Nestled on the Balearic Sea, Barcelona is a 24-hour city where the waterfront bars and flamenco clubs beckon as much as the ageless architecture and remarkable Catalan delicacies. The neighborhoods (barrios) within Barcelona offer their own distinct blend of Barcelona experiences, whether it’s centuries-old culture, beachside entertainment or late-night tapas and wine.
From the enigmatic nightlife in El Born and world-class dining and shopping around L’Eixample to the ancient cobbled streets in El Barri Gotic and local character of El Raval, here’s an in-depth guide to Barcelona’s best neighborhoods for travelers. You can also see some suggestions for budget and luxury accommodation in each area, so you know where to stay in Barcelona next time you visit.
Why You Should Stay in Gracia
An independent town until the late-19th century, Gracia retains a tight-knit community that exudes a bohemian atmosphere with intimate art galleries, live music bars and vintage retailers. Stroll down the main strip of Carrer de Verdi to duck into lively alfresco restaurants before admiring the famous sculptures by Antoni Gaudi at Guell Park.
Soak up the vibrant Catalonian culture in Gracia, particularly around the main square, Plaça del Sol, where locals congregate for afternoon drinks. If you’ve got the kids with you, head up to the hilltop Tibidabo amusement park for roller coasters and live shows.
Where to Stay in Gracia
Casa Fuster Hotel
Enjoy five-star service and facilities at the opulent Casa Fuster Hotel, which brings the funk with live bands in the Jazz Club and boasts panoramic Gracia views from its Mirador Blue View Terrace. You can also dine on delicious Mediterranean cuisine at Restaurant Galaxo or sip freshly roasted coffee in a historical setting at Café Vienes.
The contemporary rooms at Casa Fuster Hotel range from the cozy Deluxe Room and spacious Superior Room to the opulent Grand Suite with a private balcony and soaking tub. Opt for the Senior Suite if you prefer to have a private sauna and views of Passeig de Gràcia.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: €112 – €1,573
Guest Rating: 9
Address: Passeig de Gràcia, 132, Vila de Gracia, Barcelona, Spain
Jam Hostel Barcelona
Jam Hostel Barcelona is located in the heart of Gracia, surrounded by international restaurants, bars and theatres. This eco-friendly hostel offers a range of air-conditioned dorms and private rooms, including the 9-Bed Dorm with ensuite, four-bed women-only room and Double Room. All the rooms offer individual lamps and secure lockers.
Kick back and socialize with fellow travelers in the Lobby or Lounge Area or enjoy a drink under the Mediterranean sun in the Terrace, which also hosts morning yoga classes. Take advantage of the fully-equipped kitchen to whip up a Spanish-inspired feast of paella or tapas.
Star Rating: No Rating
Price: €8 – €108
Guest Rating: 10
Address: Montmany, 38-40, Vila de Gracia, Barcelona, Spain
Why You Should Stay in L’Eixample
Embrace Barcelona’s more contemporary style in L’Eixample, which boasts high-street shopping and five-star dining along its main street, Passeig de Gracia. The architecture ranges from classical structures to modernist buildings by Gaudi and Montaner. Don’t miss seeing the prominent Casa Mila and world-famous Sagrada Familia, a towering unfinished Roman Catholic church.
Retail therapy comes naturally in L’Eixample, especially at the ritzy La Basilica Galeria, which sells exquisite jewelry and designer fashion. The grid street design makes exploring and finding attractions easy, especially within Eixample Esquerre, which features the tranquil Parc de Joan Miró.
Where to Stay in L’Eixample
Aparthotel Arai
Aparthotel Arai is positioned in an ideal section of L’Eixample, a short walk from the vibrant Plaça Reial and History Museum of Catalonia. The boutique hotel is housed in a restored palace and you can really feel the city’s history showcased within the exposed-brick walls, timber finishes and traditional windows in its elegant rooms.
Book the Jewel Room for a private terrace and spa bath, the Deluxe Room for a fully-equipped kitchen or the Family Room for space for four people. Don’t forget to visit the hotel’s restaurants, including the city’s first Peruvian bar, Kokka, and the classic tapas tavern, Palosanto.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: €147 – €317
Guest Rating: 9.7
Address: Avinyo 30, Dreta de l’Eixample, Barcelona, Spain
Generator Hostel Barcelona
Are you looking for accommodation with numerous social areas and a central location? Check out Generator Hostel Barcelona, which boasts an oversized wooden birdcage with a mezzanine-level chill-out lounge and a lively Fiesta Gracia bar. The charismatic hostel is also across the road from the popular Pikio Taco taqueria.
