Founded by the Romans in the 1st century BCE, Barcelona is the second-largest city in Spain. The Catalan capital is known for its urban beaches, vibrant nightlife and monumental buildings, and especially for being home to some of Antoni Gaudi’s most prominent architectural masterpieces like the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell and Casa Batlló. Its many attractions, unique culture, delicious food and benevolent climate have helped cement it as one of the most visited places in Europe. If you are looking for the best areas to stay in Barcelona, you have come to the right place.
Located in the northeastern corner of the Iberian peninsula, between the Mediterranean Sea and the gentle summits of Serra de Collserola, Barcelona is a natural and architecturally beautiful city. Its historic central quarters are made up of a maze of winding medieval streets flanked by centuries-old stone buildings and churches. Stretching in all directions from the Old Town, the 19th-century Eixample district features a distinct grid plan and is where most of the city’s art-nouveau gems can be found. Thanks to its status as the most visited tourist destination in Spain, Barcelona has a large number of hotels for all tastes and budgets. In recent years, the city has also seen a surge in boutique accommodation, especially in the city centre.
It doesn’t matter if you visit Barcelona for the beach, culture or nightlife. Keep reading this article to find out more about the best places to stay in Barcelona for tourists.
If you don’t have time to read the article in full, this is a quick summary of our top areas for tourists in Barcelona. Keep on reading to find out more information about each of these districts.
- Best area for sightseeing: Barcelona City Centre
- Best location for nightlife: Eixample | Ciutat Vella (Old Town)
- Best location for food & tapas: El Born
- Best location to go to the beach: La Barceloneta
- Cheapest area to stay in central Barcelona: El Raval
- Most romantic area to stay: Passeig de Gràcia
- Best location for LGBTQ+ travellers: Gaixample (Plaça Universitat)
- Best location for Barça fans: Les Corts & Camp Nou
- Best location for Primavera Sound & Cruïlla festivals: Diagonal Mar
What’s the Best Area to Stay in Barcelona?
Unsurprisingly, the best area to stay in Barcelona is the City Centre, especially if you’re a first-time visitor. While not an official city district, Barcelona’s centre comprises three of the quarters in the Old Town (Gòtic, Raval and Born) plus the central section of L’Eixample. Central Barcelona is also where some of the best-rated hotels in town are located.
Find available accommodation in Barcelona City Centre.
Best Hotels in the Centre of Barcelona
- Best five-star hotel: Hotel El Palace Barcelona
- Best four-star hotel: Casa Camper Barcelona
- Best three-star hotel: Praktik Èssens
- Best budget hotel: Violeta Boutique
- Best B&B/guest house: Pensió Cerdanya
- Best hostel: Yeah Barcelona Hostel
- Best tourist apartments: Midtown Apartments
Where to Stay in Barcelona for Sightseeing
As mentioned above, the City Centre is the best location for tourists in Barcelona. That said, central Barcelona is made up of many different neighbourhoods, and several of the attractions, as well as the beaches, are found in other areas. These are some of the most interesting districts:
- A prime example of 19th-century urban planning, L’Eixample is noted for being home to the elegant Passeig de Gràcia and Plaça Catalunya, as well as many of Gaudí’s masterpieces including Casa Batlló & La Pedrera. This upscale central district is also where some of the city’s top-rated hotels, including the 5-star El Palace Barcelona and the boutique Hotel Margot House Barcelona, are located.
- The Ciutat Vella district, Barcelona’s oldest area, contains the city’s most historic quarters, including the medieval Barri Gòtic, nightlife-oriented El Born, hipster-friendly Raval and beachside Barceloneta. Some top-rated hotels in Barcelona’s Old City include the 5-star Serras Barcelona, boutique Casa Camper Barcelona and budget Eco Boutique Hostal Grau.
- Part of L’Eixample, the Sagrada Familia neighbourhood is known for being home to Antoni Gaudí’s most famous masterpiece. Some great properties in this area include Hotel Sagrada Familia & Gaudi Flats.
- Located north of the city centre, Gràcia is famous for being home to Gaudi’s Park Güell and for its laidback and authentic atmosphere. With a great mix of luxury, boutique and budget accommodations, some of its best properties include Hotel Casa Fuster, Be Mate Paseo de Gracia and Hotel BESTPRICE Gracia.
- Set on the foot of Montjuïc, Poble Sec is an up-and-coming district with a local vibe and plenty of tapas bars.
- If you’re in Barcelona for a football match or a luxury holiday, then the Les Corts district is the best area to stay in Barcelona for you. Home to Camp Nou (Barça’s Stadium), this upscale district is also known for its plush hotels including the Hotel SOFIA Barcelona and Fairmont Barcelona Rey Juan Carlos I.
- If festivals are your thing and you’re in Barcelona to attend Primavera Sound or Cruïlla, then your best bet is to stay in the Diagonal Mar area. This beachside development is home to several Spanish and international chain hotels including the Hesperia Barcelona del Mar and Barcelona Princess.
The Best Areas for Tourists in Barcelona: District by District
Barcelona is divided into 10 different districtes (districts) which are further subdivided into dozens of smaller barris (quarters). From a tourist’s standpoint, these are the areas to keep in mind when trying to find out the most convenient location to stay in Barcelona:
1. Passeig de Grácia & Plaça Catalunya: Best Location in Barcelona for First-Time Visitors
Connecting Gràcia to Plaça Catalunya and home to La Pedrera and Casta Batlló, two of Gaudi’s masterpieces, the fashionable Passeig de Gràcia is at the heart of Barcelona’s main shopping district.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Barcelona:
- Heart of the city
- Best area for shopping
- Great nightlife
- Best-connected area in Barcelona
- Art nouveau buildings & Gaudí’s masterpieces
- Best luxury hotels in Barcelona
- Great for a romantic holiday
At the heart of the Eixample district (and the city itself) is Passeig de Gràcia, a mile-long boulevard lined with some of the city’s most prestigious and beautiful buildings. The area is home to the famous casas Batlló and Milà, two of Antoni Gaudí’s most famous works.
