Thinking about going to Barcelona?  It's an artsy city.  The harbor area is where the touristy action is.  Good food.  beaches,  bicycling.   But if you are willing to explore the city, the Gaudi buildings are  very unusual.  Taking in several makes for a full day adventure.


A subway ride from the airport, we stayed at hotel Hesperia.  It was comfortable.  The breakfast was good.  We loved the techno flavor but admit that it is a little out of the way.  Being right across the street from a subway station made it convenient to get into the city.



The Castell de Montjuic (castle, fort) is large and works as a half day activity.  It is on the water, just south of the Barcelona port where the cruise ships come in.  There is a cable car up to it that is worth the convenience.  But if you are worried about your budget, it is not a hard walk.




We tooka train from Barcelona to the famous Montserrat Abby.  It is a beautiful church up in the mountains.  You definitely want to take the cable car to get it the Abby.  There is a funicular the rest of the way up  if you want to spend a couple of walking along the mountain top.