rambla is overpriced and full of pickpockets so I would stay away from that area anyway for that reason. The pickpockets will be out in force with the prospect of protests and large crowds.

Barcelona is an amazing place, if you avoid the centre you will find a million thungs to do.

I see you're taking your 6 year old, go to CosmoCaixa, it's incredible.
It will cost you €2, loads to see, the flooded forest is amazing. Nice cafe downstairs.
www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g187497-d244211-Reviews-CosmoCaixa_Barcelona-Barcelona_Catalonia.html

From there you can get the funicular up to Tibidabo.

You'll have a great time.

[BCNChica]

And it's pissing down with rain and has been since last night so going to CosmoCaixa is a good option

[HungerOfThePine]

@birds I was there for about 5 days, I was staying near the centre and walked most places. Walked to the arc De triomf and followed it down to park cuitadella which is very pretty and then down to the beach for a rest.

Went to bunkers del carmel it's a large hill/civil war bunker too that gives 360° view of Barcelona get a tram then a tiny bus up as far as it goes, Walked down to park guell as it is only 20 mins away after that walked back to the sagrada familia as public transport took just as long as the walk.

Visited sagrada familia, went to a theatre.
You can hire bikes and cycle around very cheaply or take a tour.

It's a nice place and there is loads to do.

[Pickleypickles]

My brother is working out there and has been for 2 weeks, he said its all quiet really, slight increased police presence but nothing major or worrying.

[SheffieldStealer]

leave plenty of time to get to the plane on the way back, though - the queues at passport control can be catastrophic. Last time DP & I went, nearly every plane was delayed because there was absolute chaos at the airport. The passport control is AFTER the main Duty Free, not before it!

[HungerOfThePine]

Yes passport control catch you out, i was surprised to see them basically at the entrance to my gate number/waiting area a few people almost missed our plane as they were caught out too.