1. In the old days, there were horse carriages running in the city and the octagons were cut out so that the carriages could see each other and not crash. The core city is still old buildings and architecture only being renovated or repaired. It's in fact symbolic of the city map 2. The taxi ride share services are not very focused as they have a brilliant bus service connecting to 3 major parts of city which most visitors use (unless they are at a luxurious place sending pickup) & the locals use the bus or metros as well. The terminals and city are well connected. Often, the cabs take longer than public transport
We’re in Barcelona now and just came from several days in Sevilla. It was so great. Small town vibes and very quaint. Had a great bike tour. Barcelona is massive and a much bigger city compared to it (we from Dallas tx so we’re used to big cities). We’ve enjoyed both for sure.
I think Uber was banned in Barcelona until fairly recently, so that might explain why it's so hard to coordinate with them at the airport. But taxi rides from the airport to the city center have a fixed rate and it's around 30€, so I don't think it's going to be much more expensive than the Uber ride. I recommend using the Aerobus which takes you to the center for about 7 € (although wayfinding for it at the airport is non-existent) or taking the metro or Rodalies if your accomodation is near a metro/train stop.
Sound like a great part of what you didn't like was because of going in the hot summer. We loved the place in April and found the beautiful detail on all the buildings to be outstanding. We used Welcome Pickups to get from airport to hotel and they were waiting for us right outside customs. I love your images of this fantastic place. Made me very nostalgic.
I completely agree about the intersections. I remember thinking how incredibly inefficient they are. I don’t think I could ever live in Barcelona for that reason alone
Walking, far distances?? 😅😅 sure you didn’t experienced Madrid or other cities in Latam. Not to mention the US suburbia-type cities or other big cities in Europe… I would say Barcelona is super walkable and not that of a big city at all
I'd agree that it's smaller than some cities, but it definitely seems more spread out than other popular spots in Europe. And the street design really seemed to have an impact. Not necessarily a bad thing -- just something to be aware of :)
Did you use an air b and b? Our host is asking for a copy of the passports of all occupants. They said that it’s the city’s rule for a year now to register for air b and b
We did use Airbnb and it's pretty common for the host to require a copy of the passports. I think you should be in good shape - just make sure to give them a copy and not the original. Hope that helps :)
@@camdendavid hi Cam, I just watched a video on Airbnb's - how disenchanted this couple are with the whole experience after years of travelling, also spending a month or months in cities around the world. They always did thorough research before booking one, but they had a bad experience recently where the owner accused them of breaking the geyser (not sure what that is in Americanese😄) which was not true, and wanted them to pay $900 to fix it. They took it up with Airbnb and won their case. I'd be interested in what your thoughts are on Airbnb's in 2024? Perhaps you could do a video on it?
Well, your "walking" point sounds.... ridiculous (I'm sorry for being so harsh). Unfortunately for locals, Barcelona is one of the most compact cities (the opposite you just said) in Europe. That's due to the lack of green areas compared to other major cities in Europe. So just check the density of the city and you I'll see your mistake. I don't think there are many cities in Europe with 2 milion hab. where you can cross such percentage of the city just walking 45 minutes. And as I said, that's a problem for locals, because the density of the city makes it less livable, but the history is what it is. Regarding the "octagons", again you seem to be wrong. There are no octagons. The octagon is only at the interesections. I don't think you end up increasing your steps more than 5%. But then, check how convenient is to give enough space for turning cars: They can stop at the pedestrian crossing without bothering pedestrians nor blocking the lane they just left. That block shape gives much more light to the street. I walk around 8k-10k everyday in Barcelona, not as a tourist but as a local, and that shape is much more comfortable.
No need to apologize! I appreciate the honest feedback -- it's how we all learn. I agree with you on the density but did find the city felt more spread out than others. And I totally see what you're saying about the octagon intersections -- definitely lots of utility provided :) As someone who walks 15k -25k a day, it felt like those intersections added some time to my commute. But perhaps my perspective was skewed from having to walk the extra steps in the August heat haha. Thanks again for sharing your perspective! You've got an awesome city :)
@@camdendavid I didn’t want my tone sounded irrespectful (sometimes dificult to balance it when talking other languages). Interesting what you are saying about BCN feeling more spread. Can’t argue it, because I’m used to the city. Walking in August in BCN? Mate, you are a f****** god, then! In august even 2 extra steps seem a trip to Mordor! Great vid!
Some context about the ubers: there is an ongoing conflict between taxis and ubers. In a nutshell, because taxis have to pay a taxi licenses and ubers don't, taxis argue that ubers have no right to operate. There have been numerous strikes with taxis collapsing Barcelona. So, although I disagree, I understand that Ubers don't have a designed place in the airport.
