48 Hours in Barcelona
We stayed in the Hotel Arts Barcelona, which has a prime beachfront location and is just 20 minute taxi or bus ride to Las Ramblas. We preferred to explore the city on public transport. The buses were quick and easy to navigate and it was easy with a contactless card. As we checked in on a Friday afternoon there were quite a few other people checking in at the same time so we had a bit of a wait, which was softened by the complimentary champagne.
On arrival my son was given a “Arts Kids” backpack, with a map and sticker book, he was delighted. During our stay every single staff member greeted both me and my son, from the reception staff to dining staff to the porters. I can’t say for sure if it was the warm Spanish culture or the 5 star service but the staff were exceptional. We were upgraded on arrival to a Panoramic City View Room, and this completely lived up to it’s description, the view of Barcelona Beach was outstanding. To quote my 3 year old “Can we just stay in the room Mammy, it’s so nice?!” The breakfast was delicious with an amazing buffet selection as well as the option of ordering eggs or pancakes to the table. This breakfast was up there with some of the best breakfasts I have ever had.
The first day we arrived, after checking in and getting settled in, we went for a stroll along the beach, and had a beautiful beachfront dinner literally right outside the hotel. The next day, after some time in the roof top pool, we got the Montjuc Cable car to Montjuc Castle for amazing views of the city and we had some mouthwatering churros. I was planning to do a kids tour of the city, where they do a treasure hunt and take the kids for churros, but I left it too late to book and it was sold out. We’ll do it next time! I’m also hoping to return and do the Sagrada Familia, hop on hop off bus, the aquarium and the Dali Museum. All in all we had a great time, and we’ll be going back at some point, either as a city break or as part of a larger itinerary.
Barcelona boasts direct flights from Cork, Dublin, Shannon and Knock (Knock to Girona - Girona airport is 20 minutes in a taxi to Girona Train station and from there you can get a train that will get you into Barcelona Sants - central Barcelona - in less than 45 minutes).It’s also the start and end point for some amazing Mediterranean cruises, and it’s definitely worth doing a few nights pre-cruise.
Get in touch to book your Barcelona break or to see how Barcelona can tie into your next holiday!