lzj21428 said:
Andrew, the three areas you mentioned, are they fairly close to the port? And is the port just known as the 'Port of Barcelona'?
Yes As I see it it is the Port of Barcelona or Port Veli the world trade center is in one island/pier.
http://www.apb.es/en/WELCOME
Bascaly directly up from the port, are:-
To the right facing north LA Ribera
Directly North La Rambla, Gotic and then Eixample,
To the left facing north El Raval this faces the Olmpic hill.
If you are in any of these areas you are close to the port and also well connected in the city my metro and close to attractions.
La Rambla is usually the first thing anyone knows about Barcelona so its a tourist trap, and the same as Oxford street in ways in London, everyone heads for it, and therefore people wanting to take your money in different ways head there as well.
There are good public transport connections on Metro and Buses and overhead trains and also good taxis, so you can go anywhere!
Eixample has the big shops and is centrally located, I prefer that.