Ciutat Vella and Barceloneta are too touristy and you will visit them anyway. Nowadays those areas are unbearably crowded with tourists.
Sant Martí, Les Corts and Sarrià-Sant Gervasi are also nice but a bit too far away from the main sight-seeings.
Castelldefels is a beach resort 20 km away from Barcelona.
If you have a car, visit Sitges, southern from Castelldefels. Nice beaches.
Pls bear in mind that you will be in Catalonia, not in Spain.
Stay as centrally (the Cathedral) as you can. ( the first 4 on your list). Avoid the Raval - right hand side going down the Ramblas towards the sea - it is seedy beyond belief.
Do not hire a car. Traffic is grim - local police fine you to pay their wages And the parking will cost more than your hotel!
Take the train to Sitges if you want a nice, nearby beach resort.
A bus trip to Montserrat, or a day trip to Girona by train, may be of interest - check the internet to see if you are interested
Petty theft is endemic. Shoulder strap purses and credit cards and cash in front pockets at all times.
There's PLENTY in the city to see, don't bother renting a car to go someplace else.
Take a look at a map of the city, and find a street Rambla, and look for accommodation near that. That is pretty central.
You stay in Melia Barcelona Sarria hotel.It is a five star hotel. It is located, just few minutes from business center Francesc Macia and famous Avenida Diagonal with full range of shops, restaurants, bars and discotheques. The hotel is easily accessible from the tourist centre and all its attractions, with a tourist bus stop a few metres. 20 minutes from the airport by car
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I'm thinking of going to Barcelona for a week next week with my boyfriend. We have never been there, so could anyone please help with some tips?
- Where to stay? I am searching via expedia, and the areas available are:
* ciutat vella
* barcelonata
* gracia
* eixample
* sant marti
*Castelldefels
* Sants-Montjuic
* Horta-Guinardó
* Les Corts
* Sarrià-Sant Gervasi
Where should we look for a hotel? Not too far from the centre?
- What to see? We might rent a car so we can go sightseeing away from the city. Are there any thing in particular you would recommend we see in the surroundings?
- Are there any beaches great for swimming?
Thanks!! :)
