Car Hire Barcelona - Great Online Car Hire Rates in Barcelona
If you are visiting Barcelona to explore the city alone you might not even consider hiring a car, however there are some fantastic destinations which are just outside of Barcelona and begging to be visited. Often flights to Barcelona are more expensive than surrounding airports; because of this many budget airlines fly to Gerona and transfer passengers on the final leg by coach. Often if you don’t look carefully when booking you can be flying to Gerona when you are expecting to arrive in Barcelona.
Flying to Gerona (103 Kilometers away) or Reus (106 kilometers away) could be quite a sensible option; if you take advantage of the cheaper price flights you can then look to hire a car for the onward travel to Barcelona. A hire car for your week stay can often be as cheap as taking taxi transfers from the airport. Then, take into consideration the fact that you will avoid any further transport costs during your stay and the convenience of your own hire car and it becomes the sensible option. Here are a few thoughts about where to visit in Barcelona and some great excursions to around Barcelona.
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Barcelona dominates a fabulous location on the North Eastern coast of the Iberian Peninsular. Perched on the edge of the Mediterranean Barcelona is actually the second largest city in Spain. Physically and in terms of population this size and popularity has made it the capital of the Catalonia region. If you are expecting to be able to use a little Spanish lingo in Barcelona remember that most of the public speak Catalan which can be quite different and difficult to use if you aren’t familiar with it.
As with many Mediterranean Spanish cities their history is steeped in high culture, turmoil, war, and various traditions from the many societies which have ruled here. The city dates back in history the second century BC when the Romans began a settlement on the site. In 1888 the World’s fair took place in Barcelona, the city was experiencing a huge economic up turn during the industrialization of this era. Barcelona has grown to the height of culture, art and Mediterranean splendor we recognize today.
Driving in Barcelona city center can be a busy and stressful experience I wouldn’t recommend driving around the center unless you really need to. A very modern and clean metro system connects most of the city and all of the places you might like to visit. However if your hotel is located a long way from a metro station or you intend to visit some places outside of Barcelona it can be very useful; you should also visit some of the fantastic white sandy beaches just outside of Barcelona. If you are starting in Gerona or Reus I urge you to spend a day exploring either of theses cities.
The majority of Tourists to Barcelona stay along the Ramblas many good and reasonably priced hotels can be found here. It will be the center for most of your nightlife activities and a good starting point for visiting other locations. The Ramblas is a long promenade which joins with the Columbus monument filled with street hawkers, acts, mime artists and stalls there is activity and Spanish life nearly 24 hours a day. Be warned though the Ramblas is also a hot spot for pick pockets and thieves who pray on the huge crowds of tourists. Be sure to keep your wits about you and an eye on your shopping bags when you stop to lunch. Keeps your eyes open when passing along the Ramblas there are some architectural treats which can easily be missed, make sure you spot the Palau de la Virreina; this beautiful 18th century mansion house sits next the Boqueria market.
I enjoy leisurely breakfasts with coffee, fresh juices and local pastries when I’m abroad if you’re the same a trip to the Boqueria market is essential this is one of the country’s largest food markets and a wonderful place to enjoy a breakfast whilst watching the busy bustle of Barcelona in the AM.
The further towards the sea you go on the Ramblas the seedier things tend to get, not really a place for families I’d suggest missing it out and taking a trip to the top of the Columbus monument to take in the fantastic views of the harbor and Ramblas.
The works Of Antoni Gaudi dominate Barcelona and you’ll probably have heard, read, and said the word Gaudi a few hundred times during your stay. In spite of the beautiful medieval quarter of Old Barcelona, the Romanesque and Renaissance periods it is still Gaudi’s modernism that attracts so many tourists. Instantly Barcelona is synonymous with Gaudi’s architecture and art Catalonia’s favorite man can be talked about for pages. It is impossible to see it all during a short stay so make sure you choose when you are going to visit. Gaudi’s works were ahead of their time by a long way make sure you spend a good chunk of your trip taking in Gaudi’s buildings but make sure you get to see the rest of Barcelona. |
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