BCN - Personal Highlights

On a more positive note, please allow this posting to serve as a brief recap of some of the highlights of my BCN visit.

Unable to fly direct, I had to connect in Paris. I had a window seat on the flight to BCN, and got to check out the Pyrennes as we flew over - - a truly amazing sight.

Barcelona Contemporary Art Museum (MACBA). A lot of exhibits spread over three floors of a very white interior. It is, indeed, very modern.

While not containing his most recognizable works, Museu Picasso is certainly worth checking out. It traces his artistic development and contains sketches, paintings and ceramics (really cool and playful) from throughout his life.

A lot of stores and museums are closed on Sunday, so I figured to check out the Gaudi-designed Parc Guell, which is situated on a hill overlooking the city. In a word, wow! Amazing views of the city stretching to the sea, but be forewarned that hiking around the area is slightly physically rigorous. I took the 24 bus up there, which drops you off right at the entrance. Perched on a hillside, overlooking a soccer game and eating a bocadillo was one of the most gratifying moments of the visit.

If you want the wide, tree-lined avenues associated with European cities, Eixample is the neighborhood for you. Gaudi’s La Pedrera building is unlike any structure I have explored; it is all curves and no right angles. Climbed up the stairs all the way to the rooftop; walking around up there is a fantastical experience.

Walked over to Sagrada Familia afterwards but didn’t go inside. Tripped-out is probably the best way to describe this epic, still ongoing project; definitely worth seeing up close and in person.

Museu d’Historia de Catalunya. In the Barceloneta area, this museum provides a full history of the area, from prehistoric times through the Spanish Civil War to the present. Perhaps a bit dry, but good exhibits and a lot of information.

Montjuic is a lovely area in which to walk around. Fundacio Joan Miro is cool, but my favorite museum of the whole trip was the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC). Situated in a majestic building with commanding views of the city, wide-ranging exhibits (e.g. Roman ruins, Impressionism, sculpture, Picasso) and not too crowded – everything a European art museum should be.

One dish I had at a few restaurants: cod and spinach (with raisins and pine nuts – an exquisitely tasty combination).

I only took a cab once: to the airport on the way home. Walking or metro (easy to use, short waits for trains and quick trips) is the way to go.

Enjoy walking around, savor the food, overlook the multitude of tourists and budget for the weak dollar and you too may be able to make the most of a visit to BCN.

BCN - General Trip Report

Since I have used it in the past for travel planning, in an effort to be a good netizen I posted the following general consumption trip report on frommers.com...

Because BCN is such a heavily-visited destination, I figured to merely provide bullet-point style notes as opposed to a more formal, expository type travel report arising from my recent visit.

I used the Time Off book and Streetwise laminated map – both are highly recommended.

Chic & Basic Hotel in Born. Great location. Very modern, trendy design. Clear plastic enclosed shower in the middle of the room is cool. Kind of small room, not much space to spread stuff out. The rooms are not soundproof. Lounge area with comfortable couches, small fridge with water, plus tea pot and high end espresso machine. Computer with internet available as well.

Conspicuously large amount of tourists (mostly Europeans), to the point of being overwhelming at times. Makes it more difficult to find truly authentic experiences. Accordingly, I would advise skipping La Rambla entirely. Nary a trace of authenticity and, though I did not have any problems, an alleged hotspot for pickpockets.

If you plan on checking out some museums, it is worth it to get an ArtTicket for €20 (covers admission to Fundacio Miro – MACBA – MNAC – La Pedrera – Fundacio Tapies – CCCB – Museo Picasso). Crucially, the ArtTicket obviates the need to wait in lines. Just flash your card to the person at the entrance and you will be whisked in VIP style.

Beyond the tapas, the olives, cheeses and wine were all particularly good.

Budget saving tip: the fixed-price lunch. Many restaurants will have a fixed lunch menu (with several choices) consisting of a drink, appetizer/soup, entrée and dessert. At €10-12 it is a good deal and substantially less than ordering off the menu (where a single entrée will cost you that much). These menus are not meant to showcase the chef’s greatest hits but rather are to provide folks with a reasonably priced dining option. Quality of the various components of these menus can vary; if everything is good then you have chosen well. Also, picking up a bocadillo (basically a sandwich consisting solely of your choice of meat) is a good budget option as well; these run about €3-4, and are a great option for taking with you during the day and consuming in a park or scenic spot.

Verdict as of today: BCN is expensive for dollar-earners. It is not a good choice if you seek a true get-away escape to a foreign country due to the hordes of camera neck-strap wearing, oversized map carrying tourists. It remains a great town for walking around and checking out the architecture and sights, which were my primary goals in undertaking this journey.

Barcelona Pictures!

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Post-Visit Comments, Highlights and Analysis to Follow Shortly...