The Balmes street apartment is a fairly well situated villa while looking to see the sites while staying in Barcellona.
The villa has automatic roll down metal coverings which significantly reduce the noise from the very nearby busy major thoroughfare. Make sure you get some help with the air conditioning. This is important as if you’re hot and sweaty and going crazy with the noise you will be extremely upset. It took a bit to figure out the AC. The AC and window coverings will be essential to an enjoyable stay. If you’re diriving there’s a parking garage about a seven minute walk away.
Our family of 7 has been adventuring with our college daughter who finished a study abroad and is spending the summer traveling. She was accustomed to walking 35,000 steps in a day so getting around to her is no big deal. We finally started taking the bus the last two days which was a big relief.
As described before there is a great pastry shop just below the villa and relatively short walk to Taverna El Glop which is a wonderful place for evening dinner. Check Yelp for all the details but the tomato salad and Iberian pork chops are crazy good! We went to mass at the modern catherdral too and spent some time at the beach. There’s a great little market near the plaza just before the beach on the left hand side. The have bocadillos and a great burrito to go.
Grab a sandwich, beverage and sit on the beach and enjoy!
Compare price and you might be able to save a bit staying farther from the Centre City. The upside to the Balmes Street apartment is the pastry shop downstairs and relatively close location to major sites. Bus route is right out your front door. Control the air conditioner and close the window coverings and you’ll be happy!