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Where to Stay in Barcelona: Best Neighborhoods & Areas

After buying plane tickets, deciding on accommodations is the next and most important step in planning any trip. Deciding what area to stay in is crucial to your itinerary and your budget. What neighborhood you’re in will dictate where you’ll be able to go, and how much fun money you have to spend on your vacation. That’s where we come in. If you’re planning a trip to Barcelona, we’ve got you covered with this accommodations guide to Barcelona. This is your comprehensive guide to where to stay in Barcelona, with the best areas and neighborhoods to find Barcelona hotels in.

Of course, once you’ve decided on where to stay in Barcelona, be sure to head over to our Barcelona Itinerary and our list of the 10 Essential Things to do in Barcelona to start planning your getaway!

 

Here’s where to stay in Barcelona:

Where to Stay in Barcelona: Best Neighborhoods & Areas

You know when you’re faced with a million choices and you’re like- ummmm, can you just choose for me? We get it. That’s why we’ve narrowed it down to highlight five different Barcelona neighborhoods that we think offer a little bit of everything. Along with a description of each Barcelona area, we’ve focused it down to why it’s great, why it might not be the best fit and what type of traveler should stay there. Plus we’ve added three accommodation options for each Barcelona neighborhood.

 

El Gotico (Gothic Quarter, the old town):

El Gotico (also known as the Gothic Quarter) is the old town of Barcelona and is home to Las Ramblas, a popular strip with tourists as well as Portal de L’Angel, Barcelona’s shopping street. This area is very central, making it an excellent option for first-time travelers or those looking to hit up the main attractions and enjoy the hopping nightlife.

Where to Stay in Barcelona: Best Neighborhoods & Areas

Those staying in this area can see landmarks like Barcelona Cathedral and Plaça Reial. The neighborhood is full of winding laneways and a maze of narrow streets. Being so central, it’s easy to travel to El Gotico from the airport or from El Gotico to other parts of the city. This area is popular with tourists so restaurants might be a little overpriced, but you can find reasonable options or make your way to the famed Boqueria market.

There are many options for accommodations in this area. Both cheaper and more luxury options can be found. Budget travelers should look to hostels or guesthouse-style apartments.

Pros: Central location, close to major streets with shopping and nightlife

Cons: Touristy, could be noisy, while cheaper accommodations are available, you may prefer to splurge

Best for: First-time visitors, solo travelers

Accommodations recommendations:

$ – Affordable accommodations

Hostal Nitza Bcn: This no-frills hostel isn’t fancy but it provides everything you need for your stay in the city. You can choose rooms with private or shared bathrooms and you can take advantage of the shared common areas and laundry. The hostel is located on the second floor of a stone residence and is in the perfect spot for sightseeing by foot or public transit.

Address: Carrer de Calella, 1, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

 

$$ – Mid-range accommodations

Hotel Gotico: This hotel is in the heart of Barcelona, situated in the medieval Gotico neighborhood. It’s walking distance to many landmarks or, you can quickly find yourself at major attractions via public transportation. Rooms are spacious and comfortable and bonus- you get a free breakfast!

Address: Carrer de Jaume I, 14, 08002 Barcelona, Spain•+34 933 15 22 11

 

$$$ – Luxury accommodations

Hotel Neri: Stay in an 18th-century house at this luxurious hotel, just off of Las Ramblas. With an impressive stone facade and a charming terrace, this hotel is an enchanting oasis in the city center. In addition to the hotel rooms, Hotel Neri also offers apartment-style accommodations.

Address: Carrer de Sant Sever, 5, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

 

Eixample:

Eixample is a large neighborhood of Barcelona, split up into two areas: left and right (Esquerra and Dreta). They’re both excellent options when thinking about where to stay in Barcelona. This area is quite central, but you won’t get the tourist-traps common in Gotico. The right side of Eixample (Dreta) counts architectural gems like Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllo, and Casa Mila among its inhabitants.

Where to Stay in Barcelona: Best Neighborhoods & Areas

This area is quite fashionable so when it comes to accommodations, you’ll probably pay for the charming views. However, because the area is so big, it is possible to find some more affordable options. On the left side of Eixample, you’ll find many nightlife options. Interestingly, Eixample is known for its grid-like structure which can be seen from above.

Pros: Close to attractions, old town and landmarks, accessible nightlife and fashionable surroundings

Cons: Might be pricier (many luxury hotels)

Best for: Fashion-forward, trendy travelers and architecture-buffs. Also good for families, couples, groups of friends

Accommodations recommendations:

Where to Stay in Barcelona: Best Neighborhoods & Areas

$ – Affordable accommodations

Urbany BCN GO: This vibrant hostel in Eixample offers bang for your buck. The hostel boasts both shared and private rooms, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and a rooftop hot tub.

Address: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 563, 08011 Barcelona, Spain

 

$$ – Mid-range accommodations

Praktik Vinoteca: Praktik Vinoteca is a chic hotel in the Eixample district of Barcelona. Steps away from restaurants, bars, and cafes as well as the notable Paseo de Gracia- where you’ll find stunning examples of modernist-gothic architecture and excellent shopping opportunities.

Address: Carrer de Balmes, 51, 08007 Barcelona, Spain

 

$$$ – Luxury accommodations

Almanac Barcelona: Feel like royalty during your stay at the indulgent Almanac Barcelona hotel. The hotel in Eixample is adjacent to well-known avenues Paseo de Gracia and Plaza Catalunya. After a long day of sightseeing, reward yourself with a drink at the rooftop bar and terrace and witness a panoramic view of the city.

