Manchester or Barcelona for a city break ?

[itssocoldd]

Me and my partner are thinking of having a few nights away end of the month.
We had decided on Manchester (we are from Newcastle )but have just found flights to Barcelona for £30 return and the hotel is only £240 for 3 nights

What would you do ?
I can't decide ?
I've never been to Barcelona so won't know my way around

manchester is great for a weekend break!

but honestly in this case I’d go for Barcelona - it’s my favourite city in Europe - sea, great food, great things to see and it will be warmer than Manchester

I live near Manchester and think it’s a great city but this cannot be a serious question

Its a no brainer kev, forget about Manchester and its godawful accents and get to Barca just dont get mugged.

Absolute no brainer. Barcelona is a fabulous weekend destination.

Nothing wrong with accents you northist.....how's your accent on the ears?

Its a bit like the OPs like, proper northern.

So you're a Geordie? Lol, I don't mind that either but don't think you should be hard on mancunians....🤔

BARCELONA!!! I've been 3x times - you'll love it! Buy a foldy - out map, you'll be fine.

Barcelona lf course lol.

Just be warned that if it's vueling, the free hand luggage is literally the size of a very small backpack, not the usual carry on that BA etx offer.

Barcelona! Much as I like Manchester it's no contest. Plus it's baltic up Manchester way currently

Barcelona but you will need more than the small rucksack allowance, a cabin bag at least for a few nights. It's warmer there but you'll need some layers and it'll be cool on an evening.

Just got back from a few days in Barcelona (obvs go to Barcelona!), it’s probably my favourite city in Europe. Here are some random thoughts.You just need the map on your phone - it’s an easy city to find your way around and very walkable. It’s colder than you might expect I found (but I’m Australian and it’s summer here so YMMV). If you’re interested in Gaudi stuff book tickets asap (esp for Park Güell) and with the sites themselves - no need for expensive 3rd party “tours”. I just had my normal cross-body bag and never felt/saw/got even a hint of pickpockets or bag snatchers, so I wouldn’t worry about anything more than just being sensible like in any big city.

Best way to have a good night out in Manchester? Go to Piccadilly station and ask for a ticket to Liverpool Lime Street.

Barcelona!

We don't all swagger about like Liam Gallagher saying, "Ahhright are kid" you know 😆

Barcelona, OP

Thanks everyone Barcelona booked
So excited
Does anyone have any recommendations of things to see ? Do ? In Barcelona

Barcelona ! But hang onto your handbag.

YesYes...., check out the borne area, area great for shopping and eateries, bakeries, take great walking shoes, best way to see things. The market I mentioned is on Las Ramblas, just the sight of it is fabulous...my Spanish is bla so I might have misspelt that, but the road is right enough, long and straight.
Parc Guel and Gaudis commissioned house is also on Las rambles and further up on the opposite side is what's now an apartment block, check out the loft space in there it's very atmospheric. As I've said earlier the Sagrada is a given, you could spend the better part of a day there if youre walking, walk there, cab back, other wise cab both ways, suppose it entirely depends on you hotel location.

Port Olympic for a very lazy delicious lunch is a must if you like sea air. Choose the nearer to the sea restaurants for atmosphere youll see them from the shore. I used to have coffee facing there every day first thing...there is a Picasso museum, opposite the textile museum which is way more interesting than it sounds. There is a nice eatery there in just the right spot. Sitting outside for lunch in December was a real treat. Near the borne area is a church with a courtyard near an equally ancient moorish hotel (put that on the list for next time), ducks in the court yard and orange trees, really rather lovely. At the other end of the city are vintage trams leading to cable cars up the mountain and great views of the whole city. Go for it, I've deliberately offered clues rather than a list... go discover...and have a fabulous time....

Thankyou so much for that!
That's so helpful !
Does anyone know the best way to and from the airport
Flight lands at 7pm and we need to be back to airport for a 11am flight

There’s a bus which stops right outside the terminal and drops you into the centre square.

Bus or cab. Get a price when booking the cab, ask the hotel for advice on recent prices and preferred company's.

Work out whether your hotel is on the bus route or near it other wise I'd get a cab at that time straight to your hotel. I once got on the bus with out checking and had a very long walk to my hotel which was in the financial area- dull and dark. I have done a flight with just a cabin bag. You can get everything in, the size is quite generous just plan and roll stuff if you have a 40-50 litre ruck sack all you need will go in.

1st of all; People watch! Grab some coffees, sit outside, and just BE! Sagrada Familia of course. Park Guell - Dali. Casa Mila apartment block - Dali. Cuitadella Park. La Ramblas street market. Montjuic fountains area. The old Olympic stadium. The cable car ride from the hill down to the beach. And, if they're still there - the OUTSIDE ESCALATORS!!! I kid you not! There's some on the way to Park Guell, and some around Montjuic. and if you see nothing at all and just BE in the moment, you'll still have a wonderful time! Enjoy!!! Do not be alarmed at men (and women and children,) filling up the parks in the evening - most people live in apartments, and this is their chance to meet neighbours and chat in a communal area.