Top 10 Barcelona (Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guides) [Paperback]

Annelise Sorensen (Author), Ryan Chandler (Author), Mary-Ann Gallagher (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2010

Drawing on the same standards of accuracy as the acclaimed DK Eyewitness Travel Guides, DK Top 10 Barcelona uses exciting colorful photography and excellent cartography to provide a reliable and useful travel guide in ebook format. Dozens of Top 10 lists provide vital information on each destination, as well as insider tips, from avoiding the crowds to finding out the freebies, The DK Top 10 Guides take the work out of planning any trip.

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The Top 10 formula is intriguing. (Chattanooga Times Free Press) --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: DK Travel; 1 Pap/Map edition (February 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 075666053X
• ISBN-13: 978-0756660536
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #642,860 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #54 in Books > Travel > Europe > Spain > Barcelona

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

126 of 127 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The perfect travel companion, August 2, 2005

By 

Vineeth Subramanyam "Author, Everyday Cooking... (Chicago, IL, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guides: Barcelona (Eyewitness Travel Top 10) (Paperback)

I decided to check out the Top 10 guide for Barcelona given the excellent experience I had in London with a similar guide on a past trip to the UK. I noticed the same compelling points with this guide as I'd noticed with the London guide -- a concise list of things to do in city, a list of various neighborhoods, list of best cafes/bars and sample itineraries for spending an entire day in each neighborhood, the top 10 things to look for at each attraction, and the best feature: the compact size of the guide.

But I was looking for more than just the above -- I was traveling to a city where people don't talk in English after all. What I really liked about the guide was the main map that showed all the important street in an uncluttered fashion, and the mini-maps that were included in the assorted Top 10 lists, making it a breeze to locate the attraction or cafe/bar. I also loved the list of the Top 10 drinks you'll find only in Barcelona like the "Orxata", the "Granissat" and of course, the "Sangria" that is refereshingly different from what you might have had anywhere else. There are similar lists for food items (definitely try the "Pallela"), shops, etc. These are the things that make you blend in with the locals with confidence.

I also loved the section on Streetsmarts -- when you're in a country where English is not the first language, you sometimes need a helping hand with even the simplest of things -- like what is the best deal on the Barcelona Metro? Should I buy single tickets or a "T-10" for 10 tickets? How do I make a local phone call? What should I avoid? (Answer: touristy scams at La Rambla). The Top 10 guide's Streetsmart section covers many of these "small" things on your mind and also include a few pages with popular Spanish/Catalan phrases with translation in English, eliminating the need to carry a phrase book, if any.

With this guide, I was able to see Barcelona according to my schedule and tastes. I took in all the touristy attractions and spent time exploring specific neighborhoods like El Raval, Eixample and interesting detours. Not a day went by when I wasn't glad for having this guide by my side -- and at under 10 bucks a pop, I'm quickly acquiring a collection.

59 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The only guide you need for Barcelona, January 21, 2007

By 

J. Hinckley (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guides: Barcelona (Eyewitness Travel Top 10) (Paperback)

I spent 7 days in Barcelona in Nov 2006 and though I did some research before I arrived, took only this book with me. As an independent traveler (no tour groups) I used it very heavily during my stay - not only as my primary map and metromap, but as my only reference for locations, hours, and priorities in determining my daily itineraries. I also occasionally used it for restaurant, tapas bar and shopping recommendations. It never led me astray.

It is very current - it even references that a few places will be closed for repair until month X to save you the effort of going there. And the way one large section of the guide is broken out by neighborhood makes it extremely easy to figure out the best way to spend your time in a given part of the city (it also suggests itineraries for each neighborhood if you don't want to plan them out yourself).

It's also a great size - easy to toss in a daypack, purse, or even jacket pocket.

I fully agree with the two previous reviews that the layout of the maps and color-coding of the sights makes it very easy to keep on track - even in a city as large as this one. And that Park Guell ought to be in the Top 10.

My only suggestion for how it could improve would be to give even more "tips" than it sometimes does on the sides of pages. For instance, visit the National Art Museum of Catalunya in the latter afternoon on a Fri/Sat/Sun and stay for the Magic Fountain display at dusk. Visit La Pedrera near sunset (unless midsummer does not allow it) and go up on the roof as the sun sets and the lights come on. It's magical.)

I've traveled pretty extensively and used a lot of different travel guides, others of which I can also recommend. But this is hands-down the very best I have ever used and I cannot recommend it highly enough if you are spending even one day in Barcelona.

42 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars There should be one of these for every city!, March 12, 2006

By 

N. Broodie - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guides: Barcelona (Eyewitness Travel Top 10) (Paperback)

It was the perfect guide for my independent trip to Barcelona. It is the most user friendly city guide I used (I've also used Rick Steves and Rough Guide). The guide first identifies the top 10 sites and then what I loved is that it marks them on a map with numbers making it really easy to spot. The map in the guide was great and in color. It made my trip so enjoyable because I knew what I wanted to do and where to get there. Also, becasue it showed all the locations of the sites on a map I could easily plan which sites to see all in one area and thus make the most out of my days. It also gives history behind each site and also lists the top 10 things to see at each attraction!
I loved this guide and wished they had one for more cities!

The one complaint I have is that I really think Park Guell should be listed in the top 10. I almost missed the park (where the tradmark colored frog is and Gaudi's home) but a hostelmate told me about it. It is listed in the top ten for parks but just be aware that that park is a must see.