Children’s Barcelona - The Rough Guide to Barcelona - page 381

Taking your children to Barcelona doesn't pose insurmountable travel problems. On
the whole, once you're happily ensconced, and have cracked the transport system,
you'll find that your children will be given a warm welcome almost everywhere you
go. There's plenty to do, whether it's a day at the beach or a daredevil cable-car ride,
while if you coincide with one of Barcelona's festivals, you'll be able to join in with
the local celebrations, from sweet-tossing and puppet shows to fireworks and human
castles. “Children's attractions” rounds up the best of the options for keeping every-
bodyhappy;forsportingsuggestionsandoutdooractivities,seeChapter20.Finally,for
plenty more ideas, check out the English-language resource and support site kidsin-
barcelona.com , whichispackedwithinformationoneverythingfromsafeplayareasto
babysitting services.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
The metro and FGC With very young children, the main problem is using public transport,
especially the metro, which seems almost expressly designed to thwart access for pushchairs
and buggies. Most stations are accessed by stairs or escalators, and there are steps and stairs
within the system itself, making it difficult for single travellers with young children to get
aroundeasily.Evenwithtwoadults,youoftenfaceastiffclimboutofstationswiththepush-
chair. However, the stations on lines 1 and 2 - including Universitat, Catalunya, Passeig de
Gràcia and Sagrada Família - are accessible by lift from street level, and many FGC stations
have lifts to the platforms, too, including Espanya (for Montserrat trains) and Avinguda del
Tibidabo (for Tibidabo).
Buses All city buses have been adapted for wheelchair access and so have room to handle a
buggy.
Tickets Children under 4 travel free on public transport, while there are reduced prices for
tickets on the sightseeing Bus Turístic and the cable cars.
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PRODUCTS, CLOTHES AND SERVICES
Products Disposable nappies (diapers), baby food, formula milk and other standard items
are widely available in pharmacies and supermarkets, though not necessarily with the same
range or brands that you will be used to at home. Organic baby food is getting easier to come
by, though it's best to look in health-food stores rather than supermarkets - and most Span-
ish non-organic baby foods contain small amounts of sugar or salt. If you require anything
specific for your baby or child, either bring it with you or check with the manufacturer about
equivalent brands.
Clothing For relatively cheap, well-made babies' and children's clothing, Prénatal ( pren-
atal.es ) has an excellent range, and there are branches all over the city. Chicco (branches at
Ronda de Sant Pere 13 and in Diagonal Mar shopping centre; www.chicco.es ) is the place