Nice video tough Barcelona is not a spread out city. It is one of the most dense city in Europe. In fact, it has 9 of the 10th's most dense km2 in the EU with some parts with around 45thousand citizens/sqm. 16.000 citizens/sqm on average so it really is a maximun sponent of a pack city. It is so well design that your perception is the opposite 😂
Lack of cafe culture? Walking distance? Spread out city? hmmmm. Also the the octagon streets are to give more functionality/parking areas in whats the very condensed city.
@@camdendavid The city is crazy compact compared to other popular euro destinations. Its loaded with coffee culture, just not in the centre as that's geared towards tourists/fast purchases.
Yo 7:47 You are really complaining about the very best thing of the Cerdà plan. Really? The chaflanes, those octogones, are the best inventions ever, for a growing city. They are amazing for visibility and safety, and give more space to the actual street. I’m sorry you got tired. Please, investigate a little more about them. An innovation of its time.. From someone from Barcelona with love PS: Yes, the whole city is becoming a tourist attraction or circus, there used to be more bars/cafe around but big chains just are the only ones that can pay the abusive prices now. Gentrification
Hey ,,,, great video,,,I´m from Barcelona....I disagree about laking of Coffee places...there is a booming of cafes shops where you can seat and relax drinking your coffee,,,It is difficult no bumping one.... Anyway, you were kind when it comes to bad thinks about barcelona as you dint point pick pockets, dirty streets, traffic and others...
Did you love or hate Barcelona after your first visit?
1. In the old days, there were horse carriages running in the city and the octagons were cut out so that the carriages could see each other and not crash. The core city is still old buildings and architecture only being renovated or repaired. It's in fact symbolic of the city map
2. The taxi ride share services are not very focused as they have a brilliant bus service connecting to 3 major parts of city which most visitors use (unless they are at a luxurious place sending pickup) & the locals use the bus or metros as well. The terminals and city are well connected. Often, the cabs take longer than public transport
Thanks for sharing all this! Great to know and much appreciated :)
It's always great to hear your perspective. Thanks for your reports!
Thanks for always tuning in! Really appreciate your support :)
I know it is too late for you, but I hear this - use the Aerobus when you leave the airport
Will do the next time I'm in town!
Barcelona is a spread out city?! Have you taken a look at population density across the different cities you're thinking about?
Sure have! Just feels verryy spread out compared to others in Europe. Not necessarily a bad thing -- just something travelers should keep in mind :)
LOVE, love, love that late night culture!
Love
Please try Seville at some point! Curious to see your comparison to Barcelona - lived there many years ago.
It's on my list!
We’re in Barcelona now and just came from several days in Sevilla. It was so great. Small town vibes and very quaint. Had a great bike tour. Barcelona is massive and a much bigger city compared to it (we from Dallas tx so we’re used to big cities). We’ve enjoyed both for sure.
Cool hope we’ll be seeing a video on it!
I think Uber was banned in Barcelona until fairly recently, so that might explain why it's so hard to coordinate with them at the airport. But taxi rides from the airport to the city center have a fixed rate and it's around 30€, so I don't think it's going to be much more expensive than the Uber ride.
I recommend using the Aerobus which takes you to the center for about 7 € (although wayfinding for it at the airport is non-existent) or taking the metro or Rodalies if your accomodation is near a metro/train stop.
Thanks for this!
Sound like a great part of what you didn't like was because of going in the hot summer. We loved the place in April and found the beautiful detail on all the buildings to be outstanding. We used Welcome Pickups to get from airport to hotel and they were waiting for us right outside customs. I love your images of this fantastic place. Made me very nostalgic.
I think that's a fair assessment! I'm looking forward to visiting when it's a bit cooler out haha. Thanks again for the support :)
I completely agree about the intersections. I remember thinking how incredibly inefficient they are. I don’t think I could ever live in Barcelona for that reason alone
Funny to think it’s notable enough for both of us to be talking about it on the internet haha
Walking, far distances?? 😅😅 sure you didn’t experienced Madrid or other cities in Latam. Not to mention the US suburbia-type cities or other big cities in Europe… I would say Barcelona is super walkable and not that of a big city at all
I'd agree that it's smaller than some cities, but it definitely seems more spread out than other popular spots in Europe. And the street design really seemed to have an impact. Not necessarily a bad thing -- just something to be aware of :)
Did you use an air b and b? Our host is asking for a copy of the passports of all occupants. They said that it’s the city’s rule for a year now to register for air b and b
We did use Airbnb and it's pretty common for the host to require a copy of the passports. I think you should be in good shape - just make sure to give them a copy and not the original. Hope that helps :)
@@camdendavid hi Cam, I just watched a video on Airbnb's - how disenchanted this couple are with the whole experience after years of travelling, also spending a month or months in cities around the world. They always did thorough research before booking one, but they had a bad experience recently where the owner accused them of breaking the geyser (not sure what that is in Americanese😄) which was not true, and wanted them to pay $900 to fix it. They took it up with Airbnb and won their case. I'd be interested in what your thoughts are on Airbnb's in 2024? Perhaps you could do a video on it?
