Where to stay in Barcelona: best areas and neighborhoods
Open IndexBarcelona has always attracted many tourists, both young and old. It is a magnificent Mediterranean city with a very unique style, it's known for its churches, cobblestone streets, colorful buildings and exciting nightlife.
Do you want to organize your trip to the city and you are undecided about which is the best neighborhood to stay? Here is a handy guide on where to sleep in Barcelona: best areas, neighborhoods and accommodations for different types of travelers.
Useful tips: the best neighborhoods to stay in Barcelona
Each area of Barcelona represents one of the many souls of the city. Since Barcelona has an excellent public transport system that allows you to move easily from one area to another, regardless of the neighborhood you choose to stay, the only real factors to consider when choosing the area are the budget and the type of experience you want to live.
The Ciutat Vella is the oldest part of the city and the best to stay. It includes 4 districts, each of which has its own characteristics: you will find the Barrio Gotico, El Born, El Raval and La Barceloneta.
For the classic long weekend to discover the main attractions of the city Barrio Gotico is perfect; if you prefer culture, sea and relaxing, then it's better to opt for La Barceloneta; instead, to deepen the more artistic and cultural side, Eixample is perfect.
- Recommended areas to stay on a budget: Gràcia, Poble Sec, Poblenou, Ciutadella-Vila Olimpica
- Recommended areas for families with children: El Raval, La Barceloneta, Gràcia, Poblenou, Eixample, Ciutadella-Vila Olimpica
- Recommended areas for young people: El Born, Barrio Gotico
- Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Barcelona. Check out our recommendations and make your reservation on Booking
Guide to the areas of Barcelona
Barcelona can be roughly divided into a dozen districts. The Barrio Gotico is the center, the area definitely to choose for "the first time" in Barcelona.
Poblenou, Ciutadella and El Born, are lively neighborhoods with great restaurants, bars full of energy and historical attractions. In El Raval and Montjuic, which is home to lush natural scenery, you'll find trendy restaurants and luxury boutique hotels. The Barrio Gracía allows for a peaceful type of stay. Finally, in the south of the center, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, you will find La Barceloneta. A stone's throw from the city, this picturesque neighborhood is a string of beaches and seaside attractions.
Not recommended areas: the only areas to categorically avoid are the suburbs, as they are far from the center and the main attractions. The areas of El Raval, Gothic Quarter and the Rambla, are very attractive, however, they are often targeted by pickpockets. You can stay in these places, but avoid going into the narrow, unfrequented alleys, especially at night.
Barrio Gotico
The beating heart of the city, the soul of the old town. An excellent choice to avoid commuting. It's strategically located, from here you can easily walk to the most important monuments such as Santa Eulalia Cathedral, Plaça Reial, Palau de la Musica and Generalitat, all within a few minutes walk.
Adjacent to the Gothic Quarter is the famous Rambla, Barcelona's most iconic street and the stage for street performers.
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €42,00 for low-cost accommodation to €220,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accomodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Hostal Sol y K | Small hotel with a tour desk and a small shared kitchen. Daily cleaning service |
| Hostal Fernando | Modern guesthouse, family rooms available. Ideal for young people and families. 24 h reception, bar service |
| Yurbban Passage Hotel & Spa | Luxury hotel with outdoor pool and spa. An authentic Catalan breakfast is served every morning and the D'Aprop restaurant is run by a Michelin-starred chef. Bike rental service available. |
| Duquesa de Cardona 4 Sup | Opposite the harbor, with a sea view. A 4-star hotel with a pool, family rooms, airport shuttle service. |
El Born
El Born, along with the Barrio Gotico, is one of the districts that form the Ciutat Vella, or the historic center. It develops in the eastern part, between Via Laietana and the Citadel Park. It is a lively neighborhood with plenty of bars and restaurants, with all services at your fingertips! Here you will also find the Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar, the El Born Centre de Cultura i Memòria and the Picasso Museum.
It is an ideal neighborhood for young people and those looking for a nightlife! Here you will be in the center, so you can easily move on foot and you will be connected to all other districts of Barcelona by metro (reference station Barceloneta, line L4, and Urquinaona, line L1 and L4). Here also, at either end, are the train stations of Estación de Francia and Arc de Triomf.
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €42,00 for low-cost accommodation to €220,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accomodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Aparthotel Allada | Air-conditioned apartments with a free safe free Wi-Fi. Fully equipped kitchenette |
| Hotel Banys Orientals | Hotel with 24-hour reception, restaurant, WiFi connection. Family rooms and rooms for disabled guests |
| Best House Best Place | Modern apartments with all comforts. Elevator, air conditioning and heating. Family rooms available. |
| H10 Montcada Hotel | A wonderful 4-star boutique hotel with terrace, bar, 24-hour reception and restaurant. Room service available |
El Raval
El Raval is another neighborhood that is part of the Ciutat Vella and is located east of the Gothic Quarter. It extends from the famous Rambla, and includes attractions such as the Palau Güell, the Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona and the Museu Marítim de Barcelona.
