A tiny tour guide in your pocket (Eyewitness Travel Guides: Barcelona - Pocket Map and Guide)

Member Name: Chelle1969

Product:	Eyewitness Travel Guides: Barcelona - Pocket Map and Guide
Date:	06/11/09 (74 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Small, packed with information

Disadvantages: Not as comprehensive as larger guidebooks

When I was preparing to visit Barcelona for the first time earlier this year I wanted to take a guidebook with me, but I didn't want to haul a massive great volume around. I wanted something small, concise and packed with useful information to guide me through a few days in the Catalonian capital. A bit of research and I came to the conclusion that my best option was the Pocket Map and Guide from DK's Eyewitness Travel range.

After perusing the web I eventually bought a copy of the 2006 edition on ebay for the grand sum of £2.50 including postage (retail price is £3.99). There is a more recent edition available but I figured that there probably hadn't been that many changes since 2006 and as I was only going for 4 days this one would be fine.

The Pocket Guide
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When it arrived I was surprised firstly just how small the book was, it actually measures just 7 x 15 cm and about 8mm thick. On opening the main part of the book is on the left and a foldout map is attached to the inside of the back cover on the right.

The book is divided into 5 main sections each covering a different area of Barcelona; Old Town, Eixample, Montjuic, Further Afield and Day Trips in Catalonia.
These sections are colour coded on the page edges so you can quickly find the area you need from the colour key at the front of the book. Each section features various tourist highlights and must-see attractions, each with map reference, street name, opening days and whether there is an admission charge followed by a small paragraph describing the site and it's history. There is often a small accompanying photo but the major attractions such as the cathedral get a two page spread with diagrams, photos and detailed information. Also within each section is a small area devoted to 'Street Life' which gives information on a few of the more popular restaurants, bars cafes and shops.

As well as these colour-coded sections there's an introduction to Barcelona detailing some of the highlights and four pages about typical food of the town with a glossary of dishes. At the back is a small section with useful information about getting around town, also a 'survival guide' with info on money, banks, pharmacies, hospitals and some important phone numbers. Finally an index and a small phase book covering the very basics you may need as a traveller.

The Pocket Map
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The foldout map when fully open measures about 37 x 30 cm and shows central Barcelona in clear detail. Boundary lines of various colours show the various areas, which the book is separated into, so you can quickly reference the map with the book. Public transport (metro, tram, cable car, railway etc) stations are shown as are, of course, as the major sights of the city.
The other side has an enlargement of Barcelona Old Town and a map of the metro system: which I found to be very useful. Also included are a street index and a small map of the Catalonia region of Spain showing Barcelona's position within it.

Verdict
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I found this book to be ideal for my needs; it was the perfect size to keep in my pocket throughout the entire 4 days in the city. I would use it in the morning before leaving the hotel to see what attractions were of interest in the areas I was going to that day, and then when I arrived at a site I would whip out the book and read the little bit of information about it. I didn't bother reading the recommended bars and cafes preferring to find my own places to eat by site, but I guess some would make use of this section.
The map was great and although I picked up another map from my hotel I found myself frequently referring to the enlargement of the old town in this foldout map just for the sheer detail it showed. The metro map also got a lot of use and a plus point is that it's small enough to be peeked at without looking too much like a tourist!

If you're looking for an extensive and comprehensive guide to Barcelona then this is not the book for you. But there is a surprising amount of information for a book so small. I was very impressed, it's clearly laid out, it's easy to find what you need and it contains lots of photographs (useful for planning what to see). For a short trip or as an introduction to Barcelona then I would highly recommend this book, or its more up-to-date version - both of which can usually be found on Amazon.co.uk, ebay.com and all good bookstores.

Summary: A great little guidebook and a brilliant map