Good video but the gps is wrong. Downtown Barcelona is a club not the actual city's downtown with Plaça Catalunya as reference ;).
Nice catch haha
Great video ! But your end screen shows a video from Airbnb Cape Town. 🤕
Thanks for letting me know! I just updated that :)
Well, your "walking" point sounds.... ridiculous (I'm sorry for being so harsh). Unfortunately for locals, Barcelona is one of the most compact cities (the opposite you just said) in Europe. That's due to the lack of green areas compared to other major cities in Europe. So just check the density of the city and you I'll see your mistake. I don't think there are many cities in Europe with 2 milion hab. where you can cross such percentage of the city just walking 45 minutes. And as I said, that's a problem for locals, because the density of the city makes it less livable, but the history is what it is. Regarding the "octagons", again you seem to be wrong. There are no octagons. The octagon is only at the interesections. I don't think you end up increasing your steps more than 5%. But then, check how convenient is to give enough space for turning cars: They can stop at the pedestrian crossing without bothering pedestrians nor blocking the lane they just left. That block shape gives much more light to the street. I walk around 8k-10k everyday in Barcelona, not as a tourist but as a local, and that shape is much more comfortable.
No need to apologize! I appreciate the honest feedback -- it's how we all learn. I agree with you on the density but did find the city felt more spread out than others. And I totally see what you're saying about the octagon intersections -- definitely lots of utility provided :) As someone who walks 15k -25k a day, it felt like those intersections added some time to my commute. But perhaps my perspective was skewed from having to walk the extra steps in the August heat haha. Thanks again for sharing your perspective! You've got an awesome city :)
@@camdendavid I didn’t want my tone sounded irrespectful (sometimes dificult to balance it when talking other languages). Interesting what you are saying about BCN feeling more spread. Can’t argue it, because I’m used to the city. Walking in August in BCN? Mate, you are a f****** god, then! In august even 2 extra steps seem a trip to Mordor! Great vid!
Some context about the ubers: there is an ongoing conflict between taxis and ubers. In a nutshell, because taxis have to pay a taxi licenses and ubers don't, taxis argue that ubers have no right to operate. There have been numerous strikes with taxis collapsing Barcelona. So, although I disagree, I understand that Ubers don't have a designed place in the airport.
Thanks for sharing this! Great to know
I noticed the octagon streets today and thought I was the only one annoyed that it made my walks longer 😂
Hahaha glad to know I'm not the only one
Nice video tough Barcelona is not a spread out city. It is one of the most dense city in Europe. In fact, it has 9 of the 10th's most dense km2 in the EU with some parts with around 45thousand citizens/sqm. 16.000 citizens/sqm on average so it really is a maximun sponent of a pack city. It is so well design that your perception is the opposite 😂
So true haha
Lack of cafe culture? Walking distance? Spread out city? hmmmm. Also the the octagon streets are to give more functionality/parking areas in whats the very condensed city.
Felt like that to me :)
@@camdendavid The city is crazy compact compared to other popular euro destinations. Its loaded with coffee culture, just not in the centre as that's geared towards tourists/fast purchases.
Yo 7:47 You are really complaining about the very best thing of the Cerdà plan. Really? The chaflanes, those octogones, are the best inventions ever, for a growing city. They are amazing for visibility and safety, and give more space to the actual street. I’m sorry you got tired.
Please, investigate a little more about them. An innovation of its time..
From someone from Barcelona with love
PS: Yes, the whole city is becoming a tourist attraction or circus, there used to be more bars/cafe around but big chains just are the only ones that can pay the abusive prices now. Gentrification
Hey ,,,, great video,,,I´m from Barcelona....I disagree about laking of Coffee places...there is a booming of cafes shops where you can seat and relax drinking your coffee,,,It is difficult no bumping one.... Anyway, you were kind when it comes to bad thinks about barcelona as you dint point pick pockets, dirty streets, traffic and others...
Appreciate you sharing! Any coffee places you'd recommend?
I didn’t like it at all
I hear that a lot. Which parts didn't you like?