It is a neighborhood full of trendy restaurants and luxury boutique hotels, with a refined and elegant style. It is therefore, suitable for those traveling on a high budget. But it is also an ideal neighborhood for families, quieter than the Barrio Gotico and El Born. There is no shortage of services, such as bars and restaurants. From here you can easily walk to the center and by metro to reach the more distant neighborhoods (metro stations Liceu, line L3, and Universitat, line L1 and L2).
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €42,00 for low-cost accommodation to €220,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accomodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Gaudi Hotel Barcelona | Located 50 m from the Rambla, the hotel has parking included, a gym and family rooms. Pets allowed |
| Hostal MiMi Las Ramblas | A guest house with all services, parking, 24h reception, family rooms. Pets allowed |
| Aspasios Las Ramblas Apartments | Luxury apartments with all amenities. Family rooms, non-smoking rooms, safe. Airport shuttle service |
| Onix Liceo | Modern hotel on the Rambla, with swimming pool, parking, 24h reception and WiFi connection |
Eixample
Eixample is located north of Plaça de Catalunya, an elegant district with wide tree-lined avenues, Passeig de Gràcia, the famous shopping street and some of the city's most famous buildings of modern architecture. Here you will find some of Barcelona's most iconic attractions: Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera and the very special Casa Batllò, all works of Gaudi's genius.
Eixample is home to some of the city's most luxurious hotels, some of which are located in historic and eccentric buildings that blend well with the district's chic and original atmosphere. The neighborhood is very large: its area is between Plaça de Glories and Sants station (which allows you to reach other neighborhoods). The area near the station is a short walk from Montjuïc, while near Plaça de Glories there is the Sagrada Familia.
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €45,00 for low-cost accommodation to €750,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accomodation | Description |
|---|---|
| BCN Luxury Apartments | Elegant apartments with free WiFi, most with private a terrace overlooking the city |
| Condes de Barcelona | Soundproofed rooms Terrace, seasonal top-floor pool, sauna and gym |
| Hotel Pulitzer Barcelona | Designer hotel set in a 19th-century building. A garden with a terrace and free high-speed WiFi. Live music performances on the terrace throughout the year |
| Acta Antibes | A simple 2-star hotel with rooms featuring elegant, simple furnishings and wood floors. All are air-conditioned and include a TV and a desk. 24-hour front desk |
Poble Sec - Montjuïc
The Poble Sec district is located at the foot of Montjuïc. Lightly frequented by tourists, it is a perfect area to live a more authentic experience, while staying close to the center and saving money too!
From here, you can easily reach the viewpoints of Montjuïc, from which you can enjoy beautiful views of the city, the port and the coast. The headland is also home to several attractions, such as beautiful green areas, the Castell de Montjuïc, sports facilities, museums and art galleries including the Fondació Joan Miró.
The beating heart of this area is the lively Plaça de Espanya, crowded at happy hour. Especially in summer, the area is lively: many events are organized in the neighborhood, such as flea markets and the theater festival hosted in the amphitheater Teatre Grec.
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €47,00 for low-cost accommodation to €250,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accomodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Hostal Elkano | Family-run property offering spacious rooms with functional furnishings, a TV and a private or shared bathroom. |
| La Franca Travellers Adults Only | Modern furnishings and air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen satellite TV and a private bathroom. The suites have a Jacuzzi. Free reserved parking |
| Poble Sec Apartment | A fully equipped apartment with modern and streamlined furnishings. Free WiFi. Max capacity 6 people |
| Camino B&B Barcelona | A B&B offering air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. Continental and Asian breakfast |
Gràcia
The ideal neighborhood to immerse yourself in the authentic Catalan atmosphere and get closer to the local lifestyle. Located just north of Eixample, Gràcia is a quiet residential area, perfect for families. The avenues are full of small stores, craft stores, family-run restaurants and small squares.
Despite being off-center compared to other neighborhoods, Gràcia is still a good area to visit, thanks to a privileged location between Parc Güell and Passeig de Gràcia avenue, within walking distance, and the excellent connections offered by public transport.
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €45,00 for low-cost accommodation to €540,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accomodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Rocket Hostels Gracia | Dormitories with bunk beds, shared bathroom, cafeteria and kitchen. Bed linen included in the rate, towels available for rent |
| Hotel BestPrice Gracia | Modern rooms with flat-screen satellite TV and a private bathroom with toiletries and hairdryer. Free WiFi. Breakfast served in a restaurant near the hotel |
| Ronda Lesseps Hotel | Air-conditioned rooms with modern private bathroom. Free WiFi. Paid parking with charging stations for electric cars. Luggage storage service. Reception h24 |
Plobenou
El Poblenou is a large neighborhood that runs along the waterfront, following the La Vila Olimpica neighborhood of Poblenou. It is a lively area, with many trendy cafes and bars serving tapas along the Rambla de Poblenou. It is also a redeveloped area, where the old refurbished factories house offices and showrooms. Here you can find the Barcelona Design Museum and several beaches, such as Platja del Bogatell.
