In June/July I will be spending 3 weeks in Spain. I would like to visit Barcelona and the Basque country during that time. I know Madrid very well -- I have spend like 3 weeks there over the past 2 years. But I really don't know Barcelona at all.
First, I would like to stay in a neighborhood that is very much like Madrid's Plaza Santa Ana. Does anyone have a suggestion of an area in Barcelona that's like that?
Also, any recommendations as to where to visit in the Basque country?
Thanks,
Jeanine

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I know Madrid very well -- I have spend like 3 weeks there over the past 2 years.

I've spent over seven months in Madrid over the last two years and still couldn't say that I know it so well. :jeje: Everytime I go back someone points out some historical detail that I wasn't aware of. Six months ago I went with a friend and they pointed out numerious statues on the roofs that I'd never even noticed. One of my favorite discoverys last visit were two really posh restaurants that were also really inexpensive. I didn't even know you could eat so well in Madrid for so little. I'm sure Barcelona great (though someone else will have to give you the details on where is nice to stay), but don't write off Madrid so soon after such a short amount of time there. Also try doing a search of the threads as I seem to remember someone else asking a simalar question several months ago.

Viajes bien,
Bonnie

San Sebastian... You MUST visit San Sebastian!

Not sure where to stay in Barcelona - I always stay with friends. There are tons of cheap places on La Rambla if you're watching prices. If you're looking at a map and have the Ocean on the top of the page, try to stay to stay to the right of La Rambla. The neighborhood to the left and the part of La Rambla closest to the ocean is a little seedy.

Melinda

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The neighborhood to the left and the part of La Rambla closest to the ocean is a little seedy.

Melinda is right, it is quite seedy. With the quantity of towel heads there, your chances of getting robbed or assaulted go up about 9 gazillion times if you look foreign. To be perfectly honest, you should probably just avoid La Rambla at night if you can. It�s really turned into a piece of crap with all the drunk foreigners that go there, which brings more crime and a bunch of disgusting African prostitutes. :y:

Personally I would stay in L�Eixample. It�s a nicer area and more in the center of everything. Gracia is nice too, but it is a more residential area.

Hi

San Sebastian(Donostia) is the most well known and probably prettiest part of the Basque country. Bilbao is not so scenic, but does have the Guggenheim museum and a good nightlife in the Old town.
Fuentarabia(Hondarrabia) on the French border, is a fine example of a Basque seaside village as are Zarauz and Getaria, all within bus range from San Sebastian. You can do a long coastal walk from Fuentarrabia to San Sebastain across the mountain top.On the way , Pasaia ( Pasajes) is a fishing village worth seeing.
Inland, there a lot of beautiful mountain walks, one area I�d recommend is O�ati and Aranzazu, about an hour from San Sebastian.
The French Basque country has Biarritz and St Jen de Luz and also pretty mountains.
Food is fantastic, though not the cheapest. The Old Part of San Sebastian is particularly famous for its pintxos (snack bars) where people hop from bar to bar trying small snacks.
The weather is unstable, but when the sun shines there is good bech life.. San Sebastian has 3 beaches and an island with a small beach connected by boat. La Concha is the most well known,and Zurriola is better for surfing.
It does get very, very crowded in the summer and if you wanted slightly less manic, also in the Basque countyr are Getari( surfing) , Hendaya (very large and part of it is permitted for naturism), Zarautz ( but be careful of the waves).Bilbao has several beaches nearby.
If arriving from the UK, British Airways, Iberia and Easyjet fly to Bilbao, Ryanair to Biarritz and Iberia has some domestic flights so San Sebastain.
I hope this helps.. enjoy!! Let me know if you want more details on anything..

I have heard lots about S B..... Can't wait to go.