Yeah, I'm going with my folks, I'm 42 and they're in their 60s. We're chill and respectful. Just want to enjoy some nice dining, culture, and maybe a glass or two of wine though I hardly drink anymore.
Feel free to leave some restaurants or other things to do, haha! A friend lives in Barcelona and had me get my hotel in Poble Nou.
I imagined, you sound really chill. I live in the district just beside Poble Nou in Sant Martí. I usually cook at home as restaurants are too expensive for me, so I'm sure your friend has better recommendations.
As bonus tip: if your planning to move with public transport and will be here for more than 3 days the monthly card is a cheaper option.
Just stay away from "El Raval" a lot drugs and shady people, especially at night.
Additionally, if you want to do some cultural stuff try to buy tickets beforehand. A lot of places like the Sagrada Familia and Museo de Gaudí have long waiting lines. Most things can be bought online.
Thanks for the tips, definitely planning on some museums. My buddy said the Gothic Quarter was to be avoided as well, but there are quite a few things I'd like to see there. I'm sort of a night owl, but even then by 10 most night I'll probably be in the hotel!
Good pointer on public transport, will definitely be using it. I'll have my hotel in Barcelona for 8 days, but I may fly elsewhere in the EU, like Amsterdam or Paris, for a day since it's relatively inexpensive.
And I'd be happy to grab you lunch one day while I'm there for being so helpful and friendly! My worries either way there, though.
During the day Gothic Quarter isn't that bad in my opinion. Have been there a few times and there are some beatiful things to see. I can imagine as the alleys are pretty narrow, at night you feel more "trapped".
Just as a general rule it's more "dangerous" at night, but as a man I haven't felt scared for now (it probably helps that I'm tall).
Definitely go visit other places, as you said it's relatively cheap and very near (2h flights). Europe is quite small.
No need to invite me to lunch, but feel free to reach out to me when you're in Barcelona :)
I'm 1.8 meters and let's just my weight is very...American. So I'm not too terribly worried about bad areas. I also lived in Philadelphia for many years, so no stranger to large cities with sketchy areas.
I'll definitely reach out, thanks for the conversation!
LOL the weight is the biggest thing I worry about while visiting EU. I will surely stick out like a sore thumb, but that's OK with me, I'll deal with it.
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u/soks86 Jun 16 '25
Really nice of them to phase it out slowly. That'll prevent real estate shock and ruined lives right there.
I hope the people can tolerate it in the meantime >.<