Just got back from Spain + Portugal and I'm so glad I found your channel! Trying to relive the trip thru UA-cam. Completely agree with the Eiaxample area. Very charming, more sophisticated than the touristy and busier areas, clean, and good shops and restaurants. Hi from a fellow Chicagoan! And thanks Sarah for the yoga studio tip.
I appreciate the support and hope you had a great trip! Sarah will be glad to know someone used the yoga studio tip haha. Hope all is well in Chicago :)
we went to Barcelona and stayed minutes away from las Ramblas. I agree it felt safe even at night, but like all major cities full of tourists you get the pickpockets, so we were prepared and took out just what we needed for the time there. We had no problem luckily, as long as you are aware of the pickpockets and do your best to avoid being a victim, you will have a great time in Barcelona.
If you are a Jazz fan, the San Andreu Jazz Band is world famous. When they are playing in town, try to get tickets. They have a festival called 'Jazzing" every year from about August 30 to Sept 2.
Thanks so much for the support! My fault on the growth.. I haven't been consistent in posting regularly but that will be different in 2024. Looking forward to growing the community and happy to have you 😀
I’m in Barcelona while watching this vid and I’m staying in Grácia. Absolutely love it. I feel like a part of the real Barcelona every time I’m outside.
I’m in Barcelona right now. Last night 5 guys tried to rob us. They snuck up behind us, and from the front when walking down a road off of last Ramblas. Do not trust anyone at night. Keep your eyes open. And have a strong spatial sense. Do not go out with a purse if you are a woman and you’re going to be walking around. I’d go out with…about 40 euros, a credit card, and your phone (unfortunately a must as you’ll most likely need nav)
Thanks for the video! We’ll be visiting Barca in early may. For me it will be the 6th time, just love this city! We’ll be staying in Som Nit Port Vell, near the port, at the beginning of Via Laietana. We will definitely rent some electric bikes again, because that’s a great way to get to know big parts of Barcelona. We’ll also try some of the restaurant tips you gave us. Looking forward to it! Thanks again!
@@lnzws9499 You are right! In my defence; I did try to learn some Catalan words before I went there. We enjoyed it very much. We visited mount Tibidabo (walking…) and the castle at Montjuïc (by both cables). We just love this city.
@@lolkevandewitte1713 that's such a nice gesture, I'm sure the locals appreciated it. Montjuïc is probably my favourite spot, the view is beautiful. Glad to see you enjoyed your trip :)
9:39 I found great accommodation for 6 of us in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 10 minute walk from Camp Nou stadium, what about that neighbourghood, is it OK for 3 nights?!
Thanks for the tips!! We are planning to spend 2 or 3 days before departure for a cruise trip in Barcelona. Which area do you recommend to stay for a family with kids? Thanks for the help!!!
It really depends what you're looking for but I'd say Eixample would be a great choice for families. It'll put you in a safe and walkable area with easy access to the areas you'll likely want to see (El Born & the Gothic Quarter). Gracia is another good choice but might be a bit further than you're hoping for in a 2-3 day visit. Hope you have a great trip!!
Thanks for watching! Poblenau will give you a local feel and I always felt safe there. You'll likely want to use public transportation to get most places unless you're up for a walk (easy access to some of the beaches). Hope you have a great trip!
On the cell phone text and data comment, before forking out for an Esims service, check with your U.S. provider you may already have text and data for free in many parts of Europe. I have T-Mobile (Germany based affiliate company) and thus I have the unlimited text and data in most European countries including Barcelona. I can make calls but it comes as an additional cost per minute rate which can add up fast. So wouldn't recommend doing that. Bottom line check with your provider before going and see if you are already covered and for what, if not then get the Esims. Doing your home work never hurts!
Great advice here! I'm a T-Mobile user myself and it's great for quick trips. Works perfect for calls/texts but the data speeds will vary depending on your phone plan with them (I'm on a old plan where the speeds abroad are ridiculously slow). Pairing that with the eSIM works great for me. I know many US residents use Verizon and they typically charge $10 a day for usage abroad. But couldn't agree more. Definitely check with your existing provider and compare the pricing!
