Barcelona, Spain

May 1, 2015 arrived at Barcelona cruise terminal.C. I was doing Transatlantic Cruise with Allure of the Seas by Royal Caribbean Cruises. The ship arrived very early, it could be 3 AM. Passengers allowed to leave around 6 AM. Allure of the Seas is the largest cruise ship at this time, so terminal B and C are designated for Allure passengers. I have purchased excursion for sightseeing first then drop at city center, so the  terminal is C. It is a well organized terminal, quite easy to find my luggage. Immigration is very simple. Our tour bus is waiting outside the terminal., If you like to hire a taxi, there are too many taxis are waiting for you.

Our first stop is to view the harbour and City from a hill or park site. There is gondola ride between hill top and the harbour. Excursion too us to the top of the hill. We have 20 minutes to see the harbour and the city.

The bus then drove us from the hill park to 1992 Olympic park. It did not stop, just drove through. I believe I need to come back for a personal visit. The area is very beautiful.

Olympic Stadium

 Swimming Pool

 Spanish Plaza

 Bull fighting Arena

We just sit on the bus the listen to the tour guide to go through Barcelona downtown and those famous buildings. The streets are fantastic with beautiful green trees. Buildings are just amazing, think about those architects how can they mix them so smoothly.

The major and the only attraction the bus stopped for us to visit is the Cathedral of Barcelona. Tons of visitors are there. Plaza Catalunya is treated as the city center with stores, bus and subway, etc. It is May 1, so everything is closed except those who want to gather to protest government and some restaurants, McDonald and Burger King are open. We had a reasonable stay to see the historical area and the church.

Bus drove us through Barcelona. There are tons of attractions, but you have to pay for the admission. Public transportation in the city is very convenient, you can use bus or Metro. Metro is very affordable, buy 10 rides for about 10 Euro, you can visit almost everywhere in the city. Walk around is the best way to know a city. It is comfortable to walk under trees. There are McDonald, Burger King, KFC, Subway, TACO Bell, and surprisingly Dunkin Donuts which offers 1 euro for 1 cup of coffee. Many pastry store has 1 coffee and 1 croissant  for 1.60. Most restaurant has menu with price posted. My own impression, food is not cheap here. Chinese restaurant price is almost the same as local.

Casa Milo

 Casa Barllo

 Sagrada Familia

 Our tour finished at University of Barcelona. My hotel is on Aribau, that is right at the intersection, so we walked to our hotel. It is 3 blocks away. After checking in, we just start our exploration of the city.

 This McDonald on Pelai and La Ramble, it is in Catalynya Plaza 

area, one Burger King is its neighbor. Coupon special is distributed by one employee

on the street. This special is Euro 3.99, much cheaper than in Canada. 

 Columbus Monument

 Spanish rice for dinner.

 Movie theater on Aribau, that is in University of Barcelona neighbourhood

We are leaving on May 2, 2015. There is Aerobus st Catalunya Plaza. One trip is Euro 5.90, 24 hour operating and the schedule is every 5 minutes. The location is so convenient, most people take Aero bus to the airport.

A small pool on top of Hotel Cram

 Catalunya plaza

If you like to visit there by yourself:
1. Find a hotel near Catalunya Plaza (city center) area, so you can save money by using Aerobus and Metro.
2. Buy 10 Metro tickets and save money. Go everywhere by Metro.
3. Watch your wallet. Do not keep a wallet in your pocket, put it under your shirt. When you walk on La Ramble or using Metro, just put attention to anyone who is getting closer to you.
4. Keep you passport, credit cards and passport in your hotel safe. Just bring some money for food and drink. Bring one credit card, just in case you need to buy more expensive stuff.
5. Buy bottles of water, juice, simple food such as slice of ham, bread, fruits at neighboring small store or a large supermarket such as Carrefour. There are many pastry shops.
6. To and From Airport, Aerobus is Euro 5.90 one way. There are two lines T1 and T2. T stands for terminal. If you get off from terminal one, then you take T1 line to downtown and verse versa for T2. Aerobus stop is at Catalunya plaza. When you get to the plaza, you will see blue color bus. You can ask the guide which terminal for your airline. Normally, all famous schedule airlines using T1 and domestic and charter airlines using T2. Ask the guild to make sure you take the right bus. T1 and T2 are very far away apart. To buy the ticket - you can use machine if you want to use credit card or pay cash when you enter the bus and driver will give you change. Terminal 2 has very nice duty free shops, one Burger King and other restaurants. It is much economical to use fast food restaurant.