Where to Stay in Barcelona (Best Neighborhoods & Map included)
Barcelona, once the capital of a powerful maritime empire in the Middle Ages, is rich in history and artistic charm. It’s been home to great minds like Pablo Picasso, who started his career here, and Antoni Gaudí, whose unique architecture defines the city. The city’s beauty lies in its mix of Gothic and modernist styles, a place where history meets bold creativity.
Falling in love with Barcelona is easy, but finding the perfect place to stay? That can be tricky. Your decision might depend on whether you’re visiting for a quick getaway or a longer stay. After spending time in the city, I’ve put together a guide to the best neighborhoods and hotels in each area.
Barcelona welcomes visitors year-round, though it has busy and quiet seasons. When July rolls around, finding a hotel can feel like trying to grab the last seat at a popular tapas bar—it’s a real challenge! Even in the off-season, booking early is a smart idea.
While making this guide, I found several charming hotels I couldn’t resist adding. They’re organized by neighborhood to help you find the perfect spot to stay.
key takeaways
- For first-time travelers to Barcelona, the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) is the ideal place to stay.
- The historic part of Barcelona is called Ciutat Vella, which means Old City in Catalan. It includes areas like El Raval, the Gothic Quarter, El Born, and La Barceloneta.
- The famous Sagrada Familia sits in the eastern part of L’Eixample. With its central location and modernist architecture, this area is a popular choice for tourists.
- You should spend at least 3 days in Barcelona. It’s a big city with a rich culture unlike anywhere else in Spain. You could easily stay longer to explore.
All your hotel options in Barcelona
Table of Contents
Overview of the best places to stay in Barcelona
The Gothic Quarter
Where to stay in Barcelona for first timers
Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, or Barri Gòtic, is a charming maze of narrow, medieval streets and lovely plazas. As the city’s historical heart, it features beautiful architecture, including the stunning Gothic Cathedral. The atmosphere is lively, the streets are filled with tapas bars and nice restaurants, all while being close to famous spots like La Rambla and Plaça del Rei. It’s a great place for first-time visitors, with easy access to the coastline and other neighborhoods.
Main attractions in the Gothic Quarter
- Cathedral of Barcelona
- Pont del Bisbe
- Plaça del Rei
- Plaça de Sant Jaume
Staying in the Gothic Quarter means you’ll be right in the middle of the action, surrounded by history and good food. The area is great for walking, allowing you to soak in the sights at a relaxed pace.
Nonetheless, this beautiful area can get quite busy with tourists (you’re definitely not the only one wanting to enjoy the view!). Most streets in the Gothic Quarter are pedestrian-only, so if you’re driving or have mobility issues, you might want to keep that in mind.
Choose to stay here if:
- It’s your first visit to Barcelona.
- You are staying only a few days and want quick access to Barcelona’s main tourist spots.
- You want to see the prettiest parts of the town.
- You prefer to stay in the most central location.
| TYPE | ACCOMMODATION | PRICE |
| Luxury | Olivia Plaza Hotel | From € 262 / night |
| Mid-range | Catalonia Magdalenes | From € 182 / night |
| Mid-range | H10 Madison 4* Sup | From € 173 / night |
L’Eixample
Where to stay in Barcelona on a longer trip through Spain
L’Eixample is a central neighborhood just north of the Ciutat Vella, Barcelona’s old town. It’s known for its wide streets, great atmosphere, and beautiful Moderniste buildings like Casa Batlló and Casa Milà along Passeig de Gràcia.
Main attractions in L’Eixample
- Sagrada Familia
- Plaça de Catalunya
- Casa Batlló
- La Pedrera-Casa Milà
- Museu Egipci de Barcelona
One of the best things about staying in L’Eixample is how easy it is to get around. Some of its areas are close enough to walk to the city center, and you’ll also be near La Sagrada Família, Spain’s most famous landmark. There are lots of metro stops, taxis, and buses to take you anywhere. Plus, there are great restaurants, and it’s close enough to more lively spots like El Raval and El Born.
The only downside is that it can be pricey, and while it’s great for sightseeing, it’s not as vibrant at night compared to other neighborhoods.
Choose to stay here if:
- You don’t have a car.
- You don’t have much time but want to pack in as many sights as possible.
- You want to do day trips out of Barcelona (The Barcelona-Sants Train Station is closest to L’Eixample)
| TYPE | ACCOMMODATION | PRICE |
| Luxury | Seventy Barcelona | From € 205 / night |
| Mid-range | Room Mate Pau | From € 158 / night |
| Mid-range | Praktik Èssens | From € 168 / night |
| Mid-range | Sercotel Hotel Rosellon | From € 155 / night |
El Raval
Where to stay in Barcelona for the night-life
El Raval is a lively, artsy neighborhood right next to the Gothic Quarter, with Las Ramblas separating the two. It’s known for its mix of cultures and offers everything from vintage clothing shops to record stores and tattoo studios. The streets are full of life, and you’ll find hip restaurants and great boutique hotels throughout the area.