David- Just watched both your Nice and Barcelona videos. We have a 2-day span in-between our Mallorca week and our Greece week and are trying to decide between 2-nights/1.5 days in either Barc or Nice. We are active, mid 40's, distance runners who like to get our runs in, but also enjoy exploring unique spots. Fancy meals aren't our thing, but walking around, getting small plates at hidden spots are what we like doing. Don't really shop as we're traveling with one large backpack for the trip. Thoughts?
Gosh that’s tough… good news is you can’t go wrong with either choice! Nice might provide the better scenery for running (especially if you’re willing to tackle some hills). I did a poor job getting outside of Barcelona and that may be skewing my perspective. Barcelona might be more enticing for the scenery since you be coming from Greece where I’m assuming you’re spending time on the water. Barcelona has all kinds of corners to explore and I find it to be a unique culture. Are you early risers or night owls? Barcelona would be the clear choice if you prefer to be out and about in the evenings. But Nice is perfect for enjoying the sun. Wish I could be more helpful but I’m sure you’ll have a great time with either. Hope that all makes sense and helps a bit!
I've only ever stayed in Airbnbs in Barcelona -- But I found Barcelona to be a place where you can trust reviews. You should be good with anything that Google shows as being a 4.5/5 or higher. Maybe a few locals who see this will chime in. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful there but hope you have a great trip!
Would Cotton House Hotel, Autograph Collection be a good location to stay ? We're planning 5 days in February and the focus is food and sights, not so much the party life.
Yea its normally not unsafe but definetely watch out for pick pockets, never leave your bag unnatended for any time and if some one asks you if you have a belt while pulling on you pants he's trying to get in to your pockets. City of theifs it is but not robberys thank god. I still love Barcelona im going there in july woopwoop!
Thank you for this informative video. Personally, I like to stay in El Born and L’Eixample. In Barcelona, I found one of the best vegetarian restaurants I’ve ever tried: Green Spot in El Born. Thank you!
This video is fanastic! I took notes! Can't wait to visit there for my family's first time this June (two teens). Two questions for you; what do you think of hotel vs airbnb for Eixample? And by any chance have you been through Costa Brava? We are looking at spending a few days there, I saw a place called Zel Costa Brava but can't find any reviews on it.
Glad you enjoyed it! Good news and bad news -- Good news is there are tons of Airbnbs and hotels in Eixample. Nothing big to note regarding the difference but I personally always choose Airbnbs (I like the local feel and extra space). I don't think you can go wrong with either option in that area :) Bad news is I have not been to Costa Brava. Sorry I can't be more helpful with that. But I hope you have a great trip!!!
It will really depend on how much you plan to use it. Do you have any guesstimation there? I'm sure a local will be able to give you some good advice based on your answer :)
Definitely an option but keep in mind that you'll be a bit outside of the action. Great area if you want a local feel and are comfortable navigating the public transit
Pretty local area. Always felt safe over there and it's a different atmosphere compared to where most tourists hang out (and a bit further away). I wouldn't necessarily say it's a "must visit" if you're only in town for a couple days. But definitely an option on longer trips or if you're wanting to escape most of the tourists. Hope that helps!
It's pretty far from most of the attractions and I spent very little time in that area. But maybe a local who sees this will be able to provide more insight :)
Les Corts is one of these more residential neighbourhoods that used to be independent towns such as Sant Andreu or Horta. They are quieter, with some really charming squares and streets (specially Sant Andreu and Horta), you'll find cheaper beer and food and there's still plenty to do. However, be ready to take the metro to go to the center because most touristy places are 40 to 50 minutes walking from Les Corts. But dont' worry, by metro it's only 10 to 15 minutes to most places and it's really frequent (2-4 minutes wait time normally). If you end up going there, you'll be close to the Camp Nou (though it's under construction right now), Illa Diagonal, a really posh shopping center and Monestir de Pedralbes, a really nice medieval monastery. The main square of "old town" Les Corts is plaça de la Concòrdia, very nice and has some good restaurants.
