Barcelona. Not convinced I’m going to like it - will I?

[MrsWicket]

Unexpectedly off to Barcelona with friend in November. Benidorm is our usual short trip away, but her other half was treating them to a spa hotel city break and can now no longer go. I have been called upon to step in (a hardship, I know ). Neither of us have been before and we’re just used to trawling the seafront, consuming cocktails whenever we go away together. All I know is that pick-pocketing is bad and local taxis always seem to be on strike. Anything you’d recommend? We’re staying on a b&b basis so not even sure how much money we are going to need for five day. Thanks in advance, MW

We just got back on Thursday! It was fantastic. It really was. We used the metro to get around everywhere, including changing stations as two stations on Line 2 are out of action and it was still absolutely fine. Easy to understand and get around. It's just €10.20 for 10 trips (changing stations is still one trip). That's less than a quid a trip. And they're all air conditioned.

We had 3 kids with us and went everywhere without any trouble EXCEPT look out for pickpockets. Seriously. Those "lookie lookie" men selling fake bags, sunglasses etc on blankets and also selling drinks on the beach don't even hide the fact that they're checking out your bags and stuff. If using a handbag, get a long, strong strapped one and keep it across your body so it can't be snatched. Put backpacks on backwards so it's on your chest. La Ramblas is lovely but again, hold onto your stuff. And the parasols and sun loungers at the beach are €15 EACH to hire! You're best buying a parasol in a side street shop and taking it to the beach. Sell it for a fiver to another holidaymaker if you aren't taking it home.

The transport is good, it's not too expensive to eat out (just check for added costs if you want to sit outside) and again, keep an eye on your possessions. The only bad part of our holiday was getting to the airport heading home to find dad's wallet had disappeared on the journey. His own fault of course, he had it in shallow pocketed baggy shorts whilst carrying two cases. Doh!

My husband surprised me with a trip to Barcelona last September.

Not somewhere I'd ever really wanted to visit, but it was great. Not a fan of Gaudi, but the Salgrada Familia is interesting. As is everything already mentioned upthread. La Boqueria market is just amazing. We did the longer of the bus tours (bit boring if I am honest).

Compared to other cities - it is SO cheap! We struggled to spend much money on food, and every meal was amazing.

We stayed in a gorgeous central hotel with a pool and bar on the roof. This definitely helped.

The Sagrada Familia is the basilica, not the cathedral.

Well it looks like a cathedral. I don’t even know what a basilica is ?

I just think of them as new cathedral and old one. If you go to the old one go up on the roof.

It's ok. Very busy and lots of thieves, but quite pretty.

We are going in October. Haven't been for about 20 years. I loved the Gaudi stuff and the Picasso museum. And the cable car over the harbour. We are thinking of doing one the Fat Tire bike tours.

I have to be honest...I hated it. I witnessed two violent mugging on my first night, and I’m a hardened, inner london girl and pretty well travelled. I hated La Ramblas abd the touristy bits, and my experience in less busy areas wasn’t great either. Sorry.

I have friends who love it, though, and think it’s the perfect city/beach break.

Definitely keep your wits about you whatever you do. Don’t get bladdered and wonder around.

wander

It's amazing. A city with a beach yes it has a pick pockets problem (as do all big cities). We go several times a year and have always felt safe. (I've only ever been pick pocketed in the UK!) Sangria on the rambles, go and visit all the Gaudi buildings. Stunning place

I have this bag for city breaks - it’s got really good anti theft features and isn’t expensive

amazon.co.uk/Travelon-Anti-Theft-Classic-Crossbody-Bucket/dp/B00JK8J4E6]]

Love Barcelona. And there are loads of cocktail places on the beach. I know because Dh and I went to 3 of them!

I adore Barcelona! Definitely one of my favourite places.

On the recommendation of Mumsnet, I went to El Bosc de les Fades cocktail bar in Barcelona - loved it and I pass the recommendation on to you. A wander round the Gothic Quarter was lovely. Metro very easy. We also did the open top buses, although very busy in the day time... Headquarters of Desigual too, if funky jeans are your thing!

It's amazing. Don't have a drink on the Ramblas though; they'll charge you at least double than everywhere else.

I loved Barcelona, can highly recommend Etapa Tapas, its a eating and drinking tour, if you cab do it on the first night it will give you a really good start, and lots of good info.

We stayed in a hotel on Las Ramblas, next to the Boqueria market. It was a prime pick-pocketing spot and we did see some crime from our balcony, but just keep your wits about you and don't wave your money/phone around. Watch out for anyone trying to get your attention or sell you something. I also saw one person mugged in the street - someone tackled the guy and had him in a headlock on the floor.

I loved the city, loved the Gaudi and the general vibe. However, I did find it incredibly busy and noisy (and I work in central London, I'm used to city bustle), and was very grateful to find Montjuic towards the end of our trip - definitely worth heading up there at sunset for some quiet and greenery.

I didn't think much of the beach - city beaches always feel a bit scummy to me. Fine if you just want sun and bars though, I guess.

Any hotel recommendations?

Travelling there in early December, for a football match & DC's b'day (they are age 9&5)

Cheers!

@prosecco - if you are on a budget and want a dependable hotel I’d recommend the Barcelona Poublenou area. It’s got its own ‘Rambla’ ie street with burger/seafood/ pizza restaurants, nice bars etc which leads to the beach. Beach area is pleasant and busy but not overcrowded. The area has a travelodge and holiday inn express which are reasonably priced for a popular city and you know they’ll be a good basic standard. Only about 5 stops on the underground to centre of Barcelona but has a resort feel to the area.

Barcelona is fantastic. I did get pickpocketed though, as did my sister who was robbed actually at the airport.

Thanks @TheMotherChip - I'll take a look