Address: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 619, 621, 08007 Barcelona, Spain

 

Gracia:

For an authentic, Barcelona-living atmosphere, stay in the Gracia neighborhood. With deep Catalan roots, it’s more laid-back than other parts of the city, quite safe, and pedestrian-only. The area is still plentiful with restaurants, bars, and coffee shops but lacks the noisy party goers so your sleep won’t be disturbed.

Located in Gracia is famed architect Antoni Gaudi’s hilltop park, Park Guell. Head over to walk through the manicured gardens and admire sweeping views of the Barcelona landscape. Gracia is home to quaint cafes, shops and markets and Barcelona locals of all ages call the welcoming neighborhood home.

Pros: Enchanting, local life on display, quieter pace

Cons: If you’re hoping for more tourist-friendly attractions or parties, may not be a good fit for you

Best for: Families and couples, travelers who like to take it easy

Accommodations recommendations:

Where to Stay in Barcelona: Best Neighborhoods & Areas

$ – Affordable accommodations

Safestay Barcelona Passeig de Gracia: This is your basic hostel, but with its convenient location, terrace, and both private and shared room options, it’s worth a glance when thinking about where to stay in Gracia.

Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 33, 08007 Barcelona, Spain

 

$$ – Mid-range accommodations

Casa Gracia: Casa Gracia has hip, modern interiors, it’s a pretty simple hotel but features a lively bar, restaurant, and library.

Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 116Bis, 08008 Barcelona, Spain

 

$$$ – Luxury accommodations

Hotel Casa Fuster G.L Monumento: Check into the elaborate Hotel Casa Fuster G.L Monumento. The modernist outside of the building holds comfortable and decadent interiors. Use the sauna, roof terrace, and hydro massage bath during your stay.

Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 132, 08008 Barcelona, Spain

 

El Born:

Book your accommodations in the historic, medieval neighborhood of El Born. Boutiques with character, quirky cafes, markets, and museums line the streets of this area. It’s an artistic district where you can wander around to find hidden gems. This neighborhood is definitely pedestrian-friendly.

Where to Stay in Barcelona: Best Neighborhoods & Areas

Meander over to the Santa Caterina Market, or walk to one of the fascinating galleries to take in a masterpiece. After a long day of strolling through El Born, get yourself to a local tapas bar for a glass of wine or grab a tasty baked good for a pick-me-up. Be sure to make time to check out Parc de la Ciutadella.

Pros: Great for travelers who love walking around and exploring a city, some very affordable accommodations  

Cons: Won’t contain as many main attractions as other areas

Best for: Low-key solo travelers, families, couples looking for a romantic getaway

Accommodations recommendations:

$ – Affordable accommodations

Born Barcelona Hostel: Travelers looking for a relaxed hotel on a budget should book a stay at Born Barcelona Hostel in El Born neighborhood. Within walking distance, you’ll find Parc de la Ciutadella and Museu Picasso.

Address: Ronda de Sant Pere, 68, 08010 Barcelona, Spain

 

$$ – Mid-range accommodations

chic&basic Born Boutique Hotel: Like the name suggests, this hotel in El Born isn’t exactly ostentatious, but it is a contemporary, tasteful hotel. The accommodations are close to public transportation and the hotel boasts a trendy bar for you to sip a cocktail or two in, at the end of the day.

Address: Carrer de la Princesa, 50, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

 

$$$ – Luxury accommodations

The Barcelona EDITION: Treat yourself to a night in The Barcelona EDITION hotel in the El Born neighborhood of Barcelona. The upscale accommodations have a rooftop tapas bar and a stunning pool with a view of the city.

Address: Av. de Francesc Cambó, 14, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

 

Poble sec:

Poble sec shares a border with neighborhoods Sant Antoni and Paral.lel, both of which are also excellent areas to stay in Barcelona. However, here we’ll just talk about Poble sec for its wealth of tasty bites! Poble sec won’t have the attractions like some of the other neighborhoods have, but Poble sec is a foodie haven!

Grab drinks at one of the many inexpensive bars in the ‘hood, or pop into one of the tapas restos for a taste of local life. Many Barcelona-natives reside in this spot, so it’s prime people-watching territory and gives you an idea of what daily life is like in Barcelona, Spain. Once upon a time, Poble sec was known as a somewhat “seedy” area, but nowadays the area is renowned for fashionable evenings out.

Accommodations recommendations:

Where to Stay in Barcelona: Best Neighborhoods & Areas
Local festival in Poble sec, Barcelona

$ – Affordable accommodations

Hostel One Paralelo: This hostel is a quick walk away to the Paral.lel subway station, so technically right next door to the Poble sec area. Tourists can choose to stay in a dorm, or single room. The hostel isn’t fancy but it definitely does the trick! Travelers will find the location essential, and wake up to a tasty breakfast in the morning!

Address: Carrer de Salvà, 62, 08004 Barcelona, Spain

 

$$ – Mid-range accommodations

Hotel Brummell: Enjoy a night in Hotel Brummell; the hotel is set in a restored building from the 1800s and the design is rustic-chic. Unwind in the intimate, lounge area or take a dip in the pool followed by a steam in the sauna.

Address: Nou de la Rambla, 174, 08004 Barcelona, Spain

 

$$$ – Luxury accommodations

Crowne Plaza Barcelona – Fira Center: This hotel offer amenities like a spa, bar, gym, and rooftop pool. Crowne Plaza Barcelona provides luxury settings but because it isn’t a super touristy area, the price won’t totally break the bank compared to other luxury hotel options.

Address: Av. de Rius i Taulet, 1, 3, 08004 Barcelona, Spain

 

Barcelona contains multiple neighborhoods, each one offering up something special for travelers. We’ve taken the guesswork out of where you should stay in Barcelona by focusing on five of the best areas of the city. Each of these neighborhoods has exciting attractions, landmarks, or is a cultural feast for the eyes! Pack your bags and get ready to discover Barcelona!

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