Day 1. 2 May 2016
we arrived in Barcelona at 20.15 and took the aerobus from terminal 2 to Place de Catalunya. From there we took the metro to Jonquera-Taulat and then walked to our accommodation Taulat, 44, Sant Martí, Barcelona, 08005, Spain
A couple of things should be noted here, A taxi would have been as cheap but more convenient and the accommodation was terrible. We stayed 3 days and if I could have cancelled I would have. I have never had to back into a toilet before, certainly not while navigating steps, nor share that same space with a shower. The actual location was excellent though and meant we were a few minutes walk to the beaches plajta de la Mar Bella and platja del Bogatell. My tripadvisor review is here.
I recommend having a few easy mornings to include a stroll to the beach and to one of the many little chiringuitos (beach bars). They generally don't open until around 10am but are a great place for a coffee or snack timeout-the-best-chiringuitos-in-barcelona
Since the accommodation was so scary we immediately headed out to get a taxi to Las Ramblas, the central most boulevard in Barcelona, where we chose a random tapas bar. I later discovered the name from the photos; Enrique Tomas, Rambla Del Poblenou, 36, so at least I can now pinpoint where we were. It's actually a charcuterie so great place to pick up some jamon and prices were very reasonable.
The food at Enricos was rustic but delicious. We tried the jamons amongst other things. Interestingly, the toast was rubbed with fresh tomato, much as you might do with a raw garlic clove. The take away Jamon is served in paper cucuruchos (cones) which is novel but practical way to eat on the go.
Be careful in las Ramblas, its a great place to find a pickpocket. We did have a teenage girl approach us a few days later to ask us an inane question, which was a distraction technique for another girl to try and snatch our bags. We refused to stop and talk as we were aware of the ruse. Don't feel like its impolite to ignore strangers.
Day 2
We started with coffee at a local bar, located a minute from our front door, then strolled along the beach where we stopped for drinks before jumping in a taxi for the Camp Nou experience.
Morning coffee
Posing for some photos against the street art
Enjoying one of the chiringuitos before heading out to the Tour Camp Nou Experience.
We pre-paid for the tickets to Camp Nou. The price was 24 per adult and 19 per child (I've rounded up to nearest euro). The tour was brilliant, even for non footy fans there was enough to make the trip interesting, but it was even better to see the happiness on the faces of the true fans.
It gets a little crowded, there is a fair bit of walking, and there is an expensive memorabilia shop on the way out!
A true fan
After Camp Nou we spent the afternoon wandering and getting pleasantly lost. There is plenty to see in Barcelona, whatever your interests, mine, were centered on food and Ange's on Architecture.
The kids walked a fair bit but they genuinely liked the city.
Dinner was an arabic-spanish fusion restaurant that absolutely required booking if you wanted to be sure of a seat after 830pm. We went before, because of the kids. Fantastic experience. My review is here.
Ziryab Fusion Wine and Tapas Bar, Carrer de Grunyi 4
Day 3
Another day, another chiringuitos. After a quick shower at home we headed off to the Sagrada Familia for a guided tour.
I pre-booked the tickets online with TicketBar.eu (tgi-citytours.com) and the service was excellent. We met at the KFC opposite Place de Gaudi and the Sagrada before going inside through a separate gate that allowed much quicker access. The tickets cost 59 per adult and 26 for kids (Euros) and the tour name is "La Sagrada Familia Guided Tour, Skip the line!" . Highly recommended.
Tips. You cant take too many photos, so take along extra storage and spare external charger & battery. We went in the morning and the way the sun shone through the windows was incredible.
How could we top this experience? We tried to go to the Gaudi park, but after reaching it we decided we had walked too much and went back to town!
Dinner was at Viana, in the Barrio Gotic. A M A Z I N G
We had booked the night before, and so could only get a table for 8-10pm. The busiest part of the night is later, but there is always a queue for this very tiny restaurant. We had no time to go home and change so had to go there straight from the street but it was no problem. The atmosphere is wonderful, its a place to eat and enjoy company and there is no pretentiousness. Kids are welcome.
I did not take a proper photo of the interior so I've had to copy one from google to illustrate the size of this place. What you see in the photo is it. That's the size. The queue outside can be at least as long as the length of the restaurant.
The gothic quarter is very pretty and nice to stroll around if you have time before or after.
My review here.
my blackberry mojito
beef cheeks
suckling pig
Day 4
You cannot go to Barcelona without visiting elMercado de la Boqueria, whch is the main market of Barcelona, situated off Las Ramblas near the gothic quarter.
A riot of colour and very very busy, you could pick up supplies to have a picnic on the beach or cook at home but either way you should try sampling one of the many delicious bars.
We chose Pinotxo, for its legendary status and although not as flashy as some of the seafood bars, we had excellent rustic food served by Juanito Bayén.
There will most probably be a wait as there are only 14 or so stools, but all the bars at the market are like this and its worth the wait. There is no menu and no English, so just sit back and enjoy the suggestions.
Pinotxos
Like I said, there are things to see for every taste...
We wandered around the docklands and finished with a paella at one of the restaurants there.
Day 5
Time to go. We finally got to eat at Can Dende, Carrer Ciutat de Granada, 44,, a brunch place I had my eye on but which had been closed for most of our stay. Its well worth a visit for brunch.
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