petehoughton0265

Hello everyone, my wife and I are planning a cruise in September leaving out of Barcelona. As we've never been there or Spain for that matter I was wondering if we could get some recommendations as to where to stay and what to do for three days prior to this cruise. As most trans Atlantic flights are night flights arriving in the morning I suspect check in's might be an issue. Any help would be greatly appreciated....

P_M

IMO there the top 3 things not to miss are the Casa Batllo, the Sagrada Familia and Park Guell. Of course there are many museums and other interesting places, but those were my faves. If you want a relaxing overview on your first day, you can take the Hop On, Hop Off bus.

If you can't check into the hotel on arrival, they will hold your bags until later so you can begin your visit. I hope someone else can recommend accommodations as I can't recall the name of our hotel.

memejs

We just spent 5 nights at the Hotel Gran Via. It was in a great location near the Placa Catalunya, a reasonable price, and our room was quite spacious for an urban hotel room. We could hear some street noise from traffic at night, but it wasn't too bad.

I second Sagrada Familia and Casa Batllo as must-dos (get tickets online ahead of time). I'd also put the Palau de Musica, the Boqueria Market, and Park Guell in my top tier of sites to visit, but make sure you leave yourself time for just wandering around the city! While you're wandering, stop by Gelaati di Marco for fantastic gelato.

Traveler_Nick

My comment would be it really depends on your interests.

You could just wander the Gothic looking for the few remaining Roman ruins.

I wouldn't recommend it personally but some people go to the beach. On a short three day trip it wouldn't be high on my list but if you need recover from the flight a walk along the promenade might work.

There are various markets.Mercat de Santa Caterina gets little press but is less touristy.

IMHO stay not too far from Placa Catalunya. Between there and beach. It'll be easier getting to everything. Sagrada Familia would be the main site further away.

petehoughton0265

thank you so much for the awesome information. We'll be there three nights before our cruise, any accommodation recommendations ? should we be looking near the cruise docks or other areas close by ?

Reading54

Stay in Eixample and not too far from Placa Catalunya for easy sightseeing.
The cruise port is only a short taxi ride away from city center. But don't stay near the cruise port, it is inconvenient for sightseeing.