This is a perfect neighborhood for families, thanks to the beach and the many services! It is also a lively neighborhood full of life, which could be suitable for younger people. From here, you will have to use the metro to reach the historic center. The area is served by the station Poblenou, where you'll find line L4 that leads directly to La Barceloneta (6 min) and the Gothic Quarter (station Jaume I, 8 min).
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €55,00 for low-cost accommodation to €450,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accomodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Feelathome Poblenou Beach Apartments | Apartments with a sea view and very close to the beach. On-site parking, family rooms available, terrace. |
| Poblenou B&B | This B&B is 10 min from the beach. Terrace, WiFi, family and non-smoking rooms. Pets allowed |
| Travelodge Barcelona Poblenou | Simple hotel with all amenities. Bar, restaurant, parking, family rooms. Pets allowed |
| Urban District Apartments | Beachfront. Luxury apartments with two swimming pools, parking and family rooms. All comforts inside |
Ciutadella - Vila Olimpica
This area underwent major changes during the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, and it is perfect for those who want to save money and at the same time be close to the center and major attractions. In fact, within a few minutes walk you can reach both Barrio Gótico and Barceloneta. In addition, this area takes its name from the Ciutadella Vila Olímpica metro station, served by the yellow line L4, which will allow you to travel very easily throughout the city!
A large part of the area is occupied by the Parc de la Ciutadela, a huge green area that houses the city's zoo. Some of the most famous discos such as Pacha and Razzmatazz are nearby, making it the perfect place for those looking for Barcelona's nightlife! In addition, the Casino Barcelona, the city's famous casino is also located here for a great night out!
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €60,00 for low-cost accommodation to €1500,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accomodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Apartment Arquitecte Sert 18 | 4-bedroom apartment. Free private parking on site. Ideal for large families or groups of friends |
| The Lonely Chimney Apartments | A complex offering air-conditioned apartments with modern furnishings, free WiFi, and city views. Some accommodations have 2 bedrooms |
| Ibis Styles Barcelona City Bogatell | Private parking, free WiFi, outdoor pool, children's play area and bar. Reception is open 24 hours. Bike rental service available |
Barceloneta
This is the ideal area for those who go in the summer for a beach holiday. La Barceloneta in fact extends along the coast and includes the port and the beaches.
The beach is its main attraction and is bordered by a beautiful promenade on which there are stores, bars and restaurants serving seafood specialities. Just behind the promenade lies a modern district, with wide avenues filled with ice cream parlors, boutiques and cafes, on which you will find luxury hotels with panoramic views of the harbor.
Barceloneta is perfect for families, with attractions such as the aquarium and the Imax cinema.
However, it is not a decentralized area, on the contrary. La Rambla is just a 15-minute walk away, but the subway is also available. Since this is a pure touristic area, staying here is slightly more expensive, especially in summer.
Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €66,00 for low-cost accommodation to €290,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Recommended accommodation
| Accomodation | Description |
|---|---|
| Hotel Arts Barcelona | Designer property with 2 outdoor pools, a luxurious spa, contemporary art collection and a 2 Michelin-starred restaurant |
| Hotel 54 Barceloneta | Designer hotel with an elegant terrace overlooking the harbor. 24-hour front desk, free Wi-Fi and air-conditioned rooms with smart TVs |
| Safestay Barcelona Sea | Mixed dorms with bunk beds, reading lamp and power outlet. 24-hour reception and free WiFi zone |
| Pullman Barcelona Skipper | 5-star luxury hotel offering free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools and 2 cocktail bars |
Places to stay near Barcellona
Sleeping in Barcelona is the best choice, especially for a trip entirely dedicated to the discovery of the city, if you have limited time, due to the classic weekend or long weekend. It is a very large city, with many different neighborhoods and accommodations suitable for any budget, looking for accommodation outside means taking into account a longer time to move and to reach the city.
The situation is different if your aim is to explore the areas around Barcelona and enjoy mainly a vacation focused on sea and leisure. In this case, you could also opt for the resorts located on the coast, such as:
- Lloret de mar (75 km / 1 h 8 min): a holiday destination on the Costa Brava that is very popular with young people from all over Europe, especially for those who want to have fun both day and night. An ideal place to have as a base as it is connected to Barcelona by direct bus (line 2, 1 h) - Hotels and B&Bs from €56,00 per room
- Sitges (44 km / 48 min): A lovely town on the coast with a long sandy beach and a quaint old town. The Romantic Museum and the Cap Ferrat Museum are interesting. An ideal place to have as a base as it is connected to Barcelona by direct bus (Empresa Plana line, 30 min) - Hotels and B&Bs from €65,00 per room
- Tarragona (101 km / 1 h 20 min): A port town with narrow streets and alleys that lead to lively squares. Ideal place as a base because it is connected to Barcelona by direct bus (Empresa Plana line, 1 hour and 24 min) and close to the famous amusement park PortAventura World Park - Hotels and B&Bs from €52,00 per room
If you are in Barcelona for business or as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider sleeping near the airport. Find the best solutions and selected hotels on Booking.com