To make your stay in Barcelona as pleasant as possible, here are the best places to stay in Barcelona for holidays. As a centrally located holiday rental agency, we know all the areas of Barcelona inside out. Read this article carefully and book your accommodation in the best area of Barcelona as soon as possible.
Best areas to stay in Barcelona
Eixample
Eixample is one of the best areas to stay in Barcelona during your next holiday. It is a fascinating district full of contrasts, known for its modernist architecture, cosmopolitan atmosphere and rich history.
The Eixample is located in the centre of Barcelona, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the city. The transport network is ideal for getting to all the city’s places of interest.
Must see: La Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló and La Pedrera (2 works by Gaudí), Passeig de Gràcia, Manzana de la Discordia (a group of modernist buildings: Casa Batlló by Gaudí, Casa Amatller by Josep Puig i Cadafalch and Casa Lleó Morera by Lluís Domènech i Montaner), Concepció market…
Where to eat: On Passeig de Gràcia and Rambla de Catalunya you’ll find haute cuisine restaurants and elegant terraces. In all the streets of the Eixample, you can enjoy tapas bars.
Where to sleep: If you are travelling in a group or with your family, tourist flats can be a more comfortable and economical option. Here are some of the best options:
Gracia
Gracia is another area in Barcelona with as many advantages. It is a more authentic area with a lot of personality: narrow streets, squares and small shops. It was an independent municipality until the end of the 19th century.
If you are looking for a quieter and less touristy area, Gracia is the perfect place to stay in Barcelona.
Must see: Its different squares (Plaça de la Virreina, Plaça del Sol, Plaça de la Revolució…), Park Güell, Casa Vicens, Mercado de l’Abaceria Central…
Where to eat: It is a multicultural neighbourhood, which is reflected in its gastronomic offer. You can enjoy international cuisine. Discover our article on the best restaurants in Gracia.
Where to sleep: For more freedom and privacy, we recommend our holiday rentals: spacious flats ideal for a stay with family or friends.
Gothic Quarter
Where to stay in Barcelona? Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is one of the most visited neighbourhoods in Barcelona and a must on any trip to the city. It’s not necessarily the first district we recommend for accommodation, but it’s a must-visit in any case.
Its narrow streets and medieval squares will transport you straight back into the city’s history. It’s a mix of tradition and modernity.
Must see: Barcelona Cathedral, Plaça Sant Jaume, Jewish Quarter, Roman Walls and the Temple of Augustus… The best thing to do is to take a leisurely stroll through the neighbourhood.
Where to eat: The neighbourhood offers a wide variety of restaurants where you can enjoy everything from traditional Catalan cuisine to more innovative options.
El Born
El Born is one of Barcelona’s liveliest neighbourhoods. It is an area located in the Ciutat Vella district, which is very old, making it also a historic neighbourhood. Its name comes from the ‘Born’, a medieval tournament that used to be held in the area.
If you want to make the most of Barcelona’s nightlife, this is the neighbourhood for you.
Must see: Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, El Born Centre de Cultura i Memòria, Passeig del Born, Santa Caterina Market, Picasso Museum, European Museum of Modern Art (MEAM), Palau de la Música Catalana…
Where to eat: If you are looking for a tapas bar, we recommend ‘El Xampanyet’. You can also visit the Santa Caterina Market, which offers a wide variety of fresh produce.
Barceloneta
Barceloneta, located in front of the Mediterranean Sea, is a former fishermen’s neighbourhood that has become one of the liveliest and most attractive areas of the city.
As a local, we recommend that you stay in the centre of Barcelona and walk or take public transport to the beach.
Must see: Enjoy the beach, walk or cycle along the Paseo Marítimo, Barceloneta Market, Port Vell, Port Cable Car, Aquàrium de Barcelona…
Where to eat: It is the best place to enjoy fresh fish and seafood (‘Can Majó’ or ‘La Mar Salada’). There is a wide variety of restaurants and beach bars.
Poblenou
Historically, Poblenou was the industrial heart of Barcelona. Now it has become one of the most innovative areas of the city, close to the sea. It is an excellent alternative for those looking for a relaxed atmosphere without being too far from the centre.
Poblenou is now characterised as a dynamic and modern neighbourhood.
Must see: Rambla del Poblenou (tapas bars, restaurants and shops), Bogatell Beach, Poblenou Park, Disseny Hub Barcelona, Agbar Tower…
Where to eat: Poblenou offers a wide variety of gastronomic options, from traditional Catalan cuisine to international cuisine. ‘Els Pescadors’ offers fresh seafood and traditional cuisine.
Sants-Montjuïc
The Sants-Montjuïc district, in the southwest of the city, is one of Barcelona’s most versatile areas. You’ll find both must-see tourist spots and quieter residential areas.
If you don’t know where to stay in Barcelona, this neighbourhood could be a good option if you’re looking for a quiet spot that’s well connected to the rest of the city.
Must see: Montjuïc Castle, Joan Miró Foundation, National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC), Olympic Ring, Montjuïc Gardens, Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, Grec Theatre…
Where to eat: This is one of the best areas to discover tapas bars and restaurants with innovative cuisine. Calle Blai is known as the ‘street of pintxos’.
The cheapest places to stay in Barcelona
In addition to the area, the price of accommodation also depends on the number of people, the type of accommodation and the season. But, in general, the districts with the cheapest prices for accommodation in Barcelona are: El Raval, Poble Sec, Sants-Montjuïc, Horta-Guinardó, Poblenou.
However, on our website you will find very good offers in the best areas of Barcelona. Our accommodations are usually much cheaper than hotels if you are travelling in a group.
Where not to stay in Barcelona? Areas to avoid
As in all big cities around the world, there are certain areas to avoid: the lower part of Barceloneta, La Mina (Sant Adrià de Besòs), some areas of Nou Barris, the lower part of El Raval…
If you want a safe and comfortable experience, avoid staying in neighbourhoods with little security or too far away. Always check the location of the accommodation and check travellers’ reviews.
We hope we have answered all your questions about where to stay in Barcelona. Feel free to contact us directly by phone or email for more information, or book directly on our website.