Barcelona is a preferred destination for anyone who loves a big city, with lots of things to do and see, which also happens to have great beaches, where you can spend your best summer days. This capital of Catalonia is divided into many small and very distinct neighbourhoods, which merge their personality with the character of the person who’s visiting.
So, if you’re visiting Barcelona but have no idea in which neighbourhood you should stay, we’ve got you covered! We’ve selected its 10 best neighbourhoods in the best areas of Barcelona, where you can stay and enjoy your holiday, surrounded by what you love the most, be it bars, monuments, culture or restaurants. Let’s take a look at the options, shall we?
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1. Eixample
Eixample is where most of Barcelona’s population is concentrated, so you can expect to be very close to the locals and their way of life here. It is one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in the city and it’s where the main attractions are, like the Casa Batlló and the Passeig de Gràcia. Eixample is the home to some of the most incredible historical buildings in Barcelona, created by Gaudí and Cadafalch, so if you’re really interested in architecture and love to be surrounded by unique architectural gems, you’re going to want to stay here.
Eixample
Address: Eixample, Barcelona, Spain
Website: Eixample
2. Gothic Quarter
The Gothic Quarter is the centre of the old city of Barcelona. Part of the Ciutat Vella district, the Gothic Quarter includes the remains of the city’s Roman wall and many medieval elements, which will take you back in time to its rich historic past. Much of the architecture of the ‘Barri Gotic’ dates back to the 19th and early 20th centuries, although it is still best known for its medieval structures and mysterious character. Stay here if you want to be immersed in Barcelona’s history and spark your interest in the city’s unique culture.
Gothic Quarter
Address: El Gòtic, Barcelona, Espanha
Website: Gothic Quarter
Tip from Trip101 local expert
El Gòtic has many more tourists than everywhere else in Barcelona. Stay here if you want to be in the thick of it all, but be warned that you'll find prices much higher and everything a little less authentic. You're very connected from here so it is a good base from which to explore the rest of the city.
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
3. El Born
El Born combines the beauty of the Gothic Quarter with the shyness of a place that hasn’t been spoiled by tourism yet. If you’d like to stay somewhere quieter but with the same personality as any other neighbourhood in Barcelona, El Born is the right place for you. This neighbourhood has mysterious narrow streets and plenty of small cafes, where you can try a different kind of drink or Catalan dish, every day.
It is also home to the Picasso Museum, Ciutadella Park, and the Mammoth Museum, and although these attractions are filled with tourists, the area itself has fewer visitors and more locals. If this sounds great to you, don’t think twice!
El Born
Address: La Ribera, 08003 Barcelona, Espanha
Website: El Born
Barcelona Tour Guide
Perry Tours
Hello! My name is Perry, originally from the heart of Belgium, famed for its waffles and fries. However, it wasn't just the call of the Spanish sun that brought to Barcelona, but rather a captivating encounter with a German-Uruguayan beauty in Thailand. This led to the birth of our son in Ibiza, and eventually, more than two decades ago, I found myself in the vibrant city of Barcelona. My passion for meeting people from different nationalities and cultures, coupled with an insatiable appetite for adventure, has empowered me to transform ordinary days into extraordinary stories. In 2020, I embarked on a new journey by starting my own sightseeing company, showcasing the wonders of Barcelona to people from all over the world. With nine years of guiding experience in this magnificent city, I am thrilled to share its beauty and hidden gems with you.
Tours by Perry
4. Barceloneta
The Barceloneta neighbourhood is that triangular piece of land that cuts into the sea that you can see on the map of Barcelona. If you’re visiting the city in the summer months and you really like being close to the beach, then this is the area where you should stay. Walk along Barcelona’s Port Vell and sunbathe on Barceloneta’s crowded but amazing beaches. You won’t have any difficulty finding great seafood restaurants here either, as this is best known as Barcelona’s maritime neighbourhood, where seafood is caught daily and is present in every dish.
There are also many bars here, where you can go for a drink and have a fun night out. Barceloneta is really the best neighbourhood in Barcelona if you want great food, beaches and fun.
Barceloneta
Address: La Barceloneta, Barcelona, Espanha
Website: Barceloneta
Tip from tour guide
Did you know that Barceloneta literally means 'little Barcelona' and was once a fishing village? It is one of the four districts that make up Ciutat Vella (the old town). Today, it is a popular destination known for its beach, which was constructed in 1992 for the Olympic Games. Another interesting feature in La Barceloneta is the 'Homenatge a la Natació' sculpture, located by Sant Sebastià Beach. This sculpture depicts various swimming styles, including crawling, diving, school swimming, and water polo. On sunny days, the shadow cast by this artwork creates an additional dimension. Be sure to check it out when you're in this neighborhood!
5. Les Corts
Les Corts is best known for Camp Nou, the home of Barcelona’s football club. But it’s so much more than one impressive stadium: it is full of life, with extensive shopping areas and many green spaces, like the Pedralbes Park, where you can relax after a long walk and watch the locals go about their lives.
Les Corts is a mix of quiet and energy, so if you like this kind of balance, you’ll feel right at home. Watch the sunset from Concordia Square and have some tasty tapas at one of the neighbourhood’s excellent bars. Les Corts will summarise Barcelona’s way of life for you and you will love it for that.