Other attractions in the area include the Museu Egipci de Barcelona, the art nouveau casas Amatller and Lleó Morera, the Perfume Museum and the Antoni Tàpies Foundation.
The Eixample is also a popular spot for fashion designers, home to well-known Spanish and international brands such as Zara, Mango, Louis Vuitton, Loewe, Carolina Herrera, Bvlgary, and many others.
There are many great restaurants and bars around Passeig de Gràcia, particularly on the equally fashionable Rambla de Catalunya. The area is also known for its nightlife, with many bars and clubs open until late.
At its southern end, Plaça de Catalunya is a prime example of a grand 19th-century square with a fountain and many more shops and department stores. As it couldn’t be otherwise, both Passeig de Gràcia and the rest of the Eixample are where most luxury hotels are situated. Some of the most famous hotels in Barcelona, including the Mandarin Oriental, Hotel Majestic and Iberostar Selection Paseo de Gràcia are all located here.
Not only are Plaça Catalunya and Passeig de Gràcia at the geographic, shopping and tourist centre of the city, but they are also arguably the best-connected areas in Barcelona. The area is served by two major metro and train hubs, namely Catalunya L1 L3 L6 L7 R REG FGC and Passeig de Gràcia L2 L3 L4 R R REG. Additionally, there are several other convenient stations around the area, including Diagonal L3 L5, Provença L6 L7 FGC, Universitat L1 L2 and Girona L4. Dozens of bus lines, as well as the Aerobús also have stops in the area.
Best Hotels around Passeig de Gràcia & Plaça Catalunya
Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona
Set on Barcelona’s fashionable Passeig de Gràcia, the luxurious Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona is within a 10-minute-walk of Plaça Catalunya. The hotel features a spa, rooftop pool, indoor pool, fitness centre, wonderful city views, and 24-hour room service.
Hotel Margot House Barcelona
This hotel is set in front of Casa Batlló, at number 46 in a residential building in the heart of Passeig de Gracia. Passeig de Gracia metro station is in front of the hotel, and the Sagrada Familia is three metro stops away.
Praktik Èssens
Boasting a terrace, Praktik Èssens is located in Barcelona. The property is set 300 metres from Casa Batllo. The accommodation features free WiFi, an outdoor terrace, tea and coffee, free pastries, and happy hour every day.
Hotel HLG CityPark Pelayo
Hotel HLG CityPark Pelayo is set in an impressive historic building next to Barcelona’s Universitat Metro Station. It offers free Wi-Fi and bright, air-conditioned rooms, a 5-minute walk from Plaza Catalunya and La Rambla.
Circa 1905
This small hotel occupies the first floor of a modernist building, just 50 m from central Barcelona’s famous shopping street, Passeig de Gràcia. It offers elegant rooms with free Wi-Fi.
St Christopher’s Inn Barcelona
Just a 2-minute walk from La Rambla, St Christopher’s Inn Barcelona offers stylish air-conditioned accommodation with free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour reception. This modern backpackers’ hostel has a bar and restaurant serving continental breakfast.
Stylish Apartments
Stylish Apartments is a self-catering accommodation located in various places within a small area in central Barcelona. Free WiFi access is available. The property is a short walk from La Pedrera and Passeig de Gràcia Boulevard.
2. Barri Gòtic: Best Location in Barcelona for History Lovers
Famous for its medieval charm, Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is home to some of the Catalan capital’s most impressive historic attractions.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Barcelona, Spain:
- Heart of the city
- Connected by metro
- Las Ramblas tourist street
- Plaça Catalunya metro & commuter train station
- Historic architecture
- Barcelona Cathedral
- Very tourist-oriented
- Lots of tapas & cocktail bars
- Top-notch hotels and B&Bs
- Portal del Àngel shopping street
The Gothic Quarter is the smallest and most central of all the neighbourhoods in Barcelona’s Ciutat Vella (Old Town) district.
Barri Gòtic, as is known in Catalan, is located southeast of Plaça Catalunya and east of Las Ramblas, Barcelona’s most famous promenade and main tourist thoroughfare. Historically an ephemeral stream on the edge of the Old Roman and medieval town, La Rambla was urbanised in the 15th century. Since then, it’s been at the epicentre of life in the city. Today, La Rambla is known for its many flower kiosks and terraces and being home to many landmarks including the Mercado de la Boquería, Liceu Theatre and Canaletas Fountain.
Stretching southeast from the expansive Plaça Catalunya lies Portal del Àngel, one of the Catalan capital’s main shopping streets. From here, a tangled maze of narrow streets and alleys leads to Plaça Nova and the gothic Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia. The quaint Carrer del Bisbe sports a neo-gothic archway and leads to Plaça Sant Jaume, Barcelona’s (and Catalonia’s) political centre, home to the City Hall and the Palau de la Generalitat.
Several prominent museums, including the Fundació Frederic Marés and the Barcelona History Museum, are located in the Gothic Quarter. Other attractions in the area include the Erotic Museum, Wax Museum and Hemp Museum.
South of Sant Jaume, close to Las Ramblas lies the iconic Plaça Reial, a symmetrical porticoed square complete with a beautiful fountain and surrounded by terraces, tapas bars and nightlife venues. Not far, the church of Santa Maria del Pí is a beautiful example of 14th-century gothic architecture.
Being the centre of Barcelona’s historic district, Barri Gòtic is, as you can imagine, packed with hotels, hostels and guest houses. As a rule of thumb, the accommodations in the north end of the quarter and close to Las Ramblas tend to be more upscale, while more budget-friendly options can be found east of Carrer de Ferrán.
Not only is Barrio Gótico Barcelona’s historic centre, but it is also very well-connected by public transport. The whole area, but especially Plaça Catalunya, boasts several metro and commuter railway network lines. Some stations located in and around the district include Plaça Catalunya L1 L3 L6 L7 R REG FGC , Liceu L3, Drassanes L3, Urquinaona L1 L4 and Jaume I L4.
