Crazy – Barcelona in 24 hours

This is not our idea of fun, but sometimes time is limited and wanderlust is not. So these folks plotted their way around Barcelona in one day. No two people would lay out the same itinerary for a one-day visit anywhere, and I'd quibble with some of the choices in this article. Most important is to have a plan, or you could easily while away the day wandering around and stopping at tapas bars. Hey, that's not a bad plan.

This day started at Gaudi's Casa Batllo, on Passeig de Gracia. Given the time constraints, these travelers opted to bypass Sagrada Familia, which aside from being a bit off the beaten tourist path usually has long lines to get in.

Gaudi's Casa Batllo shares the "Block of Discord" with two other Modernista buildings. His La Pedrera is across the street and up a couple of blocks.

There can be lines here, but shorter. We toured La Pedrera last trip and waited in line about 30 minutes, then spent about an hour inside. If you want to see Sagrada Familia but don't want the wait, you can buy tickets in advance online at http://www.sagradafamilia.cat/sf-eng/.

After walking down to the Barri Gotic, the Picasso Museum came next, except the lines also were long there, so they switched to the Museum of Contemporary Art. Already they were spending a lot of time and energy on foot. This museum is near El  Raval, the crowded immigrant district that can be intimidating, particularly at night. Except for young clubbers, who go there for a bit of exotic fun. We stayed in this apartment in El Raval and admit to a bit of discomfort at first. But we found it just a lively, authentic area where you can buy great fresh fruit and grab a cheap drink.

Fruit stand in El Raval.

Our intrepid pair then headed to the waterfront, although they don't say exactly where; the decription sounds like Villa Olympica. Both that area and Barceloneta are quite a hike from the MACBA, and the route would retrace some steps. So, like much travel writing, I think this article is a bit fanciful.

For plenty of dining and drinking options you need to go to Barceloneta, not Villa Olympica. If the weather's nice you can relax on a bench like the three young fellows below.

The water and air are still warm in late September.

The biggest change I'd make to this itinerary would be to use the Metro, buses or taxis to get from one area to another. There's plenty of walking to be had within the Barri Gotic or along Passeig de Gracia without hoofing it between them.

To see more apartments in Barcelona or Paris, visit www.likelivingthere.com