The space looks exactly as it does in the picture, an absolute delight! The streets are very walkable and it’s pretty easy to get a taxi right in front of the flat. If you land at the Barcelona Sants train/bus station and have luggage it is only a 7- 9 minute taxi cab away. There are little markets and small cafes within 5-10 minute walking distance of the location, and the building is VERY safe, you have to have a key to both enter AND leave. The building is over 100 years and is in good shape and along with stairs there is a (very small) elevator. Manel was very attentive and responsive and gave some great suggestions on places to eat and visit, he also provides high speed internet for his guest.
Bonus: As far as getting around town I would suggest doing one of the hop on hop off tour busses as the city is very large! You can also get a fairly reasonable bus/train pass for 2, 5, 7 days