Best Hotels in the Gothic Quarter
Serras Barcelona
Enjoying an ideal location right opposite the sea in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, Serras Barcelona is a 5-star hotel with a rooftop infinity pool and a 1-Michelin-starred restaurant. Free WiFi access is available.
Olivia Plaza Hotel
Situated on Plaza Catalunya in the centre of Barcelona, the Hotel Olivia Plaza offers free Wi-Fi and a terrace bar with views of Santa Ana Church. Stylish rooms include a flat-screen TV.
Hotel Continental Barcelona
Set on Las Ramblas and next to Plaza Catalunya, the Hotel Continental offers charming rooms with free high-speed Wi-Fi and a fridge. A free continental buffet is available 24 hours a day.
Cuatro Naciones
Cuatro Naciones has an ideal location on Barcelona’s famous Las Ramblas, 200 m from Drassanes Metro Station. Set in an 18th-century building, it features rooms with free Wi-fi and a flat-screen satellite TV.
Hostal Sol y K
Hostal Sol y K is set in Barcelona, 200 m from Plaza Reial and 400 m from La Seu, Cathedral of Barcelona. Hostal Sol y K features free WiFi. Rooms come with a private or shared bathroom.
Kabul Party Hostel Barcelona
Situated just off Las Ramblas in Plaça Reial Square, the Kabul Party Hostel Barcelona offers a lively atmosphere with daily parties and air-conditioned dormitories. There is free WiFi throughout.
Ramblas Apartments
These Modernist apartments enjoy a very central location on Barcelona’s famous Ramblas, within a 5 minutes walk from Plaza Reial. They have full kitchens and free high-speed WiFi.
3. El Born: Best Location in Barcelona for Tapas & Cocktail Bars
Home to the Church of Santa María del Mar, Picasso Museum, and Palau de la Música Catalana, El Born is an attraction-packed quarter and one of the best areas to stay in Barcelona.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Barcelona, Spain:
- Great location in the Old Town
- Connected by metro
- Near the beach
- Church of Santa Maria del Mar
- Picasso Museum
- Palau de la Música Catalana
- Great upscale and boutique hotels
- Lots of tapas & cocktail bars
- Passeig del Born
- Ciutadella Park
Sandwiched between Via Laietana, Barceloneta and Parc de la Ciutadella, El Born, also called la Ribera, is a great option when deciding where to stay in Barcelona.
Like Barri Gòtic, El Born is a charming quarter packed with narrow streets, lovely plazas and centuries-old churches. During medieval times, this (then) seaside area was home to the city’s fishermen, artisans and wealthy merchants.
Perhaps the best-known tourist attraction in El Born is the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar. Built in the 14th century and paid for by the local shipowners and bourgeois guilds, this monumental church was made popular in the 2006 historical novel by Ildefonso Falcones “Cathedral of the Sea.”
A few metres away, you’ll find Carrer de Montcada, a charming medieval street with one of the finest collections of restored residential Gothic buildings in Europe. Housed in five adjoining medieval palaces on this street is the Picasso Museum which displays an extensive collection of the Spanish artist’s early works.
Other museums in El Born include the Moco Museum Barcelona, the European Museum of Modern Art and the Museu Etnològic i de Cultures del Món.
The lovely Passeig del Born, La Ribera’s main pedestrian promenade, comes to life at night as its many tapas and cocktail bars open their doors to locals and tourists alike.
On the district’s northwestern end lies the beautiful Palau de la Música Catalana, an early-20th-century art nouveau concert hall known for its opulent facade and auditorium. Meanwhile, the area’s eastern flank is dominated by Parc de la Ciutadella, a lovely English-style urban park complete with a monumental fountain.
All and all, El Born offers a mix of history, attractions, great food and nightlife venues and, as such, is one of our favourite quarters to stay in central Barcelona. The area is also famous for its broad offer of places to stay ranging from small pensions to the most luxurious boutique hotels.
Not unlike Barri Gòtic, El Born is well-connected to other Barcelona districts by metro and other forms of public transport. Some of the stations around the district include Urquinaona L1 L4, Jaume I L4, Arc de Triomf L1 R, Estació de França R, Wellington T4 and Ciutadella – Vila Olímpica T4.
Best Hotels in El Born
K+K Hotel Picasso El Born
Located on Passeig Picasso, K+K Hotel Picasso is set opposite Ciutadella Park. This boutique hotel features a rooftop swimming pool, a restaurant and stylish rooms with free Wi-Fi. Each modern, air-conditioned room at K+K Hotel Picasso has contemporary décor.
Park Hotel
Located in Barcelona’s trendy Born district, Park Hotel offers stylish accommodation just a 10-minute walk from Barceloneta Beach, opposite Estació de França Station. Reception is open 24 hours a day. Free WiFi is offered throughout the property.
Hotel Oasis
Hotel Oasis is located just 250 m from França Railway Station and 100 m from Barcelona’s Born district. The modern, air-conditioned rooms have satellite TV and private bathrooms with a hairdryer.
El Born Guest House by Casa Consell
Set next to Francia Train Station, El Born Guest House by Casa Consell is a guest house located in Barcelona. The property offers free Wi-Fi access and is a 15-minute walk from Barceloneta Beach.
Safestay Barcelona Gothic
Safestay Barcelona Gothic is located in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, 250 m from Barcelona Cathedral. It has a roof terrace, a common room with free internet and dormitories with individual lockers.
Inside Barcelona Apartments Mercat
Situated next to Ciutadella Park, Inside Barcelona Apartments Mercat are close to the Picasso Museum, in Barcelona’s fashionable El Born district. These modern air-conditioned apartments feature free Wi-Fi and satellite TV.
4. Sagrada Família: Best Location for Barcelona’s Most Famous Landmark
The Sagrada Familia church is probably the first image that comes to mind when you think of Barcelona.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Barcelona:
- Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família
- Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau
- Beautiful architecture
- Great metro connections
- Central but relatively quiet
- Midrange & boutique accommodations
Located on Eixample’s northeastern end, the Sagrada Familia neighbourhood is one of Barcelona’s most popular tourist destinations.
