Venice vs Barcelona

MookJong

MookJong

MookJong

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Anyone been to Venice and/or Barcelona for a holiday?

Me and my lady are looking for a destination to go on holiday this coming half term week. It's the first time we have been away together and first time I have ever been on holiday with a girlfriend, so not sure what to go for.

Venice is one of the options. I initially liked the idea romatic city, gondola rides, Italian food etc. But it might be a bit of a heavyweight destination for first time away. There is loads to see but it mainly focuses around architecture / art gallerys and the like which we're alright about but it's not the height of excitement is it.

Barcelone seems to offer a more City break type experience with loads to do, infact so much to do it would need some carful planning. The nightlife in Barcelona is a major plus also Venice has bars and clubs but not on the scale of Barcelona. Barcelona seems a bit obvious though, especially for my girlfriend who spent 5 weeks in South America a couple of summers ago.

I'm sure the holiday we be something special no matter which destination. Venice seems much more impressive and looking back in years to come I may regret not going, but the last thing I want is to be wandering round the streets on day 4 with not much to do.

So anyone with travel experience of these destinations, or any alternative destinations on the same theme speak now!
 
I haven't been to either recently but if I had the choice I would choose Venice! :D

Went to Barcelona when with my parents when I was little (toured the stadium etc) but as a couple I'd go for the more romantic Venice :)
 
Venice for me, around about Feburary/March time when the tourists are not about and the weather is nice and crisp.
As nice as Barcelona is, it's overrun with British bars and clubs meaning it's lost some of its appeal in my opinion.
 
Barcelona for me to, such a nice place!!!

If u dont want all the tourist stuff just avoid it there is more than enough real places and things to do with out following the crowds.

Havent been to Venice, but have been told it stinks! how romantic.... :confused:
 
You might want to think about Florence. Fly to Pisa, it's much cheaper, the train station is about 50m from the exit of the airport and it takes about an hour to get to Florence. Gives you the opportunity to see the leaning tower as well without the disadvantage of having to stay in Pisa, which is a rubbish place.

Florence is definitely worthwhile if you want art and architecture.
 
Rome is superb..and thanks to Easyjet very accessible

love it, love the history, love the relaxation, love the food, love the wine..and love the challenge of simply crossing a road without getting run over!
 
Depends what you like to see really, Venice is not smelly & you should get to see it first before it finally sinks lol

Dont believe the stories about £5 to go to the toilet & £15 for a coffee because its total rubbish, beautiful clean marble floored toilets are 50c & sandwitches & rolls etc are the same as elsewhere in Italy , they were filming Cassanova when we were there
 
FTM said:
Rome is superb..and thanks to Easyjet very accessible

love it, love the history, love the relaxation, love the food, love the wine..and love the challenge of simply crossing a road without getting run over!
Click to expand...

Don't understand the bit about crossing the road, the traffic in Rome is absolutely manic & they will run you down even on a crossing so must be two different Romes lol
 
Been to both (Venice once, Barcelona twice) - and to be honest, they are both pretty rubbish in terms of things to do - But thats my opinion.

There are so many better cities in Europe with better things to see and better bars / places to eat etc. If you like Architecture / buildings etc - they are great..... but I need great places to eat and shops for the missus - and a large selection of bars at night - I found neither of them had that. I also found Venice to be way too expensive, although Barcelona is realtively cheap... I also thought Venice was stinking and very dirty in places.

Seconded for Rome though.....a real city with character and plenty to do.
 
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Thirded Rome, so much more to do. Venice was nice and all but once you've seen the main square and crossed a bridge that goes over water you've pretty much seen everything you'd want to see.
 
Intresting, more confused thean when I started now! :(

I liked the Florence plan and getting to see Pisa (even if it was from the train).

So any other suggestions of places to go? Needs to be somewhere we can get to relativly cheaply.
 
Rome or Madrid would get my vote. I've been to them both this year (was in Madrid last week) and I like them both very much.

If you go to Madrid, make sure you go in search of food near Plaza Mayor. Stand in front of the building that says Plaza Mayor on it and leave the square by the front left hand corner from where you're standing. Go down the steps and there is a fantastic place for Tapas at the bottom. It is called 'Las Cuevas de Luis Candelas' and I try to go there every time I'm in town.
 
Go for it.

Also, to clear up one of my suggestions, you could do as I did and spend an afternoon in Pisa. The Piazza dei Miracoli (the grounds that the leaning tower is in) also has a cathedral which is great and the baptistry has the best sounding reverb... if you ask/tip the guard he will give a short performance of this by singing and producing harmonies with this reverb. I'd advise being in the upper gallery when he does this as it sounds even better.

The train costs nothing compared to english prices... much less than £10 for a return and you can see some of the countryside as you travel.
 
sinister_stu said:
Go for it.

Also, to clear up one of my suggestions, you could do as I did and spend an afternoon in Pisa. The Piazza dei Miracoli (the grounds that the leaning tower is in) also has a cathedral which is great and the baptistry has the best sounding reverb... if you ask/tip the guard he will give a short performance of this by singing and producing harmonies with this reverb. I'd advise being in the upper gallery when he does this as it sounds even better.

The train costs nothing compared to english prices... much less than £10 for a return and you can see some of the countryside as you travel.
Click to expand...

You have me sold...just have to convince her now :)
 
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