... there is no BORN neighbourhood whatsoever. "El Born" is just the name of a small 300m-boulevard. That "neighbourhood" you point to is Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i La Ribera.
Fantastic info and consise! Bravo! Heading to Barcelona before a cruise and appreciate the airbnb neighborhoods... i stayed at Hotel 1898 in Las Ramblas and is so pricey now and want to try your recommendations! Gracias amigo
I was picked pocket 50 euros at train station. Lady was “helping “ me to buy a ticket and got me!!! I was able to came back and got my $$ back but be careful
I don't understand the "tourists go home" if it is the people who go there to live and buy up the places (that the Spanish are selling them at inflated prices, like the people in Cornwall England are doing) are the problem, not the tourists !
A bunch of boomers and corporations have control over the housing market. Meanwhile, the youth and lower classes simply are left with no choice but to move out of their neighbourhoods and go live outside the city. Obviously, not everyone is complaining, some are doing really well: as always, lots get fcked up for a few to get richer :( Even more, Barcelona recieved in 2023 around 15M tourists. All of those concentrated in an area of around 0,7M people, which is already the most densely populated metropolis in Europe. There's simply NO MORE SPACE! It is absolutely impossible to even walk down certain streets cause they're so overcrowded. There's a limit to tourism, and we seem to have reached it when you can't even walk to buy your daily bread.
If you want a weekly travel tip and an update from where I am, feel free to follow my newsletter: bit.ly/TheTuesdayTravelTip
Just got back from Spain + Portugal and I'm so glad I found your channel! Trying to relive the trip thru UA-cam. Completely agree with the Eiaxample area. Very charming, more sophisticated than the touristy and busier areas, clean, and good shops and restaurants. Hi from a fellow Chicagoan! And thanks Sarah for the yoga studio tip.
I appreciate the support and hope you had a great trip! Sarah will be glad to know someone used the yoga studio tip haha. Hope all is well in Chicago :)
Thanks for your inside information!!
I am from Chicago and going to Barcelona Dec first week, please share where did you stay, eat and what did you do?
we went to Barcelona and stayed minutes away from las Ramblas. I agree it felt safe even at night, but like all major cities full of tourists you get the pickpockets, so we were prepared and took out just what we needed for the time there. We had no problem luckily, as long as you are aware of the pickpockets and do your best to avoid being a victim, you will have a great time in Barcelona.
If you are a Jazz fan, the San Andreu Jazz Band is world famous. When they are playing in town, try to get tickets. They have a festival called 'Jazzing" every year from about August 30 to Sept 2.
I'll have to check it out -- thanks!!
Ahoj! Your films are one of the most informative I've ever seen! Thank you! It is strange that you have so few subscribed...
Thanks so much for the support! My fault on the growth.. I haven't been consistent in posting regularly but that will be different in 2024. Looking forward to growing the community and happy to have you 😀
Our trip is on March. I will have your video as our guide in prepping.Thanks
Hope you have a great trip! Let me know if any questions come up
I’m in Barcelona while watching this vid and I’m staying in Grácia. Absolutely love it. I feel like a part of the real Barcelona every time I’m outside.
I’m in Barcelona right now. Last night 5 guys tried to rob us. They snuck up behind us, and from the front when walking down a road off of last Ramblas. Do not trust anyone at night. Keep your eyes open. And have a strong spatial sense. Do not go out with a purse if you are a woman and you’re going to be walking around. I’d go out with…about 40 euros, a credit card, and your phone (unfortunately a must as you’ll most likely need nav)
Sorry you had that experience. Appreciate you shairng
Where were u?
@@mindyweller1451 Carrer Ataulf. It’s a street in the Gothic area. (We were across from the marina) walking back from dinner a the “W”
At what time?
@@SathyapriyaPrabhakaran about 11pm
Good information for a first time traveler to Spain. I’m staying in Gothic section next month. Thank you for your help!
Hope you have a great trip! Thanks for watching :)
Very well informed and documented, congratulations! It was very accurate, as a local I want to thank you for the video!
Much appreciated!
