We'll be visiting Barcelona for the first time next summer. I've narrowed my search to the following two apt. because they have locations near Placa Catalunya, have A/C and bathtubs.

If you know Barcelona please comment on the locations to help me decide which to chose. I'm guessing the first apt. I've listed may be in a more charming area (but with no elevator which doesn't bother us). The second one is closer to Placa Catalunya and I think is in a more modern area with a shopping mall nearby. What else should I know about the area surrounding each?
http://www.friendlyrentals.com/en/ap...rtment-1-1.htm
http://www.friendlyrentals.com/en/ap...ent-1351-1.htm

The second one is on C/Pelai which is a busy 6-lane city (shopping) street leading to Pl Catalunya. While the location is great re. transport (direct bus to airport, all major metro lines, dozen of bus lines) & shopping, it's definetely not a cosy part of town. If the apartment was facing the street, I'd probably not like it.
Haven't been in that street of apt.#1 so cannot comment on that one.

P.S. Go to Google maps, search Barcelona, zoom in on the map, and switch to street view. That way you can explore almost any neighborhood.

Thanks for letting me know about street view on google maps Cowboy1968. I love "walking down the streets" of Barcelona.

The apt. on C/Pelai is on the area of the street that narrows to 3 lanes (2 car and 1 bus Lane) but it is still likely to be loud and judging from the apt. pics it does face the street. I see the Hotel Lleo is in the same area and when I checked trip advisor there were comments about the street noise among Lleo reviews.

Amwosu
We just returned form Barcelona. Stayed in apartment near Arc de Tiomf - in Eixample , but also right on edge of La Ribera. Quiet and near to park and metro. We walked everywhere. Placa catlunya is busy and noisy and congested.

We rented from Habitat Apartments - Alibei 2 apartment.

www.habitatapartments.com/en/barcelona/apartment

Have fun
Gohedwig

Thanks for the info gohedwig.