Tailor your stay to suit your needs at Generator Hostel Barcelona, which offers budget-friendly Large Shared dorms, private Deluxe Twin rooms and a Premium Terrace Twin. If you really want to splurge, opt for the Penthouse, which caters to larger groups and has a private terrace, kitchen, lounge and work desk.
Star Rating: No Rating
Price: €9 – €240
Guest Rating: 8.3
Address: Còrsega, 377, Dreta de l’Eixample, Barcelona, Spain
Why You Should Stay in El Barri Gotic
Travel back in time within Barcelona’s oldest neighborhood, El Barri Gotic, where cobbled laneways wind past historic Roman artifacts, artisan shops, and street musicians. You’ll find many of Barcelona’s best historic sights here, such as the 13th-century Barcelona Cathedral. Venture into the Barcelona City History Museum to discover fascinating Roman remains.
Interested in Barcelona’s famous architect, Antoni Gaudi? Visit The Gaudi Exhibition Centre to admire Gaudi’s famous artwork and creations, along with models of his prominent buildings. You’ll also find terraces and hole-in-the-wall bars around El Barri Gotic for some afternoon gelato, tapas or wine.
“Barcelona, Spain – January 9th, 2012: View along dark Shopping street in old medieval district Barri GAtic of Barcelona. There are several shops for example for clothes, textiles, postcards and souvenirs. People are passing street. A woman is watching closer to something at left side in front of a shop.”
Where to Stay in El Barri Gotic
The four-star H10 Montcada Hotel is renowned for its neoclassical building and prime location on Via Laietana near Ciutadella Park and Plaza del Rey. Soak up the sights of old-world Barcelona from the hotel’s Sunset Lounge terrace, which features a bar and Jacuzzi. You can also kick back in the Travelers Bar or enjoy a sumptuous buffet in the Library Restaurant.
The Double Room at H10 Montcada Hotel is adorned with modern furnishings and attracts natural light and city views through multiple windows. It’s also well-equipped with a Nespresso machine, fluffy bathrobes, a mini bar and writing desk.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: €49 – €200
Guest Rating: 8.8
Address: Via Laietana 24, El Barri Gotic, Barcelona, Spain
As the name suggests, Kabul Party Hostel Barcelona is one of the best hostels in the city for socializing and enjoying late-night fiestas. The hostel features a chilled-out lobby area with foosball and billiard tables, music and a bar with a nightly happy hour. You can also catch up with travelers on the rooftop terrace, which overlooks the city.
Party hard on one of the hostel’s pub crawls or learn more about Barcelona during a free walking tour. There are also barbecue and paella nights, along with organized drinking games. The shared dorms range from twins to 20-bed options, all of which have comfortable mattresses and personal lockers.
Star Rating: 1.5*
Price: €38 – €53
Guest Rating: 7
Address: Plaça Reial, 17, El Barri Gotic, Barcelona, Spain
Why You Should Stay in El Raval
El Raval is a multicultural barrio rich in ancient history and filled with inviting cafes, restaurants, and bars. The neighborhood pairs its history with modern cultural attractions, such as the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art, where you can see around 5,000 pieces of post-1945 Catalan and Spanish art.
El Raval’s central location is within walking distance of El Barri Gotic and L’Eixample, which makes it perfect for exploring the city. However, you’ll find numerous reasons to hang around this dynamic barrio, as it’s lined with vintage record stores, lively student bars, one-of-a-kind boutiques and cozy bookstores.
Where to Stay in El Raval
Hotel 1898
Easily one of the most magnificent hotels in Barcelona, Hotel 1898 instantly captures your attention with its rooftop terrace, which has a timber-decked pool overlooking the city. Pamper yourself with a signature treatment or dip in the thermal pool at the on-site Spa H1898 or indulge in traditional Catalan cuisine at El Nido.
The extravagant rooms showcase a distinct colonial style, from the natural finishes to the vintage furnishings. Stay in the Deluxe room for your own private terrace or splurge on the Colonial Suite to enjoy a private pool, terrace, and solarium.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: €94 – €313
Guest Rating: 9.3
Address: La Rambla 109, El Raval, Barcelona, Spain
Hostal Grau Barcelona
Hostal Grau Barcelona is a popular El Raval hotel, just a few minutes walk from the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art and the shop-filled Plaça de Catalunya. This eco-friendly hotel offers self-contained accommodation with its studio, one and two-bedroom apartments, which provide kitchens and street views. There are also affordable Superior and Deluxe rooms with comfortable beds and natural touches.
