episode #6 - Barcelona - One Summer in Europe | One Summer in Europe

episode #6 – Barcelona

Posted on 26. May, 2009 by Ryan in Previous Episodes

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Coming from Madrid, after a detour around Andalucia, we make our move back east to the cosmopolitan city of Barcelona on the Mediterranean coast.

Barcelona has climbed into the upper echelon of desirable backpacking Europe destinations, ranking right after Paris and London and probably ahead of almost every other city. It’s easy to see why this is so, with its decidedly cool and stylish atmosphere and nearly perfect climate.

We recommend 3 days in Barcelona to fully experience its offerings, but be careful as it is not a cheap place to stay like most of the rest of Spain.

On this episode, we welcome Melissa back to the podcast, and we talk about:

Barcelona fast becoming one of the most popular destinations in Europe the last two decades
the vibrant and colorful mood of Barcelona that delights visitors
as a very popular destination, the expensive nature of the city
Melissa’s pickpocket experience departing the Hard Rock cafe, and the interesting reaction of the locals witnessing the event
several interesting things to see and do in Barcelona (our favorite being La Sagrada Familia)
the energetic Barcelona nightlife
special focus and attention on traveling alone in Europe: keeping safe, being smart, and meeting people (you don’t need to travel with others to have a great experience in Europe, it is actually more liberating)

TRANSPORT IN
RENFE (Spanish rail system)
AVE (high-speed train from Madrid to Barcelona)

ACCOMMODATION
One Summer in Europe (Barcelona hostel and budget hotel (”hostal”) search)

SIGHTSEEING
Las Ramblas (famous tree-lined street in heart of the city)
La Sagrada Familia (amazing church being built over 125+ years – official site)
Parc Guell (pleasant Gaudi-designed park overlooking the city)
Picasso Museum (lots of early work)
Montjuic (historic hill with many attractions, including 1992 Olympic sites)
Barcelona Aquarium (best aquarium for Mediterranean sealife in world)
One Summer in Europe (other miscellaneous sightseeing activities)

TRANSPORT OUT
RENFE (Spanish rail system)
SNCF (French rail system)

Time to finally leave Spain after a fantastic 2-week jaunt through this wonderful country, and now onward to France: Nice and the tres chic Cote d’Azur (French Riviera). It feels like a 007 movie every day of the week…

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