Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
forbabyandtoddlerclothesandgear.OrgotoGaleriesMalda(c/delaPortaferrissa22,Barri
Gòtic) or
El Corte Inglés
for more children's and babies' clothes and designer labels.
Services
Most establishments are baby-friendly in the sense that you'll be made very wel-
come if you turn up with a child in tow. Many museum cloakrooms, for example, will be
happy to look after your pushchair as you carry your child around the building, while res-
taurants will make a fuss of your little one. However, specific facilities are not as widespread
as they are in the UK or US. Baby-changing areas are relatively rare, except in department
stores and shopping centres, and even where they do exist they are not always up to scratch.
ByfarthebestisatElCorteInglés,thoughmostmajorshoppingcentresnowhavepull-down
changing tables in their public toilets.
RESTAURANTS, ACCOMMODATION AND BABYSITTING
Restaurants
Local restaurants tend not to offer children's menus (though they will try to ac-
commodate specific requests), highchairs are rarely provided and restaurants open relatively
lateforlunchanddinner.Despitebestintentions,youmightfindyourselfeatinginoneofthe
international franchise restaurants, which tend to be geared more towards families and open
throughout the day.
Accommodation
Suitable accommodation is easy to find, and most hotels and
pensións
will
be welcoming. However, bear in mind that much of the city's budget accommodation is loc-
ated in buildings without lifts; while, if you're travelling out of season, it's worth noting that
some older-style
pensións
don't have heating systems - and it can get cold. If you want a cot
provided, or baby-listening and -sitting services, you'll have to pay the price of staying in
one of the larger hotels - and, even then, never assume that these facilities are provided, so
always check in advance. Renting an apartment is often a good idea, even for just a weekend
or short stay, as you'll get a kitchen and a bit more space for the kids to play in.
Babysitting
You'll pay from around €10-15 per hour for babysitting if arranged through
your hotel; or contact Tender Loving Canguros (from €9/hour, plus fee; enquiries Mon-Sat
9am-9pm; 647 605 989,
tlcanguros.com
), whose nannies and babysitters all speak Eng-
lish.
CHILDREN'S ATTRACTIONS
If you've spent too much time already in the showpiece museums, galleries and churches,
any of the suggestions below should head off a children's revolt. Most have been covered in
thetext,soyoucangetmoreinformationbyturningtotherelevantpage.
Admissioncharges
are almost always reduced for children, though the cut-off age varies from attraction to at-
traction.