As it couldn’t be otherwise, this neighbourhood is home to the Sagrada Familia church. Antoni Gaudi’s most celebrated masterpiece, this basilica, which started construction in 1882 and is still famously unfinished, is one of the most famous buildings in the world and the most recognisable (and most visited) landmark in Barcelona.
And while the Sagrada Familia may be the most famous building in Barcelona, it is not the only art nouveau structure in its neighbourhood. A few hundred metres away from the cathedral lies the impressive Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau. This former hospital is the most prominent work of Catalan architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner and is considered one of the best examples of Catalan modernist architecture.
Thanks to its wealth of attractions and central location, the Sagrada Familia neighbourhood is one of the most popular quarters in Barcelona for tourists and hosts many great accommodations, including midrange hotels, boutique apartments and a few budget properties.
There are several options to get around the district and travel to other Barcelona quarters. The area is very well-connected by buses, as well as several metro and tram stops including Sagrada Família L2 L5, Sant Pau | Dos de Maig L5, Glòries L1 T4 T5 T6, Encants L2, Verdaguer L4 L5. For train connections, El Clot – Aragó L1 L2 R R REG is a short walk away.
Best Hotels in Sagrada Familia
Radisson Blu 1882 Hotel, Barcelona Sagrada Familia
Set in Barcelona, 400 m from Sagrada Familia, Radisson Blu 1882 Hotel, Barcelona Sagrada Familia has an outdoor pool and a fitness centre. The 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi.
Boutique Hostemplo Sagrada Familia
Offering free WiFi throughout the property, Hotel Boutique Hostemplo is located on a pedestrian street just 100 m from Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia. The hotel has a friendly and very peaceful atmosphere.
Ibis Barcelona Centro (Sagrada Familia)
Ibis Barcelona Centro (Sagrada Familia) provides accommodation with a bar, private parking and a shared lounge. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk, a concierge service, and free WiFi throughout the property.
Absolute Sagrada Familia
Offering a full-on front view of the Sagrada Familia’s nativity façade, Absolute Sagrada Familia is located in Barcelona. The property offers air-conditioned and heated apartments with free WiFi and access to a large panoramic shared terrace.
5. La Barceloneta: Best Location for Barcelona’s Urban Beaches
Home to Barcelona’s most popular beaches, La Barceloneta is the best area to stay in Barcelona for a seaside holiday.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Barcelona, Spain:
- Barcelona’s main urban beaches
- Beach bars & nightlife
- Seafood restaurants
- Connected by train & metro
- L’Aeri del Port cable car
- Beachside hotels
- Wide offer of tourist apartments
Nestled between the Old Town and the Mediterranean Sea, La Barceloneta (literally “Little Barcelona”) is one of the most popular areas for tourists in Barcelona. Thanks to its beaches, this seaside neighbourhood went from being the city’s traditional fishermen’s district to one of the most cosmopolitan areas in the city.
Its beaches, quirky bars, and local seafood restaurants make La Barceloneta a hotspot for visitors wanting to explore everything Barcelona offers.
The neighbourhood is also rich in noteworthy architecture, including the neoclassical Ciutadella Park, home to a monumental waterfall fountain and the Catalan Parliament, França Railway Station, and the Museu d’Història de Catalunya.
The Aeri del Port, a cable car system, connects the area to Montjuïc Park. The cable car has been operating since the 1930s and is the oldest aerial tramway in Spain.
La Barceloneta is also where the city’s most famous beaches are located. Perhaps the most well-known is Barceloneta Beach, a sandy stretch of sand with a promenade and a large number of bars and restaurants. Other beaches in the neighbourhood include Platja de San Sebastià and Somorrostro Beach.
Passeig de Joan de Borbó, a harbourside promenade, is home to most tapas bars and seafood restaurants in the area, while the streets around Barceloneta Market offer a more local atmosphere.
Due to its seaside location, the Barceloneta area lacks the great public transport connection of its neighbouring quarters. That said, there are several metro and Cercanías stations connecting the district including Barceloneta L4, Estació de França L4 R REG, and Ciutadella-Villa Olímpica L4 T4. Buses and taxis are also readily available througout the neighbourhood.
Best Hotels in La Barceloneta
W Barcelona
W Barcelona is a striking sail-like structure next to Barceloneta Beach, offering breathtaking design and fantastic views over Barcelona and the sea. It features a spa, infinity pool, rooftop bar and luxurious rooms.
Hotel 54 Barceloneta
Located in Barcelona’s beachfront area of Barceloneta, this design hotel has a stylish terrace overlooking the port. It offers a 24-hour reception, free Wi-Fi and air-conditioned rooms with a smart TV.
Hotel Oasis
Hotel Oasis is located just 250 m from França Railway Station and 100 m from Barcelona’s Born district. The hotel features a seasonal terrace with a seasonal outdoor pool.
Sea Hostel Barcelona
Offering a superb location right on La Barceloneta Beach, Sea Hostel Barcelona has 24-hour reception and a free WiFi zone. It offers bunk beds in mixed dormitories with reading lamp and power socket.
Barceloneta Suites Apartments Beach
Barceloneta Suites Apartments Beach is set in Barcelona, 150 m from Barceloneta Beach and offers air-conditioned accommodation with free WiFi, as well as access to a terrace.
6. Gaixample (Plaça Universitat): Best Location for LGBTQ+ Travellers
Situated a couple hundred metres from Passeig de Gràcia & Catalunya, at the heart of the Esquerra de L’Eixample district, the Gaixample is one of the most popular gaybourhoods in Spain.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Barcelona:
- Very centrally-located
- Lovely architecture
- Barcelona’s gay district
- LGBTQ nightlife venues, organisations & hotels
- Exciting restaurant scene
- Luxury & boutique accommodations
- Best area to stay in Barcelona during Circuit Festival & Barcelona Pride
Centred around Plaça Universitat and located only a few blocks from Passeig de Gràcia, the Gaixample (an unofficial city district that takes its name from the mix of the words Gay + Eixample) is Barcelona’s gaybourhood par excellence.
