Where to Stay in Barcelona: Best Areas and Places
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Searching for the perfect place to stay for your vacation can be one of the most stressful parts of planning a trip! If you’re wondering where to stay in Barcelona, I’m here to help!
I’ve stayed in a ton of different areas of the city long-term and short-term, so I’m confident I can help you find the perfect spot.
Whether you’re visiting for your first time or tenth time, with the family or your best friends, or searching for the perfect budget stay, I’m going to help you find the perfect area to stay in the Catalan capital.
Neighborhoods
My quick picks:
| For first timers | Gothic Quarter |
| With kids | Eixample |
| Before a Cruise | Barceloneta/El Born |
| Sightseeing | Eixample |
| Nightlife | Barceloneta/El Born |
1. Gothic Quarter
Who it’s best for: While Gothic Quarter is perfect for every type of travelers, it’s particularly great for first timers. Gotico, or the old city, is one of Barcelona’s oldest neighborhoods. It’s filled with history and medieval architecture and feels like stepping into a time capsule.
You’ll find top-notch tapas bars (even for vegans!), museums, rooftops, and art galleries. I’d say it’s the most popular spot for first-time visitors in the city.
There are tons of accommodation options for every budget in Gothic Quarter.
Downsides: Because it’s such a popular tourist area, you will see increased crime (particularly pickpocketing), in Gotico.
Why I love it here:
Gotico is a central location with a rich history and plenty to do. It’s easy to fall in love with its gothic aesthetic. I love Gotico because it’s central and fun, close to all the attractions, and caters to all ages and personalities. You’ll also find some local and visitor favorite tapas bars here.
The lively atmosphere and unique character make it one of the best neighborhoods in Barcelona to explore.
Top Attractions:
- Cathedral of Barcelona
- Placa Reial
- historic Placa Sant Jaume
- Picasso Museum
- Mercat Santa Caterina
- Moco Museum
Great hotels:
- Serras Barcelona | 9.4/10 ⭐️
- Hotel 1898 | 8.9/10 ⭐️
2. El Born
Adjacent to Gotico, El Born features narrow alleys, old buildings with tall balconies, and a fantastic food scene.
Still being quite central, both neighborhoods are within walking distance to the beach and are known for having some of the best nightlife in the city—it’s the closest you’ll get to the wild party vibe of Madrid. Besides food and wine, El Born is full of unique, artisanal shopping.
I’ve taken really cool food tours in El Born and Gothic Quarter and can confirm that there’s some great restaurants in the area too.
I will say, there are more hotel options in Gothic Quarter than El Born, but they’re just a few minutes walk away from one another.
Who it’s best for
Visitors are drawn to El Born for the same reasons as Gotico. El Born is central, has old-town architecture, and fantastic bars. I personally love El Born for its Instagram-worthy streets and famous cocktail bars. You will never be far from crafty cocktails in this lively area!
Top Attractions:
- Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar
- Mercat de Santa Caterina
- Ciutadella Park
- Dr. Stravinsky’s
Downsides
El Born has plenty of narrow streets and alleys that can quickly become dead-ends. Exercise caution, particularly late at night, as pickpocketing can be a risk in areas with lively nightlife.
Look up hotels in El Born for your stay ►
3. Eixample
Maybe I’m biased as this is my favorite part of the city, but Eixample simply checks all of the boxes.
Who it’s best for:
For families: it’s quiet and well out of the chaos of the city center, for solo travelers: it’s safe with very little crime seeing as it’s where many locals choose to live, and for your besties: awesome bars and restaurants to sip wine and eat tapas all night long.
All of this within an easy walking distance to almost any and every attraction. And if you’re not a walker, you’ll be well within walking distance to a metro or taxi. Eixample is super easy to get around.
Why I love Eixample:
Because it feels like home! Large sidewalks, quiet streets, and local bars. If you want a feel of local life, or just want to slow down in a quieter neighborhood, this is the place to be.
Top attractions:
- Passeig de Gracia
- Sagrada Familia
- Casa Batlló
- Casa Mila
Best hotels:
- Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona | on Passeig de Gracia – shopping!
- Numa | Quiet, near a train station
- Radisson Blu 1882 Hotel | Sagrada Familia views!
4. Barceloneta
Barceloneta is Barcelona's main beach neighborhood. It features a long beach, seafront promenade, and many seafood restaurants.
Formerly a fisherman's quarter, it has narrow streets and colorful buildings. The area offers a mix of urban and beach lifestyles. It’s also super close to El Born and Gothic Quarter.
Who it's best for
Barceloneta suits beach lovers, seafood fans, and the party animals. Good rule of thumb: Barceloneta is not a relaxed atmosphere. It's popular for young travelers and locals who enjoy sunbathing, water sports, and most of all, beach clubs! The area is good for combining city visits with beach time.
Top Attractions:
- Barceloneta Beach
- Sant Miquel del Port Church
- Port Olímpic
- Port Vell
- Carpe Diem Night Club
Downsides
Barceloneta gets crowded in summer, especially on the beach. Beach vendors are common and can be persistent. As in other touristy areas, watch your belongings, particularly at the beach. Never leave anything unattended on the beach - seriously - it will get taken.