Main attractions in El Raval
- La Rambla
- Palau Güell
- El Gat de Botero
- Maritime Museum
- Barcelona Contemporary Art Museum
Staying in El Raval means easy access to Las Ramblas and some of the best nightlife in Barcelona. It’s a fun spot, especially for young people looking for exciting bars and great food.
Choose to stay here if:
- You’re looking for exciting nightlife.
- You love good tapas.
- You love great boutique hotels.
On the downside, it can get very busy and loud, especially on weekends. It’s not the best area for families or anyone who wants a quiet stay. If you want a calmer experience, the nearby Gothic Quarter might be better.
| TYPE | ACCOMMODATION | PRICE |
| Luxury | Antiga Casa Buenavista | From € 255 / night |
| Luxury | Casa Camper Barcelona | From € 234 / night |
| Mid-range | Yurbban Ramblas Boutique Hotel | From € 180 / night |
Where to Stay in Barcelona Summary
Not in the mood for more reading? Head back to a quick guide on where to stay in Catalonia’s capital.
La Barceloneta
Staying near the beach in Barcelona
La Barceloneta is ideal for beach lovers, with direct access to Barcelona’s liveliest beach. Once a fishing village, it’s now known for its seafood tapas bars. Unlike some other neighborhoods, the tall apartment buildings lining the streets gives it a more modern vibe.
Main attractions in La Barceloneta
- Rambla de Mar
- Barceloneta Beach
- Barcelona Aquarium
- Port Cable Car
- Museu d’Història de Catalunya
Staying here means easy access to the beach, great seafood, and a fun mix of beach culture. It’s also close to El Born and Barri Gòtic, so you can enjoy both the beach and sightseeing. Luxury hotels like the W Barcelona are found here, too. But even if you don’t stay here, don’t miss the Mercat de la Barceloneta! (It’s a lovely place to have a taste of authentic Catalan food.)
On the downside, La Barceloneta gets very crowded during summer, and the beach can feel overrun with tourists. Plus, accommodation options are limited, making it hard to find a place to stay during peak season.
Choose to stay here if:
- You want to stay close to the beach.
- You don’t mind that the area isn’t very well connected.
- You enjoy good food and drinks.
| TYPE | ACCOMMODATION | PRICE |
| Luxury | Sofitel Barcelona Skipper | From € 280 / night |
| Luxury | Hotel Arts Barcelona | From € 395 / night |
| Luxury | W Barcelona | From € 257 / night |
Gràcia
Where to stay in Barcelona for the local atmosphere
Gràcia is a charming neighborhood with a laid-back, bohemian vibe. Once its own village, it was incorporated into Barcelona in 1897, but it still retains a small-town feel. Nestled between Eixample and the hills, Gràcia is home to young families, artists, and ex-pats. The area is known for its independent shops, quirky boutiques, and local cafes, offering a vibrant community feel away from the more tourist-heavy areas.
Main attractions in Gràcia
- Parque Güell
- Gaudí House Museum
- Passeig de Gràcia Avenue
- Casa Vicens Gaudí
One of Gràcia’s main highlights is Parc Güell, a beautiful park designed by Gaudí, known for its colorful mosaics and unique sculptures. The neighborhood has a good mix of trendy bars, ethnic restaurants, and lively plazas where locals hang out. Gràcia feels less touristy than the neighborhoods further south. It’s also well-connected by metro and offers some of the best hostels, making it a great option for budget travelers.
However, Gràcia is a bit farther from the city center, and some of its streets are hilly, which can be tough for people with mobility issues. It takes around 30 minutes to walk to places like the Cituat Vella.
Choose to stay here if:
- You want to experience local life.
- You enjoy delicious tapas.
- You don’t mind being a bit farther from the main attractions and using public transit.
- You’re on a family vacation.
| TYPE | ACCOMMODATION | PRICE |
| Luxury | Hotel Casa Fuster G.L Monumento | From € 315 / night |
| Mid-range | Radisson Blu 1882 Hotel | From € 172 / night |
| Budget | Hotel BESTPRICE Gracia | From € 108 / night |
La Ribera / El Born
Where to stay in Barcelona for a bit of everything
El Born is a lively, historic neighborhood that offers an alternative to the more touristy Gothic Quarter. Its narrow medieval streets give it a similar charm, but without the crowds. Staying here gives you a taste of local life, with plenty of small businesses, making it feel more authentic than other tourist spots. The area is divided into three sub-neighborhoods: La Ribera, Sant Pere, and Santa Caterina.
