Cataluña Albergues

Bellver de Cerdanya … Es muy bonito.

I would not go back to Barcelona. The whole city seems to have a sewerage smell about it which is very unpleasant. The back streets also don't feel very safe. It seems like a fairly poor city. It also takes a lot of walking around to get from one sight to another. Having said all that, the old palace (now an art gallery) is utterly magnificent and provides a commanding view of the city. Gaudi's cathedral is also an impressive spectacle of engineering. Some of the more busy streets become beautiful and very pleasant at night, but plain by day. The city is worth stopping by if you're in or near the region but I wouldn't plan a holiday specially to Barcelona.

I just got back from a five-day trip to Barcelona. I must say it was overall a huge disappointment. First the good. There are many things to see there during the day into the early evening hours. The metro system is fairly good overall so it does not take long to get to where you want to go. Taxi cabs fares are also fairly cheap compared to any other place I have been to and should be taken advantage of when you are pressed for time. At night many of the places that were closed or seemed shut down open up and several neighborhoods become lively. Now for the bad. The city has a horrendous stench that actually gets worse when you are not in a heavy tourist area. I have found that locals take their dogs for walks and allow them to pee and poop right on the sidewalk. I have also seen locals and tourists doing the same, including vomitting. So if you are wondering where the stench was coming from, now you know. In the tourist areas the Catalan people are mixed in how they treat you…

I have been studying in Barcelona for 6 months now and it´s going to be very hard to leave! It is a bustling city with so much to do. I would give yourself AT LEAST 3-5 days in Barcelona if you want to explore. Some things that you don't want to miss: Sagrada Familia, Montjuic, Casa Mila, Picsso Museum, Tibidabo, Parc Guell, the Boqeria (open air market), Jardins de Labrinth, the port, beaches, and take a day trip take the metro up to Montsterat, a 1000 year old monestary on top of a cliff, lots of hiking up there too. YES, the city is smelly, people can be pushy, and I have gotten my bag stolen...but try to look beyond that and appreciate what the city has to offer. If you are smart and don´t carry your passport or credit cards with you when you are on Las Ramblas especially, you´ll be fine.

Paella and wine is the best thing ever. Barcelona is awesome. Sangreia is cool. After you are done here, go to San Sebastian. It's even better.

If you're looking for a good free map of Barcelona, don't use the one the tourist office gives you for the Bus Turistic. Instead, ask them for a brochure from City Tour by ALSAtouring. This brochure includes a map that actually details all of Barcelona's streets, especially the confusing ones in Barri Gotic and Ribera. This is essential to finding your way around.