Relax in the hotel’s cozy lounge area before participating in one of the tours run from the hotel. There is also friendly staff on site to recommend restaurants, sights, and activities around the neighborhood, along with on-site bike rentals, hairdressing and a baby stroller rental service.
Star Rating: 2*
Price: €50 – €153
Guest Rating: 9.0
Address: C/ Ramelleres 27, El Raval, Barcelona, Spain
Why You Should Stay in La Barceloneta
Do you love the beach? If you stay in La Barceloneta, you’ll never be more than five minutes from Barcelona’s main beach. Once a sleepy fishing quarter, La Barceloneta is now one of the city’s most popular areas for swimming, water sports and soaking up the Mediterranean sun.
Stroll along the main boardwalk to find alfresco cafes, ice-cream parlors, and family-run boutiques before ducking into Parque de la Barceloneta to rest under shady trees. History lovers can see exhibits detailing Catalan traditions at the Museum of the History of Catalonia, while foodies can taste authentic paella at one of the seafood restaurants.
Barcelona, Spain – April 9, 2017: Barceloneta Beach and Hotel Vela in summer day. Barceloneta Beach – one of the most popular in the city
Where to Stay in La Barceloneta
W Hotel Barcelona
W Hotel Barcelona occupies one of the most enviable spots on the city’s beachfront, overlooking golden shores and the turquoise Balearic Sea. It’s right next to Barcelona’s enigmatic marinas, home to designer boutiques and seafood restaurants, along with the famed Barceloneta boardwalk that leads to the city’s alluring beaches.
Choose from almost 500 five-star rooms and suites, most of which feature ocean views, heavenly beds, and hi-tech in-room entertainment. Some of Barcelona’s best sea views can be found at the WET rooftop terrace, which features an infinity-edge pool, sun deck, bar and live DJs. On-site dining includes Catalan dishes at BRAVO24, beachfront burgers at SALT and fresh sushi at Eclipse.
Star Rating: 5*
Price: €147 – €813
Guest Rating: 8.9
Address: Placa de la Rosa dels Vents 1, La Barceloneta, Barcelona, Spain
Hotel 54 Barceloneta
Save money without sacrificing on water views and beach proximity by staying at Hotel 54 Barceloneta, which overlooks the marina. This modern hotel has its own rooftop terrace with mesmerizing city vistas, live music and a bar serving cocktails. Start your day off right with a sumptuous breakfast in the on-site cafeteria before visiting the nearby Aquarium Barcelona or History Museum of Catalonia.
Hotel 54 Barceloneta provides no-fuss single and double rooms catering to budget travelers seeking comfortable lodgings with modern conveniences and large windows. The rooms come with complimentary Wi-Fi, plush bedding, and additional sitting areas.
Star Rating: 3*
Price: €54 – €141
Guest Rating: 7.9
Address: Passeig Joan de Borbo 54, La Barceloneta, Barcelona, Spain
Why You Should Stay in El Poblenou
You’ll probably find more locals than tourists in the lesser-known neighborhood of El Poblenou. It is Barcelona’s tech and innovation hub akin to Silicon Valley, home to numerous start-up companies that have spawned hipster bars and trendy restaurants. Don’t forget to stroll down Rambla del Poblenou, a bustling strip of shops and eateries.
Check out Barcelona’s creative side at the Design Museum of Barcelona, which showcases engaging exhibits on space, fashion, product, and information. When the sun goes down, follow the crowd to the late-night dance hall and live music venue, Razzmatazz.
Where to Stay in El Poblenou
Lugaris Beach
Lugaris Beach is separated from Barcelona’s glistening coastline by the sprawling Parc del Poblenou and is bordered on either side by Mediterranean restaurants and beachfront cocktail bars. The hotel offers some of Barcelona’s best self-contained accommodation, thanks to its finely-furnished apartments with full kitchens, Wi-Fi and lounge areas.
The apartments at Lugaris Beach also have access to a beach-facing pool, babysitting and grocery shopping services, Nespresso machines and limousine hire. Families and large groups are also accommodated, thanks to many of the apartments fitting up to six guests. You can upgrade to a beachfront apartment or one with a private terrace.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: €44 – €347
Guest Rating: 9.1
Address: C/ De Vidal i de Valenciano, 14, El Poblenou, Barcelona, Spain
Amistat Beach Hostel
Just around the corner from Lugaris Beach is Amistat Beach Hostel, where you can save a considerable amount of travel funds by booking a shared dorm with comfortable bunk beds and personal lockers. Alternatively, opt for a private Double Room with ensuite, work desk and TV.