Les Corts
Address: Les Corts, Barcelona, Espanha
Website: Les Corts
Tip from Trip101 local expert
Les Corts (pronounced "Las Corts") is a fairly suburban district of Barcelona. You'll be quite far-out if you stay here, but it would be fairly cheaper, and of course you'd be in close proximity to Camp Nou. I would recommend staying here only if you are crazy about all things Barça!
6. Sants-Montjuïc
Sants-Montjuïc is not one but two districts of Barcelona: Sants is the traditional Catalan residential area and Monjuïc is the big hill that takes over Barcelona’s skyline. Sants is where most Catalans want to live because of its attractive buildings and well-designed area, although it isn’t as charming as Barcelona’s other neighbourhoods. It’s where you’ll want to stay if you want to be in easy reach of the other parts of the city and be part of the locals’ life. Sants also has the biggest train and metro station in Barcelona - the Estacio de Sants - where you can get on a fast train to Madrid or go on day-trips to Barcelona’s surrounding cities.
On the other hand, Montjuïc has plenty of places to see, like the Castell de Montjuïc, the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya and the Fundació Joan Miró; you can literally spend a whole day here without running out of things to do. Doesn’t that sound perfect to you?
Sants-Montjuïc
Address: Sants-Montjuïc, 08004 Barcelona, Espanha
Website: Sants-Montjuïc
Tip from tour guide
The Sants-Montjuïc neighborhood houses several attractions worth visiting, and one of them is the Olympic Swimming Pool. Located on the hill of Montjuic, it offers a spectacular view of the city. The swimming center opened in 1970 for the European Swimming Championships and underwent remodeling and modernization for the 1992 Olympic Games. Currently, it serves as a public swimming pool where you can enjoy swimming laps and have a fun time.
7. Ciutadella
Ciutadella, best known as Ciutadella Villa Olympica, is one of Barcelona’s most modern districts and it is an ideal place to stay if you want to be close to the beach and go clubbing every night. The nightlife in Ciutadella is very lively and filled with entertainment and it is where locals go to have fun by the sea and to grab a bite at some of the best restaurants in Barcelona.
The beaches here are very popular and well-equipped and you can practice windsurfing or sailing, if you’re into water sports. Ciutadella’s hotels are also the most modern in the city, so if you’re looking for a functional, not-so-traditional place to stay, Ciutadella is the area you should definitely explore.
Ciutadella
Website: Ciutadella
8. El Raval
El Raval has seen many changes throughout the years and has now become Barcelona’s most colourful district, one filled with entertainment and often the epicentre of new events. It has some of Barcelona’s best restaurants and bars, so if you’re looking forward to going on a food and drink tour, this is the place for you.
It is also one of the most famous neighbourhoods in Barcelona, which means it’s very popular amongst tourists. If that doesn’t bother you, go ahead and explore the area for the best accommodation for you: this is where you’ll want to stay if you love modern art, great food, and an exciting nightlife.
El Raval
Address: El Raval, Barcelona, Espanha
Website: El Raval
Tip from Trip101 local expert
El Raval is the heart of alternative Barcelona. Here you'll find the best record stores, vintage clothes shops, and bars. The best streets to find all this stuff are Carrer de Joaquín Costa and Carrer de la Riera Baixa. Be sure to check out Riera Baixa on a Saturday as there is an alternative market here throughout the day, where you can find products from local shops as well as eat paella made on the street. My favourite place to buy vintage clothes in Barcelona is La Principal retro&co, which you can find just off Joaquín Costa on Carrer de Ferlandina, 37.
9. Gracia
Gracia has a rich past and is a mix of modernity and history. Its narrow streets and charming squares will delight you, and so will the absence of tourists. This is one of the few neighbourhoods in Barcelona where you can really enjoy the city’s personality and have a real Catalan experience.
Gracia has stayed true to its roots and is probably the only district where you’ll find menus written only in Catalan and graffiti on the walls calling for independence. Gracia has a unique charisma and if you want to be close to Barcelona’s true identity, this is where you should stay.
Gracia
Address: Gràcia, Barcelona, Espanha
Website: Gracia
10. Poblenou
Poblenou is known as the ‘Catalonian Manchester’ because it was such an important industrial district in the 19th century. Since then, it has been completely transformed into a cultural centre, filled with artistic spaces and concept galleries. There are also plenty of bars and restaurants here, where you can try the most delicious Catalan dishes and meet like-minded people.
If you’re a design fanatic, this is your heaven in Barcelona: visit La Plataforma and the Design Museum de Barcelona and satisfy your taste for modern art. Poblenou will spark your creativity and show you how Barcelona has innovated, throughout the years.
Poblenou
Address: Poblenou, Barcelona, Espanha
Website: Poblenou
Barcelona: One city made of tiny worlds
Barcelona is complex, charming and unique. As any big city, it has many different sides, with very distinct personalities. We’ve shown you the very best of those sides and now, all you have to do is choose the one that fits your own personality. Barcelona isn’t picky and it will allow you to be yourself wherever you want and make you feel at home, regardless of the area you are in. Make sure you open your heart to it and it will open its heart to you, too.
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