Topic Wiki

Barcelona
Links to Trip Reports: @Yehuda, Yehoshua, CGR
Kosher Restaurants: http://www.restaurantmaccabi.com/en/
Activities: Jewish Tours in Barcelona, http://www.urbancultours.com
http://www.barcelonadreaming.com/package/barcelona-jewish-tour/
Hotels:
Shabbos Tips: Stay at Hotel Condado it is about a 3 minute walk from the shul (local community), bear in mind there is no eruv, so you will need to either leave the room open or make some arrangement with the hotel, they do not offer keys (or have that option at all)
Public Transport options:
Guidebooks:
Other Tips: Jewish Community of Barcelona (Orthodox): http://www.cibonline.org; Go to the local shul and meet Rabbi Daniel Ashkenazi he is wonderful and quite helpful.

Madrid
Links to Trip Reports: @Yehuda, @Yehuda pics, Yehoshua, @zalc (Mini)., CGR
Kosher Restaurants: http://www.restaurantelaescudilla.com  https://www.pinatimadrid.com/  https://www.pizzeriarimmon.com/(teuda)
Activities: Toledo - a day trip from Madrid to see 2 old Shuls. Can hire a tour guide, Rabbi Hanoka (info@jewishtoledotour.com), which is not cheap, or can take a train on your own. 1 of the Shuls (El Transito) is closed on Mondays. @Yehuda went on a day when that Shul was closed, and the other Shul was really just an empty room and seemed like a Christian organization now runs the center. Without a tour guide, it was hard to get anything Jewish out of our trip (other than an antique store that had some Judaica). But, people who have taken the tour (discussed in the thread) have said it was great! Recommended to go with a tour or not go at all (and ensure to go on a day when both are open!). Report in the thread that the sometimes-closed Shul has audio headsets for use, so that would help. If going alone, you can research the Jewish places at the link HERE
Hotels:
Shabbos Tips: Chabad Site
Public Transport options: Uber works well, as does the subway if you speak Spanish.
Guidebooks:
Other Tips: Jewish Community of Madrid (Orthodox), http://www.cjmadrid.org

Malaga
Links to Trip Reports:
CGR
Kosher Restaurants:
Activities:
Hotels:
Shabbos Tips:
Public Transport options:
Guidebooks:
Other Tips: Comunidad Israelita de Malaga (Orthodox), http://www.cimalaga.es

Seville
Links to Trip Reports: @Yehuda, Yehoshua, CGR
Kosher Restaurants:
Activities: Jewish Tours in Sevilla/Cordoba, http://www.jewishsevilla.com
Hotels:
Shabbos Tips:
Public Transport options:
Guidebooks:
Other Tips: Comunidad Judia de Sevilla, synagoguesevilla@gmail.com

Gibraltar
Links to Trip Reports: Yehoshua
Kosher Restaurants: Amar's Bakery and Coffee shop, http://www.amarsbakery.com/
Activities:
Hotels:
Shabbos Tips:
Public Transport options:
Guidebooks:
Other Tips: Jewish Community of Gibraltar, http://www.jewishgibraltar.com

Mallorca
Links to Trip Reports:
CGR
Kosher Restaurants: Their is not - one restaurant serve felafel it's own by an israeli but no hechsher
Activities:
Hotels:
Shabbos Tips: The Shul its open on Friday night
Public Transport options:
Guidebooks:
Other Tips:
 
4500 IB Avios from anywhere to anywhere in the country
Best way to get around anywhere in this country is by scooter. It is safer driving them there since they outnumber cars by great proportions.
« Last edited by cgr on September 04, 2023, 09:01:01 PM »

Author Topic: Spain Master Thread  (Read 272133 times)

Offline DXD

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #780 on: June 26, 2016, 02:18:26 PM »
Can anyone recommend a nice hotel for one night in Barcelona? It  would probably make sense to be in the Las Ramblas Area near Maccabi Restaurant. Le Meridian looks like a good option but doesn't look like its worth the 20K Points. What other point hotels are near there? Is there a nice boutique hotel that reasonably priced?