Great Hotels in Barceloneta
- Sofitel Barcelona | Great pool, right off the beach
- Duquesa Suites Landmark Hotel | in the action!
5. Gracia
Gracia is a former independent town now part of Barcelona. It has a village-like feel with narrow streets, small squares, and low-rise buildings. The area is known for its artistic community, independent shops, and local festivals. It's less touristy than central Barcelona.
Who it’s best for:
This is one of the best options for solo travelers with its endless hostel options. It’s where I would go if I was solo traveling in Barcelona. Great walkability, easy access to public transportation, and a short walk to Sagrada Familia.
Why I love it:
There’s something so charming about Gracia that I feel every time I walk its streets. It’s similarly quiet being right down the street from Eixample. And most importantly - some of my favorite tapas bars (La Pepita!) and affordable hostels.
Attractions:
- Park Güell
- Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia
- Festa Major de Gràcia (August festival)
- Casa Vicens
- Plaza del Sol
Find the best hotels in Gracia Barcelona ►
6. Poble Sec
Poble Sec is a neighborhood at the foot of Montjuïc hill. It's known for its diverse community, tapas bars, and theaters. The area has a mix of old and new architecture and is less touristy than central districts.
Who it's best for
Poble Sec suits those looking for a local experience with easy access to the city center. It's good for food lovers, theater enthusiasts, and travelers wanting to experience Barcelona like a local. The area appeals to people who enjoy a mix of urban life and green spaces.
Top Attractions:
- Montjuïc
- Carrer Blai (tapas street)
- Mercat de les Flors (dance theater)
- Fundació Joan Miró
Downsides
Some parts of Poble Sec can feel run-down. Nightlife can be noisy in certain areas. The hilly terrain might be challenging for some.
Why I love it
Poble Sec offers proximity to nature with Montjuïc park nearby, which is a great way to spend a day away from the city. It's quiet and residential, providing a local feel.
The Gothic Quarter is just a 20-minute walk away, making it convenient for sightseeing. I especially enjoy the Mercat de la Terra, a weekly farmers market with local produce.
Best hotels:
Find the best hotels in Poble Sec ►
Areas of Barcelona to Avoid
I’m not saying these areas are off limits, but between safety concerns and the crowds, I just don’t think they’re worth it.
I have plenty of friends who live in these areas and know that tons of people do choose to visit and stay every year and love them. But, I wouldn’t and generally don’t recommend it to my friends or family.
Raval
While Ravel certainly has its charms, I generally don’t recommend people stay here. It’s got some of the highest crime rates in the city. But it’s not all bad.
Raval has a great nightlife, so it’s a great place to hang for a bit, but it can also get loud - another reason this isn’t the best option for accommodations.
Top attractions:
- Visit MACBA (Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona)
- Explore Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (CCCB)
- See the Sant Pau del Camp Monastery
- Walk down Rambla del Raval
- Admire the Cat Sculpture by Fernando Botero
- Visit the Filmoteca de Catalunya
La Rambla
Famous as it is, La Rambla is one of my least favorite streets in Barcelona. Whether you visit in March or July, the street is packed shoulder to shoulder with tourists. Plus, the pickpocketing here is known as some of the worst in the world.
Top Attractions:
- La Boqueria Market
- Take a paella cooking class
- Plaça Reial
- Shop the vendors
- Plaça de Catalunya
FAQ
Some more helpful tips for choosing your next stay
What area of Barcelona is best to stay in?
Each area offers something different, but most visitors opt for staying in Gothic Quarter or Eixample.
Gothic Quarter offers a more lively tapas and bars side of the city while Eixample offers a quieter neighborhood close to Barcelona’s most popular attractions.
How many days in Barcelona is ideal?
3 days ideally is the minimum you’ll want to spend in Barcelona. However, 5 days is best for leisurily seeing and enjoying the whole city.
Is Barcelona a walkable city?
Yes - Barcelona is one of the most walkable cities! No matter which popular nieghborhood you choose to stay in you’ll be within walking distance to restaurants, bars, and popular attractions.
And if you prefer saving your energy, you can always walk to a train station! Getting around Barcelona is incredibly simple.
Is Gothic Quarter Barcelona good to stay in?
Yes - Gothic Quarter is one of the most popular areas of Barcelona to stay in, and for good reason.
It’s filled with brilliant architecture, amazing restaurants, great shopping, and fun nightclubs and bars. You won’t find a shortage of accomodation options for every budget here either.
Where not to stay in Barcelona?
I wouldn’t recommend staying in El Ravel or La Rambla when visiting Barcelona. Between safety concerns and crowds, neither of these areas will give you the best Barcelona experience.
Final Thoughts: Best Places to Stay in Barcelona for Every Type of Traveler
All the neighborhoods I've mentioned have their unique charm, so choose based on your preferences! But if simply want the most convenient and best place to stay, I'd definitely recommend opting for Gothic Quarter or Eixample.
Whether it's the beach vibe of Barceloneta or the trendy bars in El Born, Barcelona really offers something for every traveler. Consider your budget, proximity to attractions - and which attractions are most important to you - and the overall vibe you're looking for.
More questions about where your first or next stay should be? Email me and I'll help you out!
