Barcelona adventure

November 5, 2006 11:08 AM

What to do in Barcelona? This is my third time in a short period of time. I'm looking for something new to do, see.

I'm very excited to go. I'm going at the beginning of December with my favorite friend, both speak spanish (first language). We are looking for something off the beaten path even a nice day trip to a nearby town. Some cold weather hike. I don't know. Anyone have any ideas?

We're art students (i don't know if that helps)

posted by octomato to travel & transportation (8 comments total)

I've not actually been but I'll bet the Dali Museum is worth the trip. It's in Figueras, about an hour north of Barcelona.
posted by jontyjago at 11:27 AM on November 5, 2006

Oh, if you go to Figueras, it's not a far trip to Cadaques, a beautiful fishing village in a rocky bay. Dali lived there for a while too.
posted by PercussivePaul at 11:47 AM on November 5, 2006

If you haven't been to Girona, it's well worth the trip.
posted by kickingtheground at 2:36 PM on November 5, 2006

I was there ages ago, but a little resteraunt named Los Caracoles near the gothic quarter was just fantastic. Had chickens roasting on spits on the outside of the building. Very reasonable prices. One of the best meals I have had in Europe.

Also - have you taken any tours of Gaudi's buildings? Even the less well known ones are worth it.

That's about all I got.
posted by vronsky at 4:01 PM on November 5, 2006

I don't know that it's particularly esoteric, but a short train ride gets you to Montserrat, which is perfect for a day hike.
posted by O9scar at 4:16 PM on November 5, 2006

I second the Dalí museums in Figueras and Cadaques (and I think there is a third one, his wife's castle or something). I was never a huge Dalí fan, but I loved those museums.

And if you go wading in the bay in Cadaques, watch out for sea urchins!
posted by Utilitaritron at 5:23 PM on November 5, 2006

La Sagrada Familia is a must see. I have never, in all my travels, seen such an incredible example of architecture. Also--off the beaten path, go find 4 Cats a restaurant Picasso would frequent. He designed the menus, and it would appear much of the interior was designed / inspired by him. I sent a friend, an interior design student--ended up being a highlight of her trip.

I have a list of fantastic (and expensive) restaurants in the area if your interested. Email is in my profile.
posted by vaportrail at 5:40 PM on November 5, 2006

what a great day for this question, as i was just thinking fondly of the miro museum (fundacion miro) in the olympic park area of barce. (i actually had my fudacion miro cap on this morning!)

i'm seconding the recommendation for "los caracoles." especially after day spent in the barri gotic, and the museo picasso, in particular. (also don't miss the contemporary museum in barce!)

also, go to parc guell, if you've never been there before. there's light hiking, and brilliant gaudi-stuff.

big tip: if you're hiking in or near the city (parc guell, olympic park), go ON THE DAY AFTER XMAS, as much of the typical wintertime smog will be gone (because most barcelonans take xmas off, reducing traffic and smog a great great deal).

where else to go? wow . . . just spend some time hanging out on las ramblas. be sure to check out the market (la boqueria?)

and while i normally hate the double-decker tour buses, they're almost worth it in barce. there's so much to see, and much of it is kind of spread out . . . it's a great way to get your bearings before you hunker down and start exploring in detail.

but definitely do not miss los caracoles, at least, not if you all are omnivores.
posted by deejay jaydee at 7:16 AM on November 6, 2006