Things to Avoid in Barcelona

From sneaky pickpockets to rip-off restaurants and dirty beaches, there are a few things to avoid during a trip to Barcelona. Here, we take time out from telling you about things to do in Barcelona to tell you the top ten things to not do during your Barcelona city breaks.

Dangerous places: avoid empty streets, and also the streets from the old city. Avoid particularly Barri Gotic and El Raval, where the thiefs operate in gangs. The peak hours for pocket thiefs are 21-24 when most of the locals eat, and the streets are crowded with tourists, and also at dawn(3-6) when the target are the drunked.

Boutiques for leather accesoires from La Rambla. The leather is not the best, and the prices are shameles.

Gambling in La Rambla. You might think, that your chances to win are high. But keep in mind that almost all surounding people are together. Avoid also the gitanes who try selling you flowers, while they research your pockets.

Don't get sidetracked by the raucous "find the hidden ball" games on La Rambla. Usually played on makeshift tables, presided over by a skilled, nimble-fingered trickster, it appears at first glance to be a lively game of chance. In reality, it's a confidence trick. The lively folk who cheer you on are all accomplices who are in on the act. Though you may win the first few rounds, you'll soon start to lose, and you'll walk away with a much lighter wallet. Also to be avoided are the gypsies who try to sell you flowers and often pick your pocket at the same time!

Avoid attracting attention to yourself as a tourist. Keep cameras hidden, try not to display large banknotes and don't wear valuable jewellery. When consulting a guidebook or map, keep a vigilant eye on your belongings.

Unless you like cigarette butt-infested, concrete sand, scummy water with plastic bags floating around in it and hordes of boisterous beer-swilling tourists, don't go to Barceloneta beach .But that doesn't mean there isn't anything to do in Barceloneta.

About the Author

Log on to http://www.citybreakbarcelona.co.uk/ and you'll find everything that you need for great Holidays in Barcelona.

5 Historic Places to See in Barcelona

Today as Spain's second largest city with well over 1.5 million inhabitants, Barcelona is a true picture of modern Spain today. However, Barcelona also has a rich history going back well over 2000 years.

There are many sights to see in Barcelona, but here are some of the more historic experiences once can have when visiting the city:

1. Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter) - Here you will find buildings dating back to medieval times. Unlike many large European cities that paid a heavy price during the large scale wars of the 20th century and lost many of their old buildings (that is, if they hadn't lost them already through great fires or other catastrophes common throughout the past centuries). This is noteworthy because what Barcelona showcases for a city of its size is truly rare. You will find small winding streets, and quaint old buildings in this part of town.

2. La Sagrada Família - While construction work on perhaps Barcelona's most famous landmark began in 1882, it has never been technically finished. Even today, estimates don't have it finally built until 2026. The La Sagrada Família was also originally constructed by one of Barcelona's favourite sons and famous Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi (he is even buried there). The design features a near science fiction style set of spires, facades with detailed geometric designs on the interior.

3. Palau Reial Major (Palace of Catalan Music) - Barcelona's most famous concert hall built between 1905 and 1908. Very much still in operation today, the concert hall can seat up to 2200 people and holds the prestige of being Europe's only auditorium that is naturally illuminated during daylight hours which is provided by the huge dome-like Stained glass skylight. Make sure to check for any events at the Palau Reial Major while you are visiting for a truly magical experience.

4. Arc de Triomf (Triumphal Arch) - Looking and even sounding somewhat like a famous monument in France, however with a reddish tint the Arc de Triomf was built in 1888 for the Universal exhibition. The structure is a famous meeting point in Barcelona in some ways thanks to its close by train stations.

5. Barcelona Pavilion - Although nowhere near as old as many of the landmarks featured above, the Barcelona Pavilion still holds an important role for both Barcelona and modern architecture alike. Looking like it could be from a modern architecture magazine of today, the Barcelona Pavilion was originally built for the 1929 International exposition by the German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Reconstructed in 1983-1986, the Barcelona Pavilion provides a fascinating look into what the world viewed as the future of architecture during this era.

Barcelona is truly a historic city, don't forget to bring your camera when you visit.

NominalDesignHotels.com is a regularly updated global hand picked selection of design, boutique and eclectic hotels all around the world for a budget of around US$150 a night and under.

Featuring hotels all around the world, including the Hotel Vincci Condal Mar in Barcelona, Spain.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sam_Cassidy

Stag Weekends in Barcelona

Last call to feel free and independent, one last weekend of fun before growing up and settling down. Stag weekends have become more and more popular over the last few years. The recipe is pretty simple, but requires a few key ingredients: fellow blokes, lots of booze and a great location. The latter is undoubtedly crucial, as no party (let alone an entire weekend away from home) can pop without the perfect place and its surroundings.

There is a good motive if hundreds and hundreds of Britons opt to spend their holidays in Spain every year - sunny weather, great food and fantastic spots generate an Invincible Armada of fun. Let's face it, nobody parties like the Spanish! Thus, what are you waiting for? Grab your sunglasses and head off to Barcelona, the European capital of fun! When there, you can participate in all kinds of activities for stag weekends. It is the perfect position for a city, being on the coast with lots of beautiful beaches - sea, sand and sun all season long. On the other hand, there are a lot of museums and historic sights in Barcelona - The Foundation Joan Miro, the Picasso Museum and additionally the spectacular Sagrada Familia church are among the best, and let's not ignore the peculiar Erotic Museum, which might be exactly what you require for your stag weekend in Barcelona.

Also, a very good alternative is to just take a walk down one of the ramblas and see what is happening - it will not take you long to uncover something to do there! And if you are lucky enough to be able to get tickets, going to see one of FC Barcelona's football matches is always a great pick to hang out with the guys. At night, enjoy everything the city has to offer, from great restaurants (do not expect to have dinner before 11pm!) to bars and fancy nightclubs!

Check out some ideas for adventure stag weekends and take a look at some useful tips for organising stag weekends!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sammy_Jacks