Barcelona, April 1999

Barcelona is a fantastic, buzzing city. We took a four night trip there in April 1999. The architechture is slightly unreal and jaw dropping, Gaudi and Miro have made the city unforgettable. Take a trip on the open-top bus, you will see all the main sights and orientate yourself at the same time. You can get on and off wherever you like all day long, it's a great way to get around.
Our hotel was very central to the Ramblas, very Spanish and atmospheric. It was the Hotel Meson Castilla, www.mesoncastilla.com , we liked it a lot, we don't go for bog standard bland if we can help it. This one is full of lovely antiques, also the breakfast is included and quite good. TIP: Ask for a room at the rear, our's was at the front and the rubbish was collected very early each day.
The Sagrada Familia is still stunning, no matter how many pictures you have seen previously, but we weren't brave enough to climb up the inside, the people at the top looked like ants! Gaudi's Parc Guell is a great place to visit, also just to sit and sun yourself. We will long remember the fantastic flowers on the Ramblas, however beware of the many pickpockets that operate here. It was one of the few places we actually felt it necessary to wear a moneybelt.
If you are looking for a cheap meal in the evening with lots of atmosphere go down to the harbour and try the main tapas bars there. We had a great meal here at very little cost. There were other great things to do, so hurry up and book it, you won't regret it I promise!