Need to Know - Discover Barcelona: Experience the Best of Barcelona - page 98

Bus The hop-on, hop-off Bus Turístic, which leaves from Plaça de Catalunya, is handy for
those wanting to see the city's highlights in one or two days.
Walking For exploring the old town, all you need is a good pair of walking shoes.
Sleeping
Barcelona has a wide range of sleeping options from inexpensive hostels hidden in the old
quarter to luxury hotels overlooking the waterfront. Good-value options include small-
scale B&B-style apartment rentals scattered around the city. Typical prices for a midrange
room for two people runs from about €80 to €120 per night. Wherever you stay it's wise
to book well ahead. If you plan to travel around holidays like Christmas, New Year's Eve,
Easter or in the summer months, reserve a room three or four months ahead of time.
Useful Websites
» Airbnb ( www.airbnb.com ) The global network has hundreds of rooms and apartments
listed for Barcelona.
» Oh-Barcelona ( www.oh-barcelona.com ) Selection of good-value hotels, hostels and
apartment rentals.
» Barcelona 30 ( www.barcelona30.com ) Economical options for staying on a budget.
What to Bring
» An appetite for fresh seafood and excellent, inexpensive wines
» A Catalan phrasebook Although you can get by in Spanish (and English in many
parts), Catalans really appreciate the effort.
» A rain jacket Especially if you come in early spring or in the autumn.
Be Forewarned
» Theft Petty theft is a major problem in the city centre. Be vigilant and keep a close
guard on your possessions.
» Areas to avoid El Raval can be a little sketchy late at night, particularly in the southern
part of the neighbourhood.