Also, what would be the best way to make the most out of just one full day?

We had 1.5 days in Barcelona. Arrive Wed morning, left Th. night. Stayed at hotel Vueling, 5-10 min walk to the central plaza. If was good - we were not all that excited about the points options, and it was pretty cheap.

You can get a good feel in one day - Parc Guell up the hill, about 30 min bus ride (highly suggested), Las Ramblas (gets a little shady at night), Barrio Gotic Pedrera (we weren't that impressed, consider skipping). Sagrada Familia looks impressive from the outside.

Offline BrooklynCPA

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #781 on: June 27, 2016, 11:41:37 AM »
We had 1.5 days in Barcelona. Arrive Wed morning, left Th. night. Stayed at hotel Vueling, 5-10 min walk to the central plaza. If was good - we were not all that excited about the points options, and it was pretty cheap.

You can get a good feel in one day - Parc Guell up the hill, about 30 min bus ride (highly suggested), Las Ramblas (gets a little shady at night), Barrio Gotic Pedrera (we weren't that impressed, consider skipping). Sagrada Familia looks impressive from the outside.


Thank You very much. The Vueling looks very decent but I would like to be closer to Macabbi Restaurant area of La Ramblas. I narrowed it down to these 5 hotels that are within a short walking distance and reasonably priced. If anyone has ever stayed at any of these hotels please let me know.


http://m.nh-hotels.com/hotel/nh-barcelona-centro/photos

http://m.onixliceohotel.com

http://www.hotelespanya.com

https://www.leonardo-hotels.com/leonardo-hotel-barcelona-las-ramblas

http://www.royalramblashotel.com

I was also looking at AirBNB per Yehoshua's advice but I need 2 bedrooms and its not easy to find one that looks decent within a reasonable price range.

We are thinking of doing a 3 hour segway tour which is a fun way to get a feel for the city. We did it in Paris and it was a great experience.

Offline Yehoshua

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #782 on: June 27, 2016, 11:49:34 AM »
Thank You very much. The Vueling looks very decent but I would like to be closer to Macabbi Restaurant area of La Ramblas. I narrowed it down to these 5 hotels that are within a short walking distance and reasonably priced. If anyone has ever stayed at any of these hotels please let me know.


http://m.nh-hotels.com/hotel/nh-barcelona-centro/photos

http://m.onixliceohotel.com

http://www.hotelespanya.com

https://www.leonardo-hotels.com/leonardo-hotel-barcelona-las-ramblas

http://www.royalramblashotel.com

I was also looking at AirBNB per Yehoshua's advice but I need 2 bedrooms and its not easy to find one that looks decent within a reasonable price range.

We are thinking of doing a 3 hour segway tour which is a fun way to get a feel for the city. We did it in Paris and it was a great experience.
Not sure if the one we stayed in is available, but they offered a 2 bedroom unit as well.

Offline BrooklynCPA

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #783 on: June 27, 2016, 12:13:41 PM »
Not sure if the one we stayed in is available, but they offered a 2 bedroom unit as well.

Do you by any chance have a link? How far was it from Macabbi Restaurant?

Offline Yehoshua

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #784 on: June 27, 2016, 02:05:29 PM »
Do you by any chance have a link? How far was it from Macabbi Restaurant?
We stayed here. It's 1 bed and 1 futon, sleeps 4, 2 night minimum. It was a 5 minute walk from the restaurant. Here is the 2 bedroom unit she has.

Offline Luvtotravel

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #785 on: July 06, 2016, 02:41:06 PM »
do i need an international drivers license to drive in spain?
Don't wait for the perfect moment; take the moment and make it perfect.

Offline Yehoshua

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #786 on: July 06, 2016, 03:52:40 PM »
do i need an international drivers license to drive in spain?
I wasn't asked for one.

Offline Luvtotravel

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #787 on: July 06, 2016, 05:22:05 PM »
I wasn't asked for one.
tx. internet search was inconsistent info
Don't wait for the perfect moment; take the moment and make it perfect.