Main attractions in La Ribera / El Born
- Picasso Museum
- Moco Museum Barcelona
- Museu de la Xocolata
- Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar
El Born is known for its tapas bars, unique boutiques, and the beautiful Ciutadella Park. It’s perfect for food lovers, with lots of tapas bars and great places to eat. The area is also a shopper’s dream, full of chic boutiques, vintage shops, and handmade jewelry. At night, El Born comes alive with cocktail bars and a fun nightlife scene.
On the downside, its growing popularity means it can be a bit more expensive, especially for places to stay and dining out.
Choose to stay here if:
- You don’t mind noise late at night.
- You enjoy being in a spot with a great local atmosphere.
- You want to stay somewhere that’s both central and full of charm.
| TYPE | ACCOMMODATION | PRICE |
| Luxury | H10 Port Vell 4* Sup | From € 176 / night |
| Mid-range | Hotel Oasis | From € 129 / night |
| Budget | Hotel Santa Marta | From € 118 / night |
Poblenou
Where to stay in Barcelona for an extended stay
El Poblenou is a modern neighborhood by the sea, just east of Ciutat Vella. Its name means « new village, » and it has a trendy but relaxed vibe, perfect for those wanting a quieter stay away from the busy city center.
If you’re looking for authentic and affordable Spanish food, Poblenou is the place to go. There are lots of cool tapas bars, like El 58 and Bitacora Tapas, where you can enjoy traditional dishes. The area feels calm and less crowded with tourists, giving it a more local feel.
Main attractions in Poblenou
- Parque del Poblenou
- Can Framis Museum
- Torre Glòries
On the downside, the beach is a bit far from the metro stations, which can make it less convenient for exploring the city. Hotels are also fewer, so it’s best to book early. While it’s great for food lovers, some might find the modern, waterfront feel of Poblenou a little too generic compared to other parts of Barcelona.
Choose to stay here if:
- You are planning a long-term stay.
- You want to experience life like a local.
| TYPE | ACCOMMODATION | PRICE |
| Luxury | Hotel Paxton Barcelona | From € 224 / night |
| Mid-range | Labtwentytwo Barcelona | From € 175 / night |
| Mid-range | Four Points by Sheraton | From € 125 / night |
| Budget | Acta Voraport | From € 122 / night |
Tips and FAQ
Don’t Forget These 2 Must-Haves in any Barcelona Hotel
Everyone has personal must-haves when booking a place to stay. However, I can’t stress this enough: if you’re visiting Barcelona in the summer, there are two essentials you absolutely need—air conditioning in the room and soundproof windows.
Is 3 days enough for Barcelona?
You can easily enjoy a whole week in Barcelona without feeling bored. But in reality, you have to make choices. If you want to see more of Spain, spending a whole week in each city is impossible. Begin with a minimum of 3 days to see Barcelona properly. Three days isn’t enough to fully explore any city of its size, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time in those three days.
Barcelona and Seville each have their own charm, but offer different experiences. Seville is more compact and romantic, though it lacks the unique character of Barcelona. It’s hard to skip Barcelona’s iconic landmarks like La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. For a more relaxed experience in Barcelona, five days is ideal, giving you time to explore the city’s monuments without feeling rushed.
Where should I stay in Seville without a car?
For a longer trip: The best place to stay in Barcelona without a car is the L’Eixample area.
- It’s very close to Barcelona’s main train station, Estación de Barcelona-Sants (Google Maps).
- L’Eixample is also one of the city’s most walkable neighborhoods, with plenty of metro stops, taxis, and buses to take you anywhere.
- Plus, it’s near some of Barcelona’s most famous attractions.
For a weekend getaway: If you don’t plan on leaving the city, the Gothic Quarter is an even better option. In fact, I’d consider it’s rather difficult to have a car in this part of the city.
Restaurant suggestions for every area of Barcelona
Here are a few standout restaurants I was lucky enough to visit:
- El Raval: Palosanto (Tapas Bar)
- La Barceloneta: La Fresca (Tapas Bar)
- L’Eixample: Disfrutar (Fine dining restaurant)
- Gothic Quarter: Bodega Vasconia (Tapas Bar)
- La Ribera/El Born : Mariposa Negra (Cocktail Bar)
My take
For a first stay in Barcelona, I’d wholeheartedly suggest the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic). This neighborhood truly has it all—stunning hotels, a romantic atmosphere, and a convenient location that makes exploring the city a breeze.
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