Barcelona

Love Barcelona. There's a great fish restaurant down on the harbour, looking across to where the cruise ships dock. It's called La Barceloneta. If you like seafood, it's great to sit outside with a platter of fresh lobster, crab, mussels, langoustines and lovely accompaniments. Great place!

Even better use a body belt. I've heard of people cycling along and cutting bag straps as they go past people [I always have my bag strap across my body but that wouldn't help]. Las Ramblas is the worst place for pickpocketing I believe and they also target people leaving bars that are slightly the worst for drink [happened to some frinds of mine]. But, then again you have to be on your guard at all of these tourist destinations. It is a wonderful place though; I'd love to go back. Didn't spend enough time there when I went, although we did cram in a lot. The old quarter by the Cathedral [the old Cathedral with the ducks/geese?] was a favourite place with a wonderful antique market there.

Been to Barcelona many times. I don't want to be alarmist, but please be careful with your bags. Barcelona is known for this problem.
Make sure you have your bag in front of you at all times.
If you are on public transport and you feel that you are being crowded ( usually women) be very aware. Just make sure that you are holding your bag and everything is in it.
But I will still be going there again in a months time.

yoga We have been a few times and stayed in a hotel at the top of the Las Ramblas think it was the Universitat we booked direct with the hotel and got a good deal.
We have taxied and got the train from the airport but found the taxi was easier, its down to what you prefer, cant remember the price of the taxi but dont think it shocked us.
Dont just fall into the first Tapas bar on the Ramblas the one on the right hand side as you wander down from the top, its very expensive.
Use the tourist bus it seems expensive but you can get on and off at many of the attractions so worth a look at.
Have a wander down to the port, you can jump on a train and you end up further along the coast and there are loads of sea food restauarants, dont be dragged into the first you come to as it may not be the best.
We were warned of pickpockets and it made us very cautious but we didnt witness and bother.
Great for people watching.
I wish I was coming with you.

Take a boat trip around the harbour, very pleasant on a nice day.

that should be yoga

Hi *yoga& husband and I have had 2 lovely breaks in Barcelona. Both times we stayed in a hotel near the Las Ramblas and also near where the very efficient airport bus dropped us off, very central. I will do my best to remember the name of the hotel, it was fine, comfortable, and quiet because we were 5 floors up.

Depending on how long you are going for, I'd hop (and hop off ) the open deck tour bus. Barcelona is lovely, love the beachfront area, sitting having tapas and watching the world go by.

Also looking at Lonely Planet and Rough Guide websites.

Should have added that we plan to go in October