Amistat Beach Hostel promotes socializing and partying with its organized DJ events, laid-back Living Room and sun-drenched Terrace. You can also cook up a Catalan feast in the Kitchen or stay connected with loved ones in the Computer Area. El Poblenou sprawls outside and offers easy access to concert venues, family-run restaurants and unique shops.
Star Rating: 2*
Price: €6 – €129
Guest Rating: 8.6
Address: Amistat, 21-23, El Poblenou, Barcelona, Spain
Why You Should Stay in El Poble Sec
A part of the Montjuïc barrio, El Poble Sec is less touristy and features a wealth of budget-friendly accommodation options as well as its own alluring beach. It also places you near Parc de Montjuïc, where you can admire Catalan art in the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya. The park also has numerous statues and a cable car ride that offers panoramic city vistas.
El Poble Sec is a relatively quiet area with a few scattered restaurants, bars, and clubs. You’ll find most of these along Para.lel, the area’s main thoroughfare that’s lined with theatres, concert halls, and cocktail lounges. Check out BARTS for live music or El Molino to watch plays and comedy shows.
Where to Stay in El Poble Sec
Crowne Plaza Barcelona – Fira Center
The newly opened Rooftop Terrace at Crowne Plaza Barcelona – Fira Center is drawing a lot of attention for its 7th-floor city views, infinity-edge pool, solarium and private Mediterranean dining options. This luxury hotel also boasts an on-site fitness center and pampering treatments and massages at its Serena Spa by Heaven On Earth.
The rooms and suites are adorned with contemporary decor and furnishings and come in a range of options for couples, solos, families, and groups. Splurge on the Club Suite for a private balcony or enjoy ample space and comfort in the Deluxe Room or Single Bed Guest Room.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: €90 – €237
Guest Rating: 9.1
Address: Avenida Rius I Taulet 1-3, El Poble Sec, Barcelona, Spain
Hostel One Paralelo
Just a few blocks away from El Poble Sec’s main thoroughfare, Para.lel, Hostel One Paralelo is perfect for walking to nearby restaurants, bars and prominent sights, such as the Casa Joan Manuel Serrat museum. The hostel provides a free home-cooked meal every night, along with free sightseeing activities and Wi-Fi.
Chill out on the sun-drenched terrace or mingle with like-minded travelers in the communal kitchen and dining room. You can stay in dormitory rooms with timber bunk beds or pay a little extra for a single room with a wall-mounted TV or a double room.
Star Rating: 2*
Price: €21 – €61
Guest Rating: 9.8
Address: c/Salva’ 62, El Poble Sec, Barcelona, Spain
Why You Should Stay in El Born
It’s incredibly fun getting lost in the labyrinth of streets and alleyways within El Born, which features some of Barcelona’s best artisan shops, art galleries and brunch spots. You’ll find one of the most extensive collections of artwork by Pablo Picasso at the Picasso Museum, while the 14th-century Santa Maria del Mar boasts mesmerizing Gothic architecture.
Along with being about 10 minutes from the beach, El Born offers natural tranquility within Parc de la Ciutadella, which has a zoo, central boating lake and the Museum of Natural Science. Don’t miss out on El Born’s dining scene, especially the fresh coffee at Cafes El Magnifico, traditional churros at Churreria Laietana and cocktails at Creps al Born.
Where to Stay in El Born
Ciutadella Barcelona
The stylish Ciutadella Barcelona is a few minutes walk from Barcelona Zoo, the Picasso Museum and the excavated ruins at El Born Centre de Cultura i Memòria. The rich furnishings at this four-star hotel combine contemporary and Elizabethan designs, while the rooms themselves feature large street-facing windows and LCD TVs.
Take advantage of the hotel’s generous services, from the daily buffet breakfast and complimentary Wi-Fi to the dedicated room service and car rentals. Don’t forget to save time for a beach day, with the nearest coastal enclaves only a 15-minute walk away.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: €35 – €184
Guest Rating: 8.2
Address: Avda. Marques de l’Argentera, Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera, Barcelona, Spain
Chic & Basic Born Hotel
Combining treasured traditions with contemporary style, Chic & Basic Born Hotel features modern bedding, bathrooms and in-room entertainment within a centuries-old building with its original windows and architecture. Opt for the Double Standard with Balcony if you prefer the fresh air or book the Double Deluxe for extra space, a soaking bath and work desk.
Spend an afternoon hanging out in the communal area, where you can listen to music, read a book or drink the complimentary coffee and tea. Right outside you’ll find the Museu de la Xocolata, El Born Centre de Cultura I Memòria, and Ciutadella Park.
Star Rating: 3*
Price: €49 – €153
Guest Rating: 8.9
Address: Princesa, 50, Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera, Barcelona, Spain
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