We will be in Barcelona next month and are still confused on the following :

1. We are taking a Spanair flight from Granada that gets into Barcelona at around 11.45pm. At this time of the night, I guess its best not to fuss with the Aerobus to Placa Catalunya and then taxi to our place of stay,the Fashion House B&B on Carrer del Bruc in the Eixample area, close to Passeig del Gracia. So wanted to know how much to budget for a taxi direct to the B&B from the aiport at that time of the night ?

2. We will be doing an overnight trip to Figueres and Girona in the order of Barcelona-Figueres-Girona-Barcelona. We will be travelling by train. Which train station do we take for the train from Barcelona to Figueres ? And when we return from Girona to Barcelona, which train station will we arrive at ? The reason for my confusion is that along with Sants station, trains to these two places are also served apparently by the Passeig del Gracia train station which would be great since we will be staying close by. Can anyone confirm this ?

3. If we choose to use the Barcelona Card we get a free ride on the Golondrinas. Is this worth doing and how long does it last ?

4. Inspite of checking out on the net still pretty confused on the operating times of the Tramvia Blau and the funicular to top of Tibidabo. Some sites say the funicular is closed. Anyone have any info on this ?

5. How much should I budget for a taxi from Sants station to the airport ?

6. What constitutes rush hour on the metros, any particular times to avoid ?

7. Heard and read a lot about the petty crime problem, we normally use moneybelts under our clothes, and carry guidebook, tissues and bottle of water in a daypack. But in case we buy some souvenirs etc, are shopping bags also likely to be snatched ? In which case, how do we mitigate this risk ?

8. Can we enter and see the Palau de Musica Catalana without taking the tour, or is the only way to see it either on a tour or during a performance ?

9. Read someone talking about a tourist night bus tour to see the monuments lit up. Am wondering if this is simply the last round of the Bus Turistic in the evening, or is there a special bus/tour ?

10. Is it worth doing the Sagrada Familia with their guided tour, or on your own with an audioguide ?

11. Would shops and malls on the Passeig de Gracia be open on Sundays ?

Thats quite a few queries, but then there's so much to Barcelona

Any help on the above would be really appreciated. Thank you.

TTT

Try breaking you inquires into more manageable form, one question at a time. You might find you'll receive some better responses.

7. don´t worry about it. some people actually carry their valuables in a plastic bag since most thieves go for the pockets.

8. I asked a similar question earlier and was told the only way to get inside Palau de Musica Catalana was either on the tour or seeing a performance.

1. I don't know how much it will be but the airport is only 10 km from the city so you won't break the bank.
2. Yes, most trains from Girona or Figueres stop also at Passeig de Gracia station, but not all, so make sure about it when you buy them.
4. The funicular is supposed to be opened again this month.
8. Palau de la Musica Catalana is closed when there's no tours or performances, that's why you cannot visit.
11. Probably, no.

Hey Kenderina, you are fast becoming my guardian angel regarding all things to do with this trip Can't thank you enough for all your help.

If you ever do decide to visit our part of the woods here in Mumbai, India, pls let me know if there's anything I can do to help.

And that goes for all the wonderful people here who take all the time and effort to help make my trips unforgettable experiences.

Thanks a ton.

Q2: yes passig de Gracia train station
Q7: no just be careful and keep and eye on your stuff when you're sitting in a cafe
Q11: Passeig de Gracia ALL closed on sunday, although there are touristy shops open in gotico, like carrer ferran

With respect to the Palau de Musica, yes, you must use a guided tour unless you attend a performance. You might want to drop in the day before to get your tickets. The first available tour we were able to get (in English) was a 1 pm. It might be good to do the 3 pm tour so you have something to do when everything closes down in the afternoon. The "first thing in the morning times" seem to be all booked in advance for school field trips.

I'd take a cab to your hotel unless money is really tight. The Placa Catalunya is large and busy and it takes some time to get your bearings and know which way to go.