Thanks for the video! We’ll be visiting Barca in early may. For me it will be the 6th time, just love this city! We’ll be staying in Som Nit Port Vell, near the port, at the beginning of Via Laietana. We will definitely rent some electric bikes again, because that’s a great way to get to know big parts of Barcelona. We’ll also try some of the restaurant tips you gave us. Looking forward to it! Thanks again!
Thanks for the support! I hope you have a great trip and enjoy the restaurants :)
Barça is just the football team, locals call the city Barna. Hope you had fun!
@@lnzws9499 You are right! In my defence; I did try to learn some Catalan words before I went there. We enjoyed it very much. We visited mount Tibidabo (walking…) and the castle at Montjuïc (by both cables). We just love this city.
@@lolkevandewitte1713 that's such a nice gesture, I'm sure the locals appreciated it. Montjuïc is probably my favourite spot, the view is beautiful. Glad to see you enjoyed your trip :)
What is the weather like in February in Barcelona and Madrid?
gosh this is so comprehensive. you're so good. hope to see you in the Philippines!
Much appreciated! I'm looking forward to exploring the Philippines at some point in the next year or so :)
let me know, I'll tour you around!😍@@camdendavid
Thanks a lot for information. It's really useful!
Glad it was helpful!
9:39 I found great accommodation for 6 of us in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 10 minute walk from Camp Nou stadium, what about that neighbourghood, is it OK for 3 nights?!
It’s a fair way from the downtown area. Probably 15 minutes on the metro.
@@PaulSPurves thanks :)
Thanks for making this trip one of the best with your amazing restaurant recommendations. You Rock!
Glad you enjoyed them!
Good information. Thanks. We're heading to Barcelona in a couple of weeks.
Hope you have a great time!
Thanks for the tips!! We are planning to spend 2 or 3 days before departure for a cruise trip in Barcelona. Which area do you recommend to stay for a family with kids? Thanks for the help!!!
It really depends what you're looking for but I'd say Eixample would be a great choice for families. It'll put you in a safe and walkable area with easy access to the areas you'll likely want to see (El Born & the Gothic Quarter). Gracia is another good choice but might be a bit further than you're hoping for in a 2-3 day visit. Hope you have a great trip!!
Thanks for sharing! Great video 😊 cheers from Sweden 🇸🇪
Appreciate the support and looking forward to making a video on Sweden at some point :)
Great video! Going for the first time this weekend, for New Years. We are staying at Poblenau -- is this an okay area?
Thanks for watching! Poblenau will give you a local feel and I always felt safe there. You'll likely want to use public transportation to get most places unless you're up for a walk (easy access to some of the beaches). Hope you have a great trip!
On the cell phone text and data comment, before forking out for an Esims service, check with your U.S. provider you may already have text and data for free in many parts of Europe. I have T-Mobile (Germany based affiliate company) and thus I have the unlimited text and data in most European countries including Barcelona. I can make calls but it comes as an additional cost per minute rate which can add up fast. So wouldn't recommend doing that. Bottom line check with your provider before going and see if you are already covered and for what, if not then get the Esims. Doing your home work never hurts!
Great advice here! I'm a T-Mobile user myself and it's great for quick trips. Works perfect for calls/texts but the data speeds will vary depending on your phone plan with them (I'm on a old plan where the speeds abroad are ridiculously slow). Pairing that with the eSIM works great for me. I know many US residents use Verizon and they typically charge $10 a day for usage abroad. But couldn't agree more. Definitely check with your existing provider and compare the pricing!
Thanks for the video! We head to Barcelona in December. Can't wait. I appreciate your tips. We plan to stay in the Gracia area.
Thanks for watching! Let me know if any questions pop up before December. Hope you have a wonderful trip 😃
David- Just watched both your Nice and Barcelona videos. We have a 2-day span in-between our Mallorca week and our Greece week and are trying to decide between 2-nights/1.5 days in either Barc or Nice. We are active, mid 40's, distance runners who like to get our runs in, but also enjoy exploring unique spots. Fancy meals aren't our thing, but walking around, getting small plates at hidden spots are what we like doing. Don't really shop as we're traveling with one large backpack for the trip. Thoughts?