Offline zow

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #788 on: July 06, 2016, 07:10:18 PM »
We stayed here. It's 1 bed and 1 futon, sleeps 4, 2 night minimum. It was a 5 minute walk from the restaurant. Here is the 2 bedroom unit she has.
And, FWIW, here's where we're scheduled to stay for 3 nights in August: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/904862.
Three BR, sleeps six.  It also looks to be extremely close to Maccabi. We are paying just under $600 for the three nights, all in.

Offline Emkay

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #789 on: July 06, 2016, 07:14:39 PM »
I wasn't asked for one.
They wont always ask for one until you get pulled over.

Online gubevo18

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #790 on: July 06, 2016, 09:55:22 PM »
They wont always ask for one until you get pulled over.
+1 legally you do. If nothing happens your fine. But if you get pulled over.... You'll let us know :)

Offline Luvtotravel

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #791 on: July 07, 2016, 02:28:00 PM »
anyone know of an english language site to  book tickets to alhambra in malaga? very confusing
Don't wait for the perfect moment; take the moment and make it perfect.

Offline ypturner829

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #792 on: July 10, 2016, 02:29:39 AM »
 We are planning a trip to Barcelona in the end of October on our way back to Israel. I have a few questions.
What are the main things you recommend doing there? Is 2 and half days enough there? Where is the best place to stay? Is it good to stay near shuls and Kosher food, or is there a more central location that would be better?

Any info greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Offline SrulyS

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #793 on: July 10, 2016, 02:37:17 AM »
We are planning a trip to Barcelona in the end of October on our way back to Israel. I have a few questions.
What are the main things you recommend doing there? Is 2 and half days enough there? Where is the best place to stay? Is it good to stay near shuls and Kosher food, or is there a more central location that would be better?

Any info greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Welcome to the forums.

I was just going to direct you to the proper thread but I see you found it. Make sure to check out the links to Barcelona trip reports that are at the top of the wiki in this thread.

Offline ypturner829

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #794 on: July 10, 2016, 02:41:08 AM »
Welcome to the forums.

I was just going to direct you to the proper thread but I see you found it. Make sure to check out the links to Barcelona trip reports that are at the top of the wiki in this thread.

Thanks

Offline zow

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #795 on: August 16, 2016, 11:41:10 AM »
Hi, I have read Yehoshua's and Yuey's and @yehuda's TRs several times, and much of this thread, but I can't find and can't remember:
For Madrid, is it advisable to purchase tickets in advance for Prado and Sofia Museums and Royal Palace?  Someone went to the museums in the evening for free; Rick Steves says to get tickets in advance, even free, but website doesn't seem to like that approach.  Guidance?  TIA.

Offline Yehoshua

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #796 on: August 16, 2016, 11:44:32 AM »
Hi, I have read Yehoshua's and Yuey's and @yehuda's TRs several times, and much of this thread, but I can't find and can't remember:
For Madrid, is it advisable to purchase tickets in advance for Prado and Sofia Museums and Royal Palace?  Someone went to the museums in the evening for free; Rick Steves says to get tickets in advance, even free, but website doesn't seem to like that approach.  Guidance?  TIA.
We just bought tix for the Royal Palace when we wanted to go. There were no lines whatsoever. We didn't visit the Prado or Sofia Museums, but didn't see lines outside like at the Louvre in Paris.

Offline zow

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #797 on: August 16, 2016, 11:46:55 AM »
We just bought tix for the Royal Palace when we wanted to go. There were no lines whatsoever. We didn't visit the Prado or Sofia Museums, but didn't see lines outside like at the Louvre in Paris.
Thanks, Yehoshua.

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #798 on: August 16, 2016, 11:55:28 AM »
Only went to Palace. Had a 5-10 minute wait for the line. I don't recall seeing an entrance for those who already had tickets, not sure if that exists.

Offline zow

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Re: Spain Master Thread
« Reply #799 on: August 16, 2016, 12:21:43 PM »
Only went to Palace. Had a 5-10 minute wait for the line. I don't recall seeing an entrance for those who already had tickets, not sure if that exists.
Thanks, @yehuda.