I'm just back from a long weekend in Barcelona and its obviously a nice city to visit but am not sure its great for Solo travellers. When I travel totally alone I tend to do a lot of people watching and also chat to a few people especially on a evening when I go out for a meal and cople of drinks.
However that was the problem, I found most people that was about where usually couples if not large groups of friends. Suspect its one of them destinations that couples go for a romantic break similar to the likes of Rome or Paris.
On my own I often eat in Pubs and Bars as those that have travelled alone will tell you restaurants arn't great fun, tendency is to sit there twiddling your thumbs.
Plenty of Tapas Bars but again I see it as something you would go for as a couple and share the diferent plates.
Well first two nights I ate at a couple of Irish Pubs which is usually a safe bet but to be honest Barcelona's Irish Pubs wasn't the best. First night it was largest place called Dunnes and the food was just about acceptable but not a massive choice.
2nd night a place called O'Haras and it was terrible, advertised as a irish bar and restaurant and it was basically a microwave hidden in a back room. Place was quite small but there was a group of very drunk English Women obviously on a hen do. Thought they were very rude to the locals and made me a little ashamed to be British, main thingi thought was some poor sod is gong to marry one of these.
After two average meals I decided to do a restaurant on the third night, cant remember the name but it was close to the Cathedral. I had Veal which I must admit was excellent just a shame I felt like "Billy no Mates" sat waiting for it.
4th night dd a little Italian Place and had a Pasta dish which was nice, actually ate quite early and the place was quiet and had a nice conversation with the staff.
Did look for some entertainment and visited one place which advertised live music and lets just say the singer wont be auditioning for "The Voice", terrible it was, luckily he started before I'd ordered a drink so walked straight out.
Got lots of warnings to watch out for pickpockets but to be honest it seemed a very safe city to me, never once felt any danger. Although got a discount offer from a lady of the night (which i refused before anyone asks).
So that is the negatives on Solo travel and before i tell you about what I did during the day I must say was very pleased with the food provided on British Airways flights. I flew from Manchester to Heathrow early morning and they gave me a nice toasted sandwich (wasn't really expecting much as only a 40 min flight). Then after a wait in Heathrow i got the flight to Barcelona and it was a Charcoaled chicken and roasted peppers in a flat bread, really enjoyed and was happy we got the same on the return to England.
The red route to the Palace, Olympic Stadium, Placa Espanya, Port Vell, Port Olympic, etc.
I never visited any museums as ran out of time but would have liked to have done the Maritime Museum if I'd been there another day.
Plenty of Art museums and interesting architecture if those things rock your boat.
Also considered watching Barcelona as they played on the Sunday but kick off was a 9pm which i consdered too late so didn't bother. Tickets where easily available at places in the town for people interested.
Glad I went, its just a case of where next ?
Barcelona is somewhere I have always considered Mick. Sounds interesting. And oh may I say that Milan eating wise is very kind to single travellers. Had nearly a day there on my own last time I went over as my friend was called into work at the last moment. I didn't have any probs. I LOVE MILAN!! :)
ReplyDeleteAnd where next? Well we have the little matter of Slovenia. :)
Slovenia is next I've got booked (less than 2 months) but not counting out another long weekend before. Never done Milan maybe I should, but so many places makes it hard to decide.
ReplyDeleteAh shame the eating out aspect wasn't good for you. This would definitely be what I'd find most difficult. I've been to Barcelona twice and loved it, but I wasn't on my own. But still sounds like you had a good time. Maybe you should have followed the result of your poll... :)
ReplyDeleteYes ean everywhere seemed to be couples with the odd group. If I'd been with others it would have been restaurants and tapas bars and reckon that would have been good.
ReplyDeleteWell Berlin is definately on the list that i'll do but Barcalona got the nod this time because of the weather at this time of year. Well that and the fact i got the flights for £1 through an AVIOS special offer.
Ah well, can't beat flights for £1. Was that using your avios (miles) or an offer? I go to Shetland every summer and use Avios for my flights. 2 years ago the flight was totally 'free'. Last year I had to pay £25 tax/charges. This year I've had to pay £50 tax/charges because, they said, it's with Flybe. So not as cheap as it used to be. I've heard Berlin is a great city to visit.
ReplyDeleteJean,
ReplyDeleteYes it was with avios points it was £1 plus 15,000 points. It was a 48 hour offer they emailed to me (its normally £35 + appropriate points for anywhere in europe), had to make a quick decision. So i actually saved £34 but did also get a good hotel deal through them paid £219 and that included breakfast. I checked the same hotel on expedia and a couple of other sites and it was £315 without breakfast, so reckon avios did me proud.
The thing i like about avios i although the flights were from heathrow they actually give free transfers from anywhere if BA do the route. I went from Manchester and ok would be nice to fly direct but for what i paid it was only a minor inconvenience.
I fancy Berlin too lol. Love the pics Mick. Gotta get you to San Siro though. That is an experience and a half!
ReplyDeleteI've heard lots of good things about Berlin, very easy to get around on the trams & subway apparently. Often you can get good deals in prime season (July & August) so I'll be on the look out.
ReplyDeleteBeen a Leeds fan I've good memories of the San Siro (beat AC Milan last time played there), wish i was there that night.