Please advise on how to maximise Barcelona weekend stay

Wow I’ve been reading some of the stuff on here and I must say you guys are a friendly bunch! I’m glad I stumbled across Travellers point during my search for travelling advice and I have a feeling I have made the right choice.

I’m leaving the London smoke to Barcelona on the 24/04/09 – 26/04/09 (traveling solo) and would like to pack a lot in my visit with my limited time. I would appreciate some hints and tips on how best to spend my time from where to visit, where to eat, bars (jazz/blues) and I may even squeeze in a bit of clubbing (rnb) if time permits! Although this will be my first visit, I don’t want to hang out in tourist holes, so some local joints and culture would come in very handy.

I will be staying at the Hilton Barcelona hotel and wondering if there is a straightforward train journey from the airport to a station near the hotel?

Much appreciated :-)

First, Blues/Jazz isn't Spanish. Second, a weekend isn't nearly enough time. So, go see a flamengo dance. Eat paella. Visit the Prado museum and the town center. Drink a bottle of wine. Walk the streets. You'll find more than enough to entertain you without trying to find local haunts. :::a former resident of Spain::: Wait until you see the taxi drivers urinating along the road! LOL!

Quoting chortovka

First, Blues/Jazz isn't Spanish.

Jazz may not have originated in Spain, but there is definitely Spanish Jazz music.

Yes. However, I'd still recommend the flamengo dance and music. It reflects the passion of Spain.

Hey Travel-b

Such a great city, so little time hahah! You will find yourself on a busy schedule I´m afraid but don´t worry, it is totally worth it!

To start with the journey from the airport to the hotel (you did not give an address but I am assuming you are talking about The Hilton on Av. Diagonal 589-591): The train leaves the airport every 30 minutes or so and you should get off at Sants Estacio -also called Barcelona Sants- from here you can directly take the green metro line up to ´Maria Cristina´ which is closest to your hotel (about 5-10 min walking max).
If you do not feel like taking the train and metro you can also take a taxi from the airport which will cost you between 20 and 30 euro depending on the traffic.

http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/airport/barcelona-airport-transport.html

I know you want to avoid tourist holes but I can tell you, some are worth it! Check out Parc Guell and Casa Mila -also called La Pedrera- two of my favourites.
You could take one morning to walk from Plaza Catalunya towards the beach so you can have your lunch there. I would advise you to avoid the Ramblas when you do this. You might walk on it the first bit just to see what it is like but then, as soon as you can go the right or left into the smaller streets and find your way down to the beach through these. They are usually less crowded and you have a good change of walking into a small local market.
Halfway the Ramblas in these sidestreets you can find the Boqueria, which you should definitely visit. Budget tip: buy some fresh food here and eat it on the beach so you do not have to pay for restaurant food.
If you go to see the Sagrada Familia be sure to look for Avinguda Gaudi which lies directly next to it. Follow this street till the end and you will end up at the stunning Hospital St. Pau, be sure to go inside, it is free and very beautiful!

As for going out: the real nightlife (as in clubs) starts ridiculously late here, not before 2 at least. There are many smaller bars with good music that are open earlier but for the real clubbing you will have take a whole night, so maybe not the best idea for a three day visit. I do not know any jazz/blues bars but I am sure there are plenty to be found. Just search google

As for food: if you want to save on money then avoid the restaurants in the direct neighbourhood of tourist attractions. usually when you walk two streets away from them you will be able to find food that is at least as good but for a better price. Most traditional tapas bar - restaurants do not look really appealing from the outside but the food is usually good!
I went to a restaurant in the born district called La Luna, great ambiance, delicious food, reasonable price:

http://www.lalunabcn.com

If you want any more information just let me know!

OHannemarie
(Oh-Barcelona)

Oh, geez ... I misread. I mentally filled in Madrid instead of Barcelona. I love Barcelona and could spend days just sitting on the Ramblas watching the human statues.

Thanks a tonne guys, the feedback is great and really can’t wait to get cracking! I know I’m stretching myself and will probably be absolutely exhausted by the time I return home from the trip, but it will have been worth it :-).