Looking at the interactive map of Barcelona metro, I see that there are more bus stations than subways. If we were to stay in Eixample (center)...would we more likely walk to Ciutat Vella or take a bus? Is it really only 1 1/2 miles from north Eixample to the Port Vell area? The map is deceiving.

Are the busses exact change? Is Metro similar to say, BART in San Francisco?

I haven't used Bart but the Barcelona metro is easy to use and is pretty much like any other subway system. From the top of La Rambla (Placa Catalunya)down to the port is about a mile downhill. We took the train from the airport into the city. You can buy a T-10 ticket(10 rides) for 6E which is good for the airport train and the subways.

it depends where you are in the Eixample (it's pretty big). From Passeig the Gracia to Ciutat Vella is 15-20 minutes walking and there are frequent buses.

you can buy 10-ride tickets for both metro and bus for 6 euros. buses also accept change but it's more expensive (1 or 1.20 euros per ride).

so if we are to be staying in an apt. for a week in the eixample, should we get those 10 ride tickets when we arrive in the city? we are walkers, but would like to be able to take public transportation if we are tired from a long day walking/shopping etc.

Yes. Get the 10 trip ticket as soon as you arrive. Easy to buy, store and use.

The big advantage of buying the T10 at the airport, is that you can use it for the airport train and even your connection from one of the train stations on to any bus or metro. Because otherwise they charge something like 2,50€ for a single airport train ticket.

The T-10 can be shared if you don't think you will each need 10 tickets. After one person uses it and passes through the turnstile they can hand it back to the other person to use. It will keep track until it is all used.