Gosh that’s tough… good news is you can’t go wrong with either choice!
Nice might provide the better scenery for running (especially if you’re willing to tackle some hills).
I did a poor job getting outside of Barcelona and that may be skewing my perspective.
Barcelona might be more enticing for the scenery since you be coming from Greece where I’m assuming you’re spending time on the water. Barcelona has all kinds of corners to explore and I find it to be a unique culture.
Are you early risers or night owls? Barcelona would be the clear choice if you prefer to be out and about in the evenings. But Nice is perfect for enjoying the sun.
Wish I could be more helpful but I’m sure you’ll have a great time with either. Hope that all makes sense and helps a bit!
Great information. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
I am planning to travel with my wife and almost 2 years old baby. Would you be able to recommend budget hotels to stay in the Gracia neighbourhood?
I've only ever stayed in Airbnbs in Barcelona -- But I found Barcelona to be a place where you can trust reviews. You should be good with anything that Google shows as being a 4.5/5 or higher. Maybe a few locals who see this will chime in. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful there but hope you have a great trip!
Great tips!
Thanks!
Would Cotton House Hotel, Autograph Collection be a good location to stay ? We're planning 5 days in February and the focus is food and sights, not so much the party life.
Great location - you should be in the middle of everything. Hope you have a great time!
@@camdendavid Hey thank you ! We booked it ! Thank you for the wonderful and informative video !
Yea its normally not unsafe but definetely watch out for pick pockets, never leave your bag unnatended for any time and if some one asks you if you have a belt while pulling on you pants he's trying to get in to your pockets. City of theifs it is but not robberys thank god. I still love Barcelona im going there in july woopwoop!
Hope you have a great time!
Great video with lots of good tips. What are your thoughts on staying in the Poble Sec area?
Thank you for this informative video. Personally, I like to stay in El Born and L’Eixample. In Barcelona, I found one of the best vegetarian restaurants I’ve ever tried: Green Spot in El Born. Thank you!
I'll have to check it out! Thanks :)
Great Video! Thanks for all the valuable tips for my upcoming Barcelona trip.
Glad it was valuable and hope you have a great trip :)
This video is fanastic! I took notes! Can't wait to visit there for my family's first time this June (two teens). Two questions for you; what do you think of hotel vs airbnb for Eixample? And by any chance have you been through Costa Brava? We are looking at spending a few days there, I saw a place called Zel Costa Brava but can't find any reviews on it.
Glad you enjoyed it! Good news and bad news -- Good news is there are tons of Airbnbs and hotels in Eixample. Nothing big to note regarding the difference but I personally always choose Airbnbs (I like the local feel and extra space). I don't think you can go wrong with either option in that area :) Bad news is I have not been to Costa Brava. Sorry I can't be more helpful with that. But I hope you have a great trip!!!
Thanks so much!@@camdendavid
What card do you recommend for public transport if you’re there for 3 days ?
It will really depend on how much you plan to use it. Do you have any guesstimation there? I'm sure a local will be able to give you some good advice based on your answer :)
thank ou for the info about yoga studio in barcelona
My wife deserves all the credit there :)
How can you get around city tax? Going with 5 people is like €60 a day on city tax alone 😳. What is the cheapest place there for city tax?
Thanks for the info! But I can't find the link to your recommended bars and restaurants.
Whoops! I just added those to the description. Let me know if i forgot any :)
I wanna go to see a Barcelona soccer game next year where should I stay?
Are you just going for the game or will you be spending more time in the city? That probably changes the answer
@@camdendavid just for the game.
I was told that E-Sims doesn’t work on Android A53.
Hi, how about El Poblenou area to stay?
Definitely an option but keep in mind that you'll be a bit outside of the action. Great area if you want a local feel and are comfortable navigating the public transit
I thought u said topless bar, I was like oh ok interesting pick lol Tapas, got it
Hahahahaha
what about El poblenou?
Pretty local area. Always felt safe over there and it's a different atmosphere compared to where most tourists hang out (and a bit further away). I wouldn't necessarily say it's a "must visit" if you're only in town for a couple days. But definitely an option on longer trips or if you're wanting to escape most of the tourists. Hope that helps!
