Getting there

Planes

From Barcelona Airport (www.barcelona-airport.com), taxis will whisk you into town in 15 minutes, for about €20. The Aerobus runs every 15 minutes (€3.50).

Trains

The 25-minute train journey from airport to centre costs just a couple of euros; trains run every half an hour. Spain also has a reasonably priced national network. Book ahead, as trains can get busy (www.renfe.com). Barcelona’s Metro system is efficient – and air-conditioned (www.tmb.net).

Automobiles

Driving is fine once you master the one-way system, but finding a parking space (especially a free one) is a nightmare. Taxis are cheap, so it’s not worth renting a car anyway; and the train is perfect for day trips.