things to do in barcelona/spain
 

hey all, in a bit under 2 weeks, me and a friend r gonna go to barcelona, to play some live donkament, then we got 3+ weeks in barcelona/spain to do whatever. We are both reasonably successful 18 year old poker players, so money really isnt an issue, but im cheap so it kinda is. Anyways, i dont kno any spanish and just wanna have an awesome time in spain and any advice would be greatly appreciated. thanks
btw the dates are may 18 - june 18

Re: things to do in barcelona/spain
 

Go see a soccer match. Even if you can't see Barcelona, Espanyol (the other local liga team) is a lot of fun

There's also that church that looks like a drip castle (sorry, I was young when I saw it [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]) that is really, really cool

Re: things to do in barcelona/spain
 

LOL already got tickets for that, and am pumped for the game

Re: things to do in barcelona/spain
 

Gaudi museum, beaches, parks, take the tram up the mountain, eat at some spanish restaurants, go to Las Ramblas (the busy/main street), go shopping at Placa Gracia, go to the clubs and bars at night (Razzmatazz, Moog, and Fellini all good or you can ask the cab driver/take a train to Placa Real and hop from bar to bar in the area), drink lots of Spanish wine, wander through the Gothic quarter during the day

Re: things to do in barcelona/spain
 

I'm there right now.

See ParkWay. See Gradia Familia. They were pretty cool. I'm not sure how tourist-oriented you are, but personally, I'm fine with not seeing much of the "sites" and instead just hanging out in the city as I would at home and trying to blend in to the culture.

Also, be very wary of your wallet. Pick-pocketers are everywhere here. I had mine taken off of me on the metro the first day I was here. 400 euros, all my credit cards, driver's license, social security card, etc, etc. Now I'm in a huge debacle to prevent myself from being a victim of identity fraud. Listen closely: hand on the [censored] wallet at all times.

Have fun.

Re: things to do in barcelona/spain
 

forumserver.twoplustwo.co.es

Re: things to do in barcelona/spain
 

[ QUOTE ]
Also, be very wary of your wallet. Pick-pocketers are everywhere here. I had mine taken off of me on the metro the first day I was here. 400 euros, all my credit cards, driver's license, social security card, etc, etc. Now I'm in a huge debacle to prevent myself from being a victim of identity fraud. Listen closely: hand on the [censored] wallet at all times.

[/ QUOTE ]

Interesting. I've been living here for 3 months and have been all over the city, at all hours, in all states of sobriety, and met all kinds of people and haven't met anyone who's had any trouble with pickpockets.

Re: things to do in barcelona/spain
 

[ QUOTE ]
See ParkWay. See Gradia Familia.

[/ QUOTE ]

Did you mean Park Güell?
And the church is Sagrada Familia.

Anyway, as for Park Güell, it's ok but not great - when I was there last it seemed a bit rundown, and definitely remote from the city. It's worth seeing, but if you're on limitd time I'd rather spend it in the city.

I'd suggest the Picasso Museum - there's a lot of smaller stuff there that really gives some perspective. Back-of-napkin drawings, random doodles, that sort of thing. This museum really had an impact on me.

For a fun bar try Ovella Negra - it's not exactly traditional, but it's also a lot of fun, in caverns, fairly cheap and lively. It's one street over from Las Ramblas.

Otherwise, my biggest suggestion is to wander around - check out the cafes and tapas joints. Eat a lot of good food. Drink some good wine. Watch Spanish women. Buy some cheap shoes. Party late/early.

I spent three months in Barcelona in 1999, trying to sell photographs on Las Ramblas and get a job in photography. Complete failure, but a fantastic experience. It's an amazing city.

Re: things to do in barcelona/spain
 

Las Ramblas is one of the coolest places on earth. I have been to Barcelona a couple times and it is fun to just walk around Las Ramblas, eat, drink, smoke, do whatever. Go there.

Re: things to do in barcelona/spain
 

Where are you staying, near the casino or in the old city? You could probably spend a week just bumping around, getting lost, and wandering into good times.

Re: things to do in barcelona/spain
 

Hey, I'm the friend from the OP - we're going to be staying at kabul hostel in plaza real for the first week, then moving to a hotel (haven't decided where yet). Good suggestions so far, I was wondering how much spanish we should know when we get there. Will we be able to do ok by using mostly english and knowing a few key spanish phrases (bathroom, etc)?

Re: things to do in barcelona/spain
 

In the tourist areas English is fine, but make an effort when you can to score points. Bonus points if you say "bon dia" and "bona nit" instead of "buenos dias" and "buenas noches." [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

Edit: Oh yeah, Plaza Real is right in the middle of where you want to kick around for a week. You might have more fun staying there the whole time chilling with like-minded travellers.

Re: things to do in barcelona/spain
 

First off if you are going to be there for a full month, visit a few cities...at least Barcelona and Madrid. In general, Spain is not like other places in Europe i have visited where english is a 2nd (or even first) language for everyone. That being said, Barcelona is the one exception. Taxi drivers, restaurant workers and most seem to speak passable english. Because spanish is not even the language of barcelona, some switch to english before true spanish (they actually speak Catalan)

I studied in madrid so i have a better feel there. Its an amazing city...It seems often overlooked because everyone visits barcelona. If you are into soccer def go to Santiago Bernabeu to see Real Madrid... The chase for the league title will be in full force them and the games should be electric. All the streets around the stadium close before the games and the bars open their doors. You walk in grab a big cup of beer and drink in the streets. Bullfights will have started then too. Sit in the sombra (shade). If u want some balla restaurants in Madrid PM me... also that time of year must be amazing in San Sebastien. On the Norhern Coast in Basque country. You should probably include that in your trip. Have fun

Re: things to do in barcelona/spain
 

thanks for the advise everyone, is there any like drop in places to play like soccer and other sports(like tennis)? haha itd be awesome/embarrassing to get owned by all those pro spanish soccer guys