Where To Stay in Barcelona: Best Neighborhoods In Barcelona
Barcelona is such a large city and has so many neighborhoods that it can be overwhelming to find the best place to set up camp. I’ve put together a guide that provides an overview of some of the best neighborhoods in Barcelona which will hopefully assist in determining where to stay in this magnificent city.
With so much to do and see, you want to make sure you have locked in the right location for your accommodation, so you can spend less time traveling and more time taking in the sights of Barcelona.
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Where to Stay in Barcelona?
Find detailed information in this guide on the best areas to stay in Barcelona. If you are a first-time visitor to Barcelona, I’d highly recommend you look to stay central. Most of the best things to do in Barcelona are centrally located. For the sites that are a bit further out, you can always use the metro to get there.
You’ll find some great hotels around Eixample, Barri Gòtic and El Born. While areas like Gràcia tend to offer more family-friendly accommodation but can be a little further away from some of the main tourist attractions. Of course, every Barcelona neighborhood has a charm of its own and showcases a different side of the city. So, choose one that fits in with you the most.
To make this a bit easier for you, I’ve outlined some information on some of the best neighborhoods in Barcelona so you can plan your perfect trip. This takes into account some of the popular attractions that most people tend to visit when they are in the city.
I haven’t listed specific hotels or apartments as everyone’s accommodation style and budget can vary. Instead, I’ve given you a glimpse of the neighborhoods so you can decide which one is the best for you. We stayed in an Airbnb apartment during both our visits and loved the experience. If you are traveling with kids or want to save some money on meals, I’d highly recommend looking at apartment-style accommodation so you can cook some of your meals in-house.
Where to Stay in Barcelona: Best Neighbourhoods in Barcelona
Barri Gòtic: Where to stay in Barcelona for first-time visitors and sightseeing
If you are looking to stay in the heart of the city, there’s no better place than Barri Gòtic. Barri Gòtic, also known as The Gothic Quarter, is the historical and geographical heart of Barcelona and one that’s filled with cobblestoned streets, alleyways, small plazas, tapas bars, small boutiques, and cathedrals. This is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Barcelona and has an atmosphere like no other.
Barri Gòtic is also a quick walk away from the beach and Barcelona’s main train stations that can take you out into the suburbs and beyond.
If you are a first-time visitor and want to be central to some of the popular attractions and cute neighborhoods, then this is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Barcelona. La Ramblas, La Boqueria, Barcelona Cathedral, and Plaça de Catalunya are within walking distance from here. It is also an easy walk to El Born, El Raval, and Eixample and a short metro ride to Montjuïc and Gràcia. On the other hand, this part of the city also attracts a lot of tourists and can be quite busy and expensive.
There are a number of hotels, privately owned bed & breakfast, and hostels to choose from in this neighborhood.
Eixample: Where to stay in Barcelona if you are looking for an elegant and lively neighborhood
This neighborhood is home to Gaudi’s famous landmarks such as Casa Mila, Casa Batlló, and Sagrada Familia. Lined with beautiful tree avenues, Eixample is an elegant and more upscale neighborhood of Barcelona.
It’s a newer neighborhood compared to the Gothic Quarter and is not quite as saturated with tourists. With its excellent location and unbeatable transport connections, Eixample is one of the best neighborhoods in Barcelona. It is still close to the city center and home to some of the luxury hotels and designer stores in Barcelona. You’ll find more luxury-based accommodations and boutique hotels in this area.
Gracia: One of the best neighborhoods in Barcelona
Gràcia use to once be a separate village but now is a part of Barcelona. This quiet neighborhood is largely residential with young families. As you stroll through Gràcia, you’ll find it’s not as touristy as some of the other neighborhoods in Barcelona but is filled with locals instead. For an authentic evening out visit one of the traditional Catalan bistros and wine bars.
While the neighborhood is a little further away from the city center, you can easily take a metro to get to the city. Not only is the neighborhood known to have a number of squares and parks, but you’ll find the famous Park Güell, one of Gaudi’s most creative works of art, located here.
Gràcia is also known for its fashion stores, hip bars, and restaurants. Accommodation consists largely of budget-friendly hostels and a wide range of hotels.
El Born: Where to stay in Barcelona for nightlife
El Born is a small neighborhood that’s situated between Barri Gòtic and Parc de la Ciutadella. It is classed as the city’s most international neighborhood. Expats gather here from all over the world, so you’ll have no problem fitting in and finding some friends if you’re new to town.
