Tossa de Mar, Barcelona

Where to stay when visiting Barcelona and what to see where to go? This article serve you recommendations on what to do.
You'd want to know how to find good value for money accommodation, tips on transportation, what are the most interesting sights and what trips out of town that are worth taking. This guide is for the first time visitor to Barcelona and includes "all" the tips you need for a successful Barcelona stay!

Arriving in Barcelona

Arriving in Barcelona by plane you'll be landing at either Barcelona's international airport El Prat, or if you have chosen a low-fare airline you're likely to have Girona as your end destination. From El Prat there is a train, the station is quite a walk (depending on your terminal) and it only runs every 30 min. it is slow and unreliable at times to boot! You're better off hopping on a bus just outside the terminals (every 10 min), or a cab that'll take you to the city in 20 min. with a fare of 25-30 euros. From the Girona airport there is basically just one option, the bus which will take you to Estacio Nord. From here you'll get anywhere in central Barcelona in a quick cab ride.

Accommodation in Barcelona

Choosing where to stay in Barcelona there are three options: hotels, hostels or Barcelona holiday apartments. When traveling in a group (3 or more) the third option is easy to recommend. This accommodation choice will provide you with a memorable stay in a central location with all the comforts of home. Choosing Barcelona vacation rentals will also mean choosing the cheaper alternative, and even couples can find good deals for smaller apartments.

Top 10 sights in Barcelona

1.La Sagrada Familia - The unfinished temple of Antoni Gaudi a site for controversy and fascination for more than 125 years. There is nothing like it anywhere else in the world! In Eixample 2.Camp Nou - Home to the mighty FC Barcelona, seating almost 100.000 spectators, the stadium is the biggest in Europe and watching a match here is a thrill, even if you are not the biggest football (soccer) fan. In Les Corts 3.Las Ramblas - The street that is the "heart of the city", a stroll down this former river is obligatory for all visitors. 4.Museu Picasso - The Andalucian genius Pablo Picasso spent many formative years in Barcelona and donated a large bulk of his early works to this fascinating museum.in El Born. 5.Parc Güell - Another of Gaudi's phantasmagorical creations, a park like no other park, just like Sagrada Familia is like no other "church". 6.Passeig de Grácia - One of the most stunning shopping avenues in the world. Brimming with high-end designer shops and beautiful buildings including several "modernisme" classics. 7. "Modernisme" architecture - Casa Batllo, Casa Mila, Casa Amatller and Casa Fuster are all buildings by Gaudi and his compatriots of the famous Cataln "modernisme" style that can all be found along the Passeig de Gracia street! The "Modernsim walk" is an itiniary that'll take you through all the buildings that gave Barcelona its standing in the history of architecture. 8. Magic Fountain - Colors and cascading water, what's not to like? At Plaza Espanya. 9. Miro Museum - One of many Catalan art legends, this museum is the best place the experience the playful and original art of Miro. At Montjuic. 10. Barcelona Aquarium - This one is a must for families, as kids love to" walk among the sharks" and exotic aquatic life here. in Port Vell

Trips out of Town

Tossa de Mar - A pictoresque village to the north in the Girona region. Worth visiting for the clean water and the medieval town with a church and a lighthouse. Distance: 42 km

Tarragona - The city was the Roman seat of power when Barcelona was a mere insignificant village in the north. Worth visiting for the Roman village, and the amusement park Port Aventura close by is a treat for the kids. Distance: 95 km
Sitges - Worth visiting for : beaches, modernisme architcture, movie festival, carnival. Distance: 86 km

Montserrat - The sacred, saw-tooth mountain in Catalonia interior is well worth a visit for its, unusual landscape and fascinating history and fabulous monastary. Distance: 65 km
Girona - Worth visiting for the cathedral, the Jewish quarter, the old town.Distance: 102 km