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.
Without internet when you need it the most? Don't take the risk! With Saily's eSIMs, you can connect instantly, anywhere, and stress-free! Visit the website and get a 5% discount exclusively for Wheresleep.com! Find out more
In a hurry? Here's our recommended accommodation
| CATEGORY | RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATION |
|---|---|
| 👑 5-star / luxury | W Barcelona |
| 🛎️ B&b & mid-range | Hotel Pulitzer Barcelona |
| 🎒 Hostel and low-cost | Hostal Sol y K |
| 🏡 Vacation rental / apartments | Best House Best Place |
Useful tips: the best neighborhoods to stay in Barcelona
| Ideale per | Zona | Prezzi da |
|---|---|---|
| Stay on a budget | Gràcia | €70,00 |
| Poble Sec | €70,00 | |
| Poblenou | €70,00 | |
| Ciutadella-Vila Olimpica | €75,00 | |
| Families | Barceloneta | €85,00 |
| Gràcia | €70,00 | |
| Poblenou | €70,00 | |
| Eixample | €90,00 | |
| Ciutadella - Vila Olimpica | €75,00 | |
| El Raval | €75,00 | |
| Young | El Born | €80,00 |
| Barrio Gotico | €80,00 |
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.
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.
Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Barcelona. Check out our recommendations and make your reservation on Booking
Barrio Gotico, best for first-timers
- Pros: Historic center, charming medieval streets, major landmarks within walking distance.
- Cons: Can be very crowded, potentially more expensive for accommodation and dining
- Main Attractions: Barcelona Cathedral, Plaça Sant Jaume, Las Ramblas (northern end), Barri Gòtic History Museum, narrow winding streets.
- Average Prices: From €80,00 per night - Find top stays on Booking
Recommended accommodation
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 start from about €80,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking
El Born, Best for fun and nightlife
- Pros: Trendy and lively atmosphere, excellent restaurants and tapas bars, vibrant nightlife
- Cons: Can be noisy at night, parking can be difficult and expensive, potentially more expensive than others.
- Main Attractions: Picasso Museum, Santa Maria del Mar Basilica, Ciutadella Park, Palau de la Música Catalana.
- Average Prices: From €80,00 per night - Find top stays on Booking
Recommended Accommodation
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 start from about €80,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking
El Raval, best for alternative culture seekers
- Pros: More affordable accommodation options, diverse and multicultural atmosphere, interesting street art
- Cons: Can feel less safe at night in certain areas, some streets can be less charming
- Main Attractions: MACBA (Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art), CCCB (Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona)
- Average Prices: From €75,00 per night - Find top stays on Booking
Recommended Accommodation
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 start from about €75,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Eixample, best for architecture and design lovers
- Pros: Wide avenues, stunning Modernist architecture (including Gaudí's masterpieces), excellent shopping
- Cons: Can feel less traditionally "charming" than the old town, some areas can be quite busy with traffic
- Main Attractions: Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, Casa Milà (La Pedrera), Passeig de Gràcia.
- Average Prices: From €90,00 per night - Find top stays on Booking
Recommended Accommodation
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 €90,00 for low-cost accommodation to €750,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Poble Sec - Montjuïc, to stay on a budget
- Pros: More affordable accommodation and dining options, lively local atmosphere
- Cons: Can be a bit further from the main tourist center (though well-connected by metro)
- Main Attractions: Montjuïc Castle, Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC)
- Average Prices: From €70,00 per night - Find top stays on Booking
Recommended Accommodation
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 start from about €70,00 for low-cost accommodation to €250,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Gràcia, perfect for families
- Pros: Bohemian and artistic atmosphere, charming squares with local bars and restaurants
- Cons: Can be a bit further from the main tourist center (though easily accessible by metro), hilly in some parts
- Main Attractions: Park Güell, Plaça de la Vila de Gràcia, Casa Vicens (Gaudí's first major work)
- Average Prices: From €70,00 per night - Find top stays on Booking
Recommended Accommodation
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 €70,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Plobenou, best for relaxing beach vibes
- Pros: Quiet and relaxed atmosphere, direct access to Bogatell and Nova Icària beaches, good for families
- Cons: Can feel a bit removed from the historical center, fewer major landmarks compared to other areas
- Main Attractions: Bogatell Beach, Nova Icària Beach, Rambla del Poblenou, Parc del Poblenou.
- Average Prices: From €70,00 per night - Find top stays on Booking
Recommended Accommodation
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 start from about €70,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Ciutadella - Vila Olimpica, the green district
- Pros: Modern and lively area, close to Barceloneta Beach and Port Olímpic (with its restaurants and nightlife)
- Cons: Can be very touristy, especially around the port, potentially noisy at night due to the nightlife
- Main Attractions: Barceloneta Beach, Port Olímpic, Ciutadella Park (eastern entrance), Barcelona Aquarium
- Average Prices: From €115 per night - Find top stays on Booking
Recommended Accommodation
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 start from about €60,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Barceloneta, the most famous beach
- Pros: Direct access to Barcelona's main beach, lively atmosphere, excellent seafood restaurants
- Cons: Can be very crowded, especially during peak season, potentially noisy, accommodation can be expensive.
- Main Attractions: Barceloneta Beach, Passeig Marítim (beachfront promenade), Port Vell (old port), seafood restaurants, street performers.
- Average Prices: From €85,00 per night - Find top stays on Booking
Recommended Accommodation
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 start from about €85,00 - compare the best accommodation on Booking
Places to stay near Barcellona
Foto di wheresleep. 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
Barcelona accommodation price map
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.
Cool Things to do in Barcelona
- Marvel at Gaudí's masterpieces, including the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, iconic symbols of Barcelona's unique architecture. More info here.
- Immerse yourself in art at the Picasso Museum, tracing the early artistic journey of the celebrated painter. Book your tour here.
- Discover the crazy Casa Milà: one of the most famous Gaudì masterpieces, a must see if you go to Barcelona. Book your tour here.
- Wander down Las Ramblas, a lively pedestrian boulevard filled with street performers, flower stalls, and shops, experiencing the city's vibrant energy.
- Explore the Gothic Quarter's charm, getting lost in its narrow medieval streets, discovering historic plazas, and visiting the Barcelona Cathedral.
- Relax on Barceloneta Beach, soaking up the sun, swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, and enjoying the beachfront atmosphere.
- Experience the excitement of FC Barcelona by catching a football match at the legendary Camp Nou stadium.
- Indulge in Tapas culture, exploring the vibrant culinary scene in neighborhoods like El Born and Poble Sec.
- Discover the vibrant La Boqueria Market, a sensory feast of fresh produce, seafood, meats, and local delicacies.
Travel Tips for Barcelona
- Visit during the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as Barcelona is a very walkable city, especially when exploring the historic center.
- Utilize the efficient public transportation, including the metro and buses, for easy travel across the city.
- Be vigilant against pickpockets, particularly in crowded tourist areas like Las Ramblas and on public transport.
- Embrace the late Spanish dining hours, with dinner often starting after 9 PM.
- Book accommodations and major attractions in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and often save time.
- Learn a few basic Spanish or Catalan phrases; while English is common in tourist areas, locals appreciate the effort.
- Take advantage of free activities such as walking tours, exploring parks like Ciutadella, and enjoying the beach.
Without internet when you need it the most? Don't take the risk! With Saily's eSIMs, you can connect instantly, anywhere, and stress-free! Visit the website and get a 5% discount exclusively for Wheresleep.com! Find out more