The main gay nightlife core roughly spans the rectangle formed by Balmes, Comte Borrell, Diputació and València streets. This LGBT-friendly area is the place to go dancing or have a cocktail at one of the many bars, terraces, cafés and clubs.
The Gaixample also has a number of restaurants, theatres and cinemas, making it one of the best areas to stay in Barcelona for culture and food. The area is also great to visit during the day, with plenty of shops, boutiques and galleries to browse.
At its heart, the historical building of the University of Barcelona (UB), built in the mid-18th-century in an eclectic Romanesque and Mudéjar-inspired style, is one of the most important landmarks in the neighbourhood and a city icon.
Other attractions in the area include the Escola Industrial, Hospital Clínic, Teatre Coliseum and the Museu del Modernisme, which features a collection of Catalan modernist (art-nouveau) paintings, sculptures, furniture and decorative arts.
Barcelona’s Gaixample is a great place for tourists in the Catalan capital. The area is home to several luxury and boutique hotels, including the LGBTQ-oriented Axel Hotel. Needless to say, this part of town is the most popular place to stay in Barcelona during big events like the Circuit Festival or Pride.
The main metro stops around this section of Eixample are Universitat L1 L2 , Hospital Clínic L5, Urgell L1 and Rocafort L1. Alternatively, big transit hubs such as Catalunya L1 L3 L6 L7 R REG FGC and Passeig de Gràcia L2 L3 L4 R R REG are a short walk away.
Best Hotels in Barcelona’s Gaixample
NH Collection Barcelona Gran Hotel Calderon
The elegant NH Collection Barcelona Gran Hotel Calderón has an excellent location just off Passeig de Gràcia Boulevard in central Barcelona. It has a fitness centre and a year-round free rooftop pool with spectacular city views.
Olivia Balmes Hotel
Offering an outdoor swimming pool, Olivia Balmes Hotel is set 400 m from Barcelona’s Passeig de Gracia, in the elegant Eixample neighbourhood. The modern hotel features stylish air-conditioned rooms and a restaurant.
Praktik Èssens
Located in the heart of Barcelona, just 700 m from Plaza Catalunya, Praktik Vinoteca hotel offers air-conditioned rooms and free WiFi in public areas. Universitat Metro Station is a 7-minute walk away.
La Casa de Antonio Boutique Rooms
Featuring free WiFi, La Casa de Antonio Boutique Rooms is located in Barcelona. This guest house is set a 7-minute walk from Plaza Catalunya and 94 m from Universitat Metro Station.
Barcelona City Centre Hostal
The pension’s privileged position in the heart of the Eixample district allows you to easily walk through Barcelona´s cultural heart, with streets such as La Rambla and Passeig de Gracia in the local area.
Hostel One Batlló
Located in Barcelona, Hostel One Batlló offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. The property provides a shared kitchen and a shared lounge for guests. Guest rooms include bed linen.
Wello Apartments
Wello Eixample Apartments is centrally located in Barcelona, within a 10-minute walk of Passeig de Gràcia and Plaza Catalunya. The modern, air-conditioned apartments offer free WiFi.
7. Raval: Best Location for Hipsters & Alternative Nightlife in Barcelona
Located west of La Rambla, El Raval is an edgy and trendy area with loads of attracions and things to do.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Barcelona, Spain:
- La Rambla
- Well-connected by metro
- Mercat de la Boqueria
- Rambla del Raval
- MACBA Museum
- Cheap accommodation in central Barcelona
- Barcelona’s hipster neighbourhood
- Alternative nightlife
- Ethnic restaurants
El Raval, formerly known as the “Barrio Chino” or Chinatown, is the alternative heart of Barcelona.
Traditionally a multicultural working-class neighbourhood, in recent years, El Raval has emerged as the city’s hipster hangout where you can find traditional tapas bars next to luxury cocktail lounges, and dusty hardware shops are door-to-door with conceptual boutiques. Here, you can eat a greasy kebab or indulge in fusion-inspired avocado sashimi with sesame oil any day of the week. Clichéed as it may sound, Raval is a district of contrast.
While nowadays considered part of central Barcelona, this area was outside the city gates in the Middle Ages. In fact, the name Raval means “outside of the walls.”
Bound by Las Ramblas to the east, the Old Port to the south, Paral·lel Avenue on the west and Eixample to the north, Raval’s main streets include Rambla del Raval, Tallers, Hospital, Carme and Sant Pau.
Raval is home to many museums and art institutions including MACBA Contemporary Art Museum, the Barcelona Contemporary Culture Centre (CCCB) and the Filmoteca de Catalunya. Some other attractions in Raval include La Boqueria Market, Teatre del Liceu, the Naval Museum, the medieval Hospital de la Santa Creu and the Church of Sant Pau del Camp.
Raval is bound by many Metro lines connecting it to the rest of the city. Some stations located in and around the district include Plaça Catalunya L1 L3 L6 L7 R REG FGC, Universitat L1 L2 , Liceu L3, Drassanes L3, Paral.lel L2 L3 and Sant Antoni L2.
Best Hotels in Raval
Le Meridien Barcelona
This prestigious hotel is located on Barcelona’s famous Las Ramblas, frequently hosting world-famous celebrities. Le Méridien’s stylish rooms feature flat-screen TVs, a music system and an iPod dock.
Casa Camper Barcelona
The stylish Casa Camper Barcelona boutique hotel is located in central Barcelona, between Las Ramblas and the MACBA art gallery. Each room has a separate lounge and a free 24-hour buffet.
Gaudi Hotel
Located just 50 m from the famous Las Ramblas in Barcelona, Gaudi Hotel features a shared terrace with views of the Palau Güell and the city. Free WiFi is available.