@@camdendavid thank you so much! such a pro
Great im going second last week of august 😂 aslong as there is coffeeshops and clubs open
Oh I'm sure they will be haha. Hope you have a great trip!
Thanks!
Me too! Let's meet up
How is Les Corts for accomodation?
It's pretty far from most of the attractions and I spent very little time in that area. But maybe a local who sees this will be able to provide more insight :)
Les Corts is one of these more residential neighbourhoods that used to be independent towns such as Sant Andreu or Horta. They are quieter, with some really charming squares and streets (specially Sant Andreu and Horta), you'll find cheaper beer and food and there's still plenty to do. However, be ready to take the metro to go to the center because most touristy places are 40 to 50 minutes walking from Les Corts. But dont' worry, by metro it's only 10 to 15 minutes to most places and it's really frequent (2-4 minutes wait time normally).
If you end up going there, you'll be close to the Camp Nou (though it's under construction right now), Illa Diagonal, a really posh shopping center and Monestir de Pedralbes, a really nice medieval monastery. The main square of "old town" Les Corts is plaça de la Concòrdia, very nice and has some good restaurants.
... there is no BORN neighbourhood whatsoever. "El Born" is just the name of a small 300m-boulevard. That "neighbourhood" you point to is Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i La Ribera.
10/10🎉
On my Spanish??? You are too kind haha!
Great information thank you for sharing. If I buy tickets for Park Guell ahead of time, will I still need to stand in line to get in?
You shouldn't need to unless there's a short line where they scan tickets :)
@@camdendavid terrific thank you!
This guy is really good :)
I appreciate that :)
Visit Puebla in Mexico!
I'll add it to my list!
10/10 in pronunciation
12/10 in looks
Cliffff!!! Just trying to keep up with you man haha. Hope all is well on your end
It is mate!! Same goes to you in all your travels!
I look ugly because I have bad genes/genetics.
Fantastic info and consise! Bravo! Heading to Barcelona before a cruise and appreciate the airbnb neighborhoods... i stayed at Hotel 1898 in Las Ramblas and is so pricey now and want to try your recommendations! Gracias amigo
You got it! Hope you have a great trip :)
I was picked pocket 50 euros at train station. Lady was “helping “ me to buy a ticket and got me!!! I was able to came back and got my $$ back but be careful
Sorry to hear that happened!
not me booking a trip in august lmao
Hahaha I hope you have a great time! Just be ready for some hot weather :)
@@camdendavid i knowwww lol but cant complain about nature! Awesome video btw!!!
Same lol
@@obadala im kinda reconsidering though lol. Maybe postpone to mid september
@@MissArtisticSasnuhy probably for the better, fairer weather I heard
Totally thought you were taking about a "topless" restaurant instead of "tapas" 😂
Hahah that's definitely not what I was going for
dont understand anything you said in video about e-sim since you talk too fast, and your explanation is confusing.
Sorry about that! Feel free to reach out if you have questions about the eSIM
Did somebody say CHEESECAKE? 😋😋😋😋😋
It's so good haha
Scale of 1-10... Rate my Spanish pronunciations
7
@@richardvillar7316 I'll take it
I don't understand the "tourists go home" if it is the people who go there to live and buy up the places (that the Spanish are selling them at inflated prices, like the people in Cornwall England are doing) are the problem, not the tourists !
A bunch of boomers and corporations have control over the housing market. Meanwhile, the youth and lower classes simply are left with no choice but to move out of their neighbourhoods and go live outside the city. Obviously, not everyone is complaining, some are doing really well: as always, lots get fcked up for a few to get richer :(
Even more, Barcelona recieved in 2023 around 15M tourists. All of those concentrated in an area of around 0,7M people, which is already the most densely populated metropolis in Europe. There's simply NO MORE SPACE! It is absolutely impossible to even walk down certain streets cause they're so overcrowded.
There's a limit to tourism, and we seem to have reached it when you can't even walk to buy your daily bread.
que dices?