If you don't know what best area of Barcelona to stay, you're not alone.
When I got here I had to live in 5 or 6 different neighborhoods before I got my bearings.
Despite the years, I am still not sure of myself.
But do not worry. Between neighborhood to drink glasses, the most peaceful and everyone else in between will find it all on my list. Let's take a quick tour of the city.
In which neighborhood should I stay in Barcelona?
Whether it's your first time or you're a regular in town, this question always comes up.
Usually tourists are concentrated in nine or ten barrios (neighborhoods) due to:
- Proximity to the best tourist attractions.
- Accessibility to public transport.
- Nearby clubs.
- The beach.
- The tranquility.
Therefore, I will analyze the districts of the city according to these criteria.
Please note that this is not a rating. It is a simple opinion based on my long experience here and also thanks to the many reactions of tourists made on the blog.
If after reading this article you are still undecided write me in the comments below or check the accommodation search engine to asesoramiento personalized.
Once you've found the best area in Barcelona, you can also check out my articles on hostels and vacation rentals.
Make sure you have clicked the blue buttons To find the Best deals accommodation in each neighborhood.
The best area of Barcelona for you
Las Ramblas
Attractions: ★★ ☆☆ Central: ★★★★ Nightlife: ★★★★ Quiet: ☆☆☆☆
It is not a neighborhood, but the most famous street in Barcelona is Turistic center.
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Almost all means of transport from the airport take you quickly. There is three metro stations along Liceu and Drassanes streets, as well as the famous Plaça Catalunya.
If he already a street that never sleeps in Barcelona it is this.
The Boquería market is one of the best in the city.
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A ton of hotels line the street made oftourist traps of all kinds, from tapas bars to clubs and souvenir shops. If you have a room facing the street, expect to have noise until very late.
The night brings pickpockets, drug dealers and prostitutes.
Stay here if you want Walk home after a party or if you've found a good deal.
El Born / La Ribera
Attractions: ★★ ☆☆ Central: ★★★ ☆ Nightlife: ★★ ☆☆ Quiet: ★★★ ☆
If you like shops and trendy bars, so book your hotel in El Born.
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The charm of this neighborhood safe and central comes from his pedestrian streets and its elegant street art that without a doubt created the most beautiful neighborhood in the city.
It is in this area where the Picasso Museum is located as well as the Cathedral of Santa María del Mar. You will also be a few minutes from a good picnic area in the Parc de la Ciutadella.
From here it is also a 20 minute walk to the beach. If you are traveling with energetic children, this is in my opinion the best area to stay in Barcelona with your family.
If you are still looking for places to have fun, you will find them nearby if necessary.
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If there are drawbacks, it would be that the bars and restaurants are quite expensive, but keep in mind that this is also a sign of quality.
Grace
Attractions: ★★ ☆☆ Central: ★★★ ☆ Nightlife: ★ ☆☆☆ Quiet: ★★★★
Gracia was previously a separate city from Barcelona and still retains some of its air of independence.
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What will hit you in this area? very sureit's its multitude of beautiful places and its total lack of chain restaurants and stores. This may be the only true Catalan neighborhood that stays.
This is the right area of Barcelona to find a good local coffee or relax with a cold beer or homemade ice cream in a postcard square. You can also walk to Parc Güell if you don't mind the climb.
You will rest here in an area devoid of nightlife noisy, not to mention the fact that it is pedestrian only. I would recommend this place to couples looking for a low-key weekend getaway.
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The downsides? If you are deep in the neighborhood, this is not very accessibleexcept on foot. If you are also looking for a night out, this will not be the best option.
The Gothic
Attractions: ★★ ☆☆ Central: ★★★★ Nightlife: ★★★★ Quiet: ★ ☆☆☆
The Gothic Quarter of Barcelona is a maze of bars and restaurants endless center of Barcelona.
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The locals go there for great evenings in unusual bars or lively discos. If you are looking for the best area of Barcelona to go out to party or bachelorette party, this is it.
Ce district of contrasts offers the famous Barcelona Cathedral and the classic Plaza de Royal Square. You will also be in the heart of the best shopping street in Barcelona, Portal of L'Angel.
Yes, lonely travelers, it will be your best way to meet people.
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As for the cons, the beach is about a 40 minute walk, it can be noisy at night and you should avoid the tourist traps, But it's a working day in Barcelona!
The Raval
Attractions: ★★ ☆☆ Central: ★★★★ Nightlife: ★★★ ☆ Quiet: ★ ☆☆☆
The most multicultural area of Barcelona and perhaps the most controversial area.