Eco Boutique Hostal Grau
This family-run, eco-friendly hotel is within 200 m of Las Ramblas and Plaza Catalunya. All rooms are made of natural, organic materials and painted with PVC-free paint.
Hostal Operaramblas
Hostal Operaramblas is situated less than 100 m from Las Ramblas and Liceu Metro Station. This guest house features rooms with private bathrooms, a 24-hour front desk and free Wi-Fi.
Be Sound Hostel
Set in the Raval District, 300 m from Ramblas, Be Sound Hostel offers a 24-hour reception and air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi.
Happy Apartments
Located 50 m from Las Ramblas and opposite Gaudí’s Palau Güell, Happy Apartments offers free Wi-Fi. Set in Barcelona’s Raval District, it features well-equipped apartments with stylish décor.
8. Sant Antoni & Poble Sec: Quarters with a Local Atmosphere in Barcelona
The quarters of Sant Antoni and Poble Sec are some of the best areas to stay in the Catalan capital.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Barcelona:
- Local atmosphere
- Mercat de Sant Pau
- Beautiful views of Barcelona
- Montjuïc Park
- MNAC and other important museums
- Barcelona ’92 Summer Olympics Park
- Great public transport connections
- Best area for concerts
Sandwiched between the Gran Vía, Raval and Montjuïc Park, the quarters of Sant Antoni and neighbouring Poble Sec offer a local vibe in the city’s heart. The districts are centred around Avinguda del Paral·lel, a turn-of-the-century thoroughfare built to serve as Barcelona’s theatre and entertainment area.
Spanning the triangle formed by Ronda Sant Antoni/Sant Pau, Paral·lel and the Gran Vía de Les Corts Catalanes, Sant Antoni is one of the best-located quarters within the Eixample district.
This lovely area, home to the Mercat de Sant Antoni and Avinguda de Mistral may not have as many attractions as other Barcelona barrios, but it’s an excellent base to explore the city.
At its western end lies Plaça d’Espanya, a busy roundabout where some of the most important thoroughfares in Barcelona converge. Its centre is crowned by an early-20th century monumental fountain and serves as the main gateway to Montjuïc, Barcelona’s largest and most interesting park.
Av. Maria Cristina connects the plaza to the stairways leading up to the famous Font Màgica, a large fountain famous for its scheduled shows of water, light and music. Right next to it, the impressive Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) displays Catalan and an important Romanesque collection.
Other than its many panoramic lookouts and gardens, Montjuïc is also home to many Barcelona attractions including Montjuïc Castle, the Joan Miró Foundation and most of the venues and stadiums where the Barcelona ‘92 Olympic Games took place. Some of the arenas are still used for sporting events and concerts to this day.
Located at the hill’s foot, the Poble Sec quarter is known for its steep streets, shady squares, locally-owned bars and restaurants, and ambience. Still relatively unspoiled by tourism, el Poble Sec is one of the best districts in Barcelona for a quiet holiday.
Both Poble Sec and Sant Antoni are pretty well-connected to the rest of Barcelona via bus and metro. The main transit hub in the area is definitely Espanya L1 L3 L8 FGC . That said, several other metro stations, including Paral·lel L2 L3 FM, Universitat L1 L2 , Sant Antoni L2, Poble Sec L3, Rocafort L1 and Urgell L1 are all close by.
Montjuïc Park also offers a small cable car system and is connected to La Barceloneta through an aerial tramway.
Best Hotels in Poble Sec & Sant Antoni
InterContinental Barcelona, an IHG Hotel
Situated 200 m from Barcelona’s Magic Fountain, the elegant InterContinental Barcelona, an IHG Hotel offers spacious rooms with a flat-screen TV and hydromassage shower.
Hotel Brummell
Hotel Brummell is a 20-room boutique hotel located a few steps from the Miró Foundation and The Grec theatre. Guests will benefit from free and unlimited yoga classes. A running club, for both guests and locals, is organized regularly.
HCC Lugano
Set on Avinguda Parallel, HCC Lugano is 500 m from Plaza España’s FIRA Exhibition Centre and the nearby Metro and railway stations. It offers a 24-hour reception and free Wi-Fi.
Paral·lel
Situated just a 10-minute walk from the stunning centre of Barcelona, this smart and practical hotel is set in the charming neighbourhood of Poble Sec, at the foot of Montjüic, where you can visit the Olympic site.
Hostal Oliveta
Set at the bottom of Montjuïc and a 5-minute walk from Parallel Metro and Funicular Station, Hostal Oliveta features a restaurant serving traditional Spanish cuisine.
Hostel One Paralelo
Featuring free dinner every night and a terrace, Hostel One Paralelo is located a 2-minute walk from Metro Paral·lel. Free WiFi is available throughout, and there is a 24-hour reception.
Aspasios Market Balconies
Aspasios Market Balconies provides accommodation with free WiFi and a seating area. All units have air conditioning and feature a flat-screen TV, a living room with a sofa, a well-equipped kitchen with a dining area, and a private bathroom.
9. Gràcia: Best Location for a Quiet Holiday in Barcelona
Located in the north of Barcelona, the district of Gràcia is a quiet and secluded area with few tourists and lots of local life.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Barcelona:
- Local atmosphere
- Park Güell
- Beautiful views of Barcelona
- Plaça de la Vila
- Alternative atmosphere
- Small boutiques & quaint cafés & restaurants
- Good public transport connections
Gràcia is one of the ten districts of Barcelona. It includes the territory of the old Villa de Gracia, a formerly independent village that merged with Barcelona in the 19th century.
The smallest district of Barcelona, Gràcia is also one of the most iconic areas in the city as it’s home to the early-20th-century Park Güell. Designed by Antoni Gaudí and set in the foothills of Collserola, the park is an interesting maze of mosaic-clad structures, stairways, buildings and fountains with complex and fascinating iconography. This UNESCO Site Heritage Site also offers impressive views of Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea.
Other Gràcia attractions include the Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia and its 33-metre bell tower, the art-nouveau Casa Fuster and Cinema Verdi, which shows international films in original version.