Once the textile and clothing district, now there are plenty of boutiques, coffee shops, and tapas bars in this area. You’ll find a mix of churches, shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. Some of the attractions you shouldn’t miss here are the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, Palau de la Musica Catalana, and the Parc Ciutadella.
If you are looking to enjoy the city’s nightlife, you’ll want to look for accommodation in or around this neighborhood. Its location is quite good in that you can easily get to the zoo and Parc de Ciutadella on one side and Baric Gòtic on the other. You’ll find a mix of accommodations ranging from family-friendly midrange options, to boutique hotels, and several cheaper hotels.
El Raval: Best neighborhood to stay in Barcelona on a budget
Formerly known as Barcelona’s red-light district, El Raval is an up-and-coming neighborhood that is vibrant and features some of Barcelona’s most popular bars, clubs, and restaurants. It is home to the MACBA Contemporary Art Museum and Palau Güell.
I’d say this neighborhood is catered more to a younger crowd. El Raval has some of the more decently priced accommodations in central Barcelona and also a couple of luxurious options. Just be sure to read reviews before you book to ensure you aren’t booking on one of the sketchier streets.
Barceloneta: The best place to stay in Barcelona for families
You’ve probably heard of the famous La Barceloneta beach which is Barceloneta’s biggest attraction. La Barceloneta is the perfect spot to pack a picnic and spend the day at the beach making this a popular neighborhood with families. You’ll find locals sunbathing here or dining on tapas after a long day of swimming and soaking up the sun. Formerly a fishing village, Barceloneta now has some of the best seafood tapas bars and restaurants in the city.
The Barcelona Aquarium, next to the marina, is popular with families. In addition to this, you can find the cable cars that depart for Montjuic near the beach.
La Barceloneta is a short walk from the southern end of La Rambla. It is easy enough to get to Barri Gòtic and El Born. You’ll find an abundance of apartments for rent in this neighborhood and a handful of mid-range and luxury hotels.
Poble Sec – Trendy Neighbourhood with a vibrant nightlife
Located at the foothills of Montjuic, Poble Sec is part of the Sants-Montjuic district and a trendy neighborhood in Barcelona. It has an abundance of tapas bars, upscale restaurants, and live music venues. This neighborhood is great for exploring all the attractions on the hill.
This neighborhood is not as busy as some of the other touristy areas in Barcelona. It offers a quiet life and an inside into the local’s way of life. You’ll find a few hotels here in the mid-range category.
Montjuïc Hill and Montjuïc Castle
Montjuic is a bit of a quieter neighborhood with a few restaurants and hotels in the area. If you are looking for something a bit more laid back, check out this neighborhood.
It’s a gorgeous hilltop and once you get to the top of the mountain; you’ll find amazing views of the city from Montjuïc Castle. You can spend a few hours wandering through Montjuic’s parks, gardens, and museums. You can reach the top of the hill via the funicular or take a bus up there.
Poblenou – Laid-back neighborhood with affordable accommodation
Poblenou is an old industrial district and has some of the city’s cleanest beaches. You’ll also find nightclubs and trendy beach bars in this neighborhood. This area caters more to the working class and those looking for a good night out.
This neighborhood is however a bit further away from most of Barcelona’s attractions. You’ll find mid-range family friend accommodation as well as a few high-end hotels here.
Summary of the Best Neighborhoods in Barcelona
In summary, here are the best neighborhoods in Barcelona.
- Barceloneta and Poblenou: Best neighborhoods in Barcelona for beaches
- Barri Gòtic and Eixample: Best neighborhoods in Barcelona for first-time visitors and for exploring
- Barceloneta and Gràcia: Best neighborhoods in Barcelona for families:
- Barri Gòtic, El Raval, Barceloneta, Poble Sec, Eixample: Best neighborhoods in Barcelona for food
- El Born, El Raval, Eixample, Barri Gòtic: Best neighborhoods in Barcelona for nightlife
Barcelona is so unique and diverse; you really have to think about what you want to get out of your trip. Then choose a neighborhood that works best based on the itinerary and budget you have.
Read this article if you are looking for the best things to do in Barcelona. I also have 3 days in Barcelona guide put together which will take you through some of the city’s most iconic and visited attractions. You may be able to pick a neighborhood based on this itinerary.
Hopefully, this guide on where to stay in Barcelona gives you an insight into some of the best neighborhoods in Barcelona and can help you decide on where you want to be based for the duration of your visit.
Happy Travels!
Note: Though most areas in Barcelona are safe to walk around during the day, it is a good idea to keep an eye out for pickpockets, especially in touristy places. An easy way to get around Barcelona and see some of the city’s top sights is to jump on the hop – on hop – off bus.