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On the one hand, you are at the door of the best ethnic food of the city and some of the best bars of Europe. Lovers of bars and street food You should pay attention to this area which is also super central.
The area is full of students and is home to important museums such as MACBA and the CCCB.
It's all about value here and it's easily the best neighborhood for young people.
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On the other hand, the local population has a bad reputation because many minor offences take place - watch out for "friends" you might meet on the street after dark.
It is one of the areas of Barcelona that families and couples looking for romance should avoid.
Barceloneta
Attractions: ★ ☆☆☆ Central: ★★★ ☆ Nightlife: ★ ☆☆☆ Quiet: ★★ ☆☆
This coastal area is the best area in Barcelona near the beach.
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Le old fishing village still has some sound old world charm: old women sitting on the stairs chatting in the evenings while the children play ball in the narrow streets. Look for the neighborhood flag turquoise hanging from balconies.
If mass tourism has not completely invaded this area, you will have a good choice of local bars and best seafood restaurants from the city. And it is only 5 minutes from the beach.
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What you won't like is the massive foot traffic (and the noise) that is installed: try to keep your hotel away from one of the main streets.
With only one metro station in the area, trains are crowded, especially in summer.
There are also very few tourist attractions and a small variety of hotels.
Eixample
Attractions: ★★★★ Central: ★★★ ☆ Nightlife: ★★★ ☆ Quiet: ★★ ☆☆
This fashionable region is known for its fascinating geometry which makes great aerial photographs.
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Although it can be confused since it is divided into 7 sub-rooms, remember that the easy access streets of the area are still full of trendy bars and cafes. It is also notably about us.
It houses some of the best attractions from Barcelona like the Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló and Casa Milá. It offers plenty of tour bus stops, if you're here to soak up the culture, This is the place for you.
The area's "Gayxample" district also offers good opportunities for gay nightlife.
If you are wondering which is the best area to visit Barcelona, this is it.
Nor can you miss the high-end shops of the Paseo de Gracia.
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If there are drawbacks in this area, it is because it is not so picturesque than the old town areas of Barcelona.
You won't be able to get to the beach that fast and there aren't many good places to relax and have a drink.
dry town
Attractions: ★★ ☆☆ Central: ★★ ☆☆ Nightlife: ★ ☆☆☆ Quiet: ★★★★
This underrated neighborhood of Barcelona is located in a Scenic area under the hill of Montjuic.
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What you will notice here are the narrow streets that follow a gentle slope. the gastronomes you will love the restaurants in this area and the Blas Street It's a great street to get pintxos and beer for € 1,00.
It is also a great area if you are in Barcelona for a conference at the Montjuic Fair. You will be close to the magic fountain show.
For me this is the best area of Barcelona to stay calm.
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The downsides are that there isn't much nightlife, other than the legendary Sala Apolo. It is also quite far from the beach and you may have to walk a bit uphill from the metro station after a long day.
new town
Attractions: ★ ☆☆☆ Central: ★ ☆☆☆ Nightlife: ★ ☆☆☆ Quiet: ★★★★
This booming district was the industrial heart of the city.
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It is now a bustling area full of industrial lofts and new hotels. Taking a walk around this area even in summer feels almost abandoned, but in a good way. Here you are alonea few meters from the beach and the streets are quiet.
Take a walk around Rambla del Poblenou, where there is no car, with its cafes and ice cream parlors is almost like a small town.
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One of the notable drawbacks is the fact that the main attractions are not within walking distance. There are also very few nightlife and shopping options.
Sants
Attractions: ★★ ☆☆ Central: ★★ ☆☆ Nightlife: ★★ ☆☆ Quiet: ★★★★
You will find this area right next to the main train station in Barcelona, Santos Estacio.
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This is easily the most accessible area from the airport and another great area for attendees. conferences at La Fira or at any other attraction near the Spain square. This utilitarian neighborhood has everything you need, but offers nothing special; If you find a good deal, please do so.
If you come to football matches and want to stay near the Camp Nou, book here.
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The downsides here are obvious, as you won't really feel the need to get off and go for a walk; If you like to explore a city on foot, avoid it at all costs. If you have no problem taking transport to the center of Barcelona, don't be shy.
Continue in the comments below.
Again, if for some reason you haven't found the best place to sleep in Barcelona, be sure to contact me using the comment box below.
I will be more than happy to find accommodation for you if you tell me what kind of vacation you are looking for, what you want to see, etc.
Also, don't be afraid to join the discussion on my new Facebook group called "For City Lovers." Here you can ask questions, voice your complaints, chat with other travelers and more - anything goes!
As always, have a good trip?
Photo credit: Jorge Franganillo via Visualhunt.com / CC BY