At its centre, Gràcia has a unique atmosphere; in many ways, it feels more like a small town than a central Barcelona neighbourhood. The area is known for its many independent retailers, small boutiques, quaint cafés and organic restaurants.
The most notable event in the district is Festes de Gràcia, which takes place every August. The largest neighbourhood festival in Barcelona, it began in 1817 as a celebration of the (then independent) village.
Some of the main metro stations in the district include Gràcia L6 L7 FGC, Fontana L3, Lesseps L3 Joanic L4 and Verdaguer L4 L5.
Best Hotels in Gràcia
Hotel Casa Fuster G.L Monumento
This iconic, Modernist building is located at the head of Barcelona’s chic Passeig de Gracia Avenue. It has a sauna, gym, and a roof terrace with a pool and excellent views.
Hotel Ronda Lesseps
This modern hotel is 200 m from Barcelona’s Plaza Lesseps and a 15-minute walk to Gaudi’s famous Parc Güell. You can reach the city centre in 10 minutes by bus or Metro.
Sonder La Casa Del Sol
A 10-minute walk from La Pedrera, Sonder l La Casa del Sol is situated in Barcelona and features rooms with free WiFi. Well set in the Gràcia district, this hotel offers rooms with balconies.
Hotel BESTPRICE Gracia
Located in Barcelona’s Gracia District, Hotel BESTPRICE Gracia is located 450 m from Joanic Metro Station. It offers modern, air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi.
Blue Barcelona
Featuring free WiFi, Blue Barcelona is located in the Gracia district of Barcelona. Set next to Gracia FGC Station, this bed and breakfast offers a shared lounge and tour desk.
Sant Jordi Hostels Gracia
Located in Barcelona’s bohemian Gracia district, Sant Jordi Hostels Gracia is a stylish modern hostel with free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour reception and bright air-conditioned dormitories. Fontana Metro Station is just 650 m away.
Aspasios Verdi Apartments
Set in Barcelona’s trendy Gracia district, a 5-minute walk from Joanic Metro Station, Cool Gracia Apartments offer free WiFi and air conditioning. There is a communal roof terrace and chill out area.
10. Sants: Best Location for Exploring Barcelona, Catalonia & Spain
Home to the city’s main railway station, Sants is a great (and relatively cheap) district to stay in Barcelona.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Barcelona, Catalonia:
- Sants Estació
- Local, suburban, regional and long distance trains
- Great metro connections
- Carrer de Tarragona business area
- Miró Park
- Mid-range and budget hotels
- Local atmosphere
Part of the wider Sants-Montjuïc district, the Sants quarter is located west of the city centre.
This neighbourhood is mainly known for being home to the massive Estació de Sants, Barcelona’s main transit hub and the second-busiest station in Spain (after Madrid Atocha). Opened in the late 1970s, this vital infrastructure provides local, suburban, regional and long-distance train connections to every corner of Catalonia and mainland Spain. The station is also connected to the country’s high-speed network and, since 2013, has offered non-stop TGV services to cities in France including Lyon and Paris.
Stretching between Sants Station and Plaça d’Espanya is Carrer de Tarragona, a busy road flanked by highrises developed in the 1980s and 1990s and one of Barcelona’s business districts. Nearby, you’ll find Miró Park and the Arenas Mall, a former bullfighting ring turned into a shopping centre.
Meanwhile, Carrer de Sants is the local thoroughfare and shopping street home to bustling neighbourhood markets including Mercat de Sants and Mercat d’Hostafrancs.
As the site of the main train station in the city, Sants is home to a broad variety of hotels ranging from small family-owned pensions to luxurious business hotels.
As we mentioned above, Sants is one of the best-connected districts in Barcelona. It’s main transportation hub is of course Estació de Sants L3 L5 R R REG LD AVE, but there are other stations around the area including Plaça de Sants L1 L5, Hostafrancs L1 and Tarragona L3.
Best Hotels in Sants
Barceló Sants
Situated at Barcelona Sants Train Station, Barceló Sants offers a subtle outer space theme throughout. Minimalist rooms feature free Wi-Fi, rain showers, and large windows with city views.
Occidental Barcelona 1929
Occidental Barcelona 1929 features a restaurant, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and a bar in Barcelona. Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a sun terrace. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk.
Hotel Transit
Hotel Transit is just a 3-minute walk from Barcelona Sants, the city’s main AVE Train Station. Free WiFi is offered throughout the property.
Hostal Baler
Hostal Baler offers good-value accommodation in a convenient location, with excellent access to the historic heart of Barcelona. This guest house is set 400 m from Sants Train Station.
Ten To Go Hostel
Ten To Go Hostel is located in Barcelona, within 300 m of Sants Station. The property boasts social areas and an outdoor swimming pool and free WiFi.
Sweet Inn – Callao
Sweet Inn – Callao provides accommodation with free WiFi and a seating area. All units are air-conditioned and feature a flat-screen TV, a living room with a sofa, a well-equipped kitchen with a dining area, and a private bathroom.
11. Les Corts: Best Location in Barcelona for Barça Fans
Home to Camp Nou, Les Corts is a favourite destination for football fans travelling to Barcelona for a Barça match.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Barcelona, Catalonia:
- Camp Nou
- Upscale area
- Great metro and tram connections
- Upmarket shopping centres
- Pedralbes
- Excellent luxury hotels
- Royal Palace of Barcelona
Located on Barcelona’s far western end, the district of Les Corts is home to some of the most exclusive neighbourhoods in the city, the Camp Nou football stadium and the University of Barcelona main campus.
The district is centred around La Diagonal, a massive 13-kilometre-long avenue that runs through the entire city from west to east, from Hospitalet de Llobregat to San Adrià del Besós, making it one of the longest urban roads in Spain.
The Les Corts district comprises two main areas: the one south of La Diagonal is home to the Camp Nou stadium and the FC Barcelona Museum. Camp Nou, also referred to as Nou Camp, is one of the most famous football stadiums in the world. With a capacity of over 99,000 seats, it is the largest on the Iberian Peninsula and one of the largest in the world. Home to FC Barcelona, the stadium is one of the most iconic tourist attractions in the city.
Avinguda Diagonal is a major shopping and entertainment street in Barcelona. The section running through Les Corts is home to many high-end boutiques and shopping centres, including the famous El Corte Inglés department store, L’illa Diagonal and the uber-exclusive Centre Comercial Pedralbes Centre. Several of Barcelona’s upscale restaurants, cocktail bars and nightclubs are also located here, making it a great area to stay in Barcelona for nightlife.
The northern section of Les Corts, Pedralbes, is a mainly residential area primarily made up of upmarket developments and villas. This is where Barcelona’s rich and famous live and play. Some tourist attractions in this area include the Pedralbes Monastery, the Palau Reial (former official residence of the Spanish Royal Family, now a museum) and the Güell Pavilions.
Les Corts offers several options to move around. Line 3 of the Barcelona metro system runs through several areas in the district and offers the most convenient way to get to the city centre. To reach the Camp Nou area, the nearest metro stops are Les Corts L3 and Collblanc L5 L9 L10 . Other public transport stops in the area include Zona Universitària L3 L9 T1 T2 T3, Palau Reial L3 T1 T2 T3, Maria Cristina Palau Reial L3 T1 T2 T3 and Francesc Macià T1 T2 T3.
Estació de Sants L3 L5 R R REG LD AVE is a 15-minute walk away.
Best Hotels in Les Corts
Hotel SOFIA Barcelona, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
Hotel Sofia Barcelona is set on Barcelona’s Diagonal Avenue, a 5-minute walk from FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou Stadium. It features free WiFi throughout, on-site restaurants and stunning city views.
Sansi Pedralbes
Peaceful gardens and stylish rooms with free Wi-Fi and TV are offered at Sansi Pedralbes. It is just 250 m from Pedralbes Monastery and offers air-conditioned rooms with a minibar, a safe and iron. Bathrooms include toiletries.
NH Barcelona Les Corts
Located a 5-minute walk from Les Corts Metro Station, this hotel offers modern accommodation in Barcelona. It has good access to the city’s main attractions, such as the Nou Camp Football Stadium.
Casual Colours Barcelona
Casual Colours Barcelona is set approximately 10 minutes’ walk from Barcelona Sants Railway Station and 200 m from Avinguda Diagonal. This functional hotel offers comfortable rooms and free Wi-Fi.
Hostal Conde Güell
Hostal Conde Güell is located next to Barcelona’s famous Camp Nou Football Stadium. It offers basic rooms with a sink and free WiFi. All rooms have shared bathroom facilities.
Room018BCN
Room018BCN is located 450 m from FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou Stadium. This modern hostel offers rooms with free WiFi and individual lockers.
Glasir Apartments Barcelona
Glasir Apartments Barcelona is a self-catering accommodation located in Barcelona. Free WiFi access is available. The property is 800 m from Maria Cristina and 900 m from Sants Estacio Train Station.
12. Diagonal Mar & 22@: Best Area to Stay in Barcelona for Festivals
Home to the Parc del Fòrum festival complex, the Diagonal Mar area is number one when it comes to the best location to look for accommodation in Barcelona for a big festival like Cruïlla or Primavera Sound.
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Why is this the best area to stay in Barcelona, Catalonia:
- Near the beach
- Great modern luxury hotels
- Connected by metro & tram
- Diagonal Mar shopping centre
- Fòrum festival complex
- Best area for Primavera Sound & Cruïlla festivals
- 22@ business area
On the opposite end of La Diagonal, by the sea, lies the Diagonal Mar district of Barcelona.
This recently-renewed area is known for its swanky new office highrises, hotels and residential developments.
Centred around Diagonal Avenue, this district is home to some of Barcelona’s most popular beaches, including Mar Bella, Nova Mar Bella and Llevant, and the swanky Diagonal Mar Shopping Centre. The whole area is packed with upscale seaside gastro bars and nightclubs.
Parc del Fòrum is a massive public park and event complex located on the city’s easternmost point. It is here that Barcelona’s most famous festivals are held each year. The most famous of which, Primavera Sound, Barcelona Beach Festival and Cruïlla, attract hundreds of thousands of music fans.
The Fòrum is also home to the International Barcelona Convention Center and the Auditori Fòrum CCIB, making Diagonal Mar a great location in Barcelona for business travellers. Across from it, the Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona offers exhibitions on natural history and science.
A few hundred metres west toward Plaça de Glòries lies the 22@ district, a newly developed business area created to cater to the city’s growing start-up community and creative entrepreneurs. Attractions in this area include the Design Museum, Glòries Tower (previously Agbar), Westfield Glòries Shopping Centre and Can Framis Museum.
Diagonal Mar and the 22@ are connected to the rest of Barcelona thanks to their many metro and tram stops like El Maresme | Fòrum L4 T4, Selva de Mar L4 T4 Glòries L1 T4 T5 T6 and Poblenou L4.
Best Hotels in Diagonal Mar & 22@
The Level at Melia Barcelona Sky
The Level at Melia Barcelona Sky is located in Barcelona’s Poblenou district. This stylish hotel offers a range of luxury services, including one on-site restaurant and free spa access.
Barcelona Princess
Barcelona Princess Hotel is a 10-minute walk from the beach in the city’s Forum area. It offers wonderful views, a free sauna and a gym. Free WiFi is available throughout.
Four Points by Sheraton Barcelona Diagonal
Four Points by Sheraton Barcelona Diagonal is situated 350 m from Glòries Shopping Centre, in the modern 22@ district of Barcelona. It offers an elegant restaurant and soundproofed rooms with free Wi-Fi and TV.
Hotel BESTPRICE Diagonal
Located 5 minutes’ walk from Diagonal Park and 100 m from Selva de Mar Metro Station, Hotel BESTPRICE Diagonal is a new hotel with modern décor. Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas.
