Figuring out where to stay in Barcelona , or anywhere you’re traveling to, is one of the main planning steps. It’s not always easy to discover the best neighborhoods and hotels to stay in Barcelona.
So that you don’t get stuck, we have selected some of the best regions, according to different types of travel. Additionally, check out a selection of hotels for different budgets and traveler styles.
What part of Barcelona is the greatest for lodging?
Visiting Barcelona is an unforgettable experience, and finding the best place to stay in Barcelona depends on several factors, such as your travel profile and the trip you intend to take.
There are neighborhoods that are closer to the city’s major tourist attractions, and from where much of the city can be visited on foot. There are also those that are cheaper and further away, but connected to the city by Barcelona’s public transport .
Finally, there are less touristy regions of Barcelona, perfect for those who want to get to know the locals’ daily lives. No matter your tourist profile, Barcelona has the right neighborhood for you and we present it below, check it out:
1. Eixample
Voted the coolest neighborhood in the world by Time Out magazine in 2020, l’Eixample is one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Barcelona . It is also a good option for where to stay in Barcelona for those looking for an area full of bars, restaurants and still close to the city’s main tourist attractions .
It is there that you can find the Sagrada Família , the main visiting point for tourists, or Passeig de Gràcia, one of the busiest avenues in the city, as well as some of Gaudí’s houses, such as Batlló and Milà (or La Pedrera).
But the neighborhood itself is an attraction for those who like architecture: it was designed in 1860 by Idelfonso Cerdà, and its concept was designed to make good use of the space, with spaced-out buildings, many squares and trees and good air ventilation. .
The corners are chamfered so that light enters the neighborhood’s streets, which makes walking there a beautiful experience.
2. Old Town
Composed of neighborhoods such as El Gòtic and El Born, the Old Town region has the charm of the old and narrow streets of the center of Barcelona, with easy access and, often, within walking distance of various neighborhoods and attractions.
In addition to the neighborhood itself, which is an attraction in itself, it is in the Old City that Plaça Reial, Plaza de Sant Jaume, Barcelona Cathedral and El Call, the old Jewish quarter, are located .
The contraindications are the noise, as the place is quite busy at any time of the day and night, and the fact that some streets are quite isolated and dark at night.
3. Montjuic
Located close to Parc Montjuic, the Jewish Hill is one of the city’s main attractions, the region has a good part of the city’s hotel offerings and is a good option for where to stay in Barcelona, despite not being as close to other points. Touristic.
The positive point is the lower daily rates and the good connection with the rest of the city by metro. Just choose hotels close to the stations.
Particularly, I stayed in a hotel in this region, close to Para-lel station. It was a good experience, as I was able to get from the airport to the hotel by metro and was well connected with all the places I wanted to visit.
Some of them, like the Gothic quarter and the old part of the city, I even visited on foot, which is an incredible experience. There was a small market close to the hotel and, at the same time, the place was a little further away and quieter.
4. Gràcia
Close to l’Eixample, Gràcia is a less touristy and quite traditional neighborhood , ideal for those who want to get to know the city through the eyes of the locals. At the same time, the region has a good cultural and restaurant offer, with a lively nightlife, making the neighborhood a great option for where to stay in Barcelona.
Attention : be careful to find accommodation close to a metro station. Otherwise, your access to the city’s tourist attractions will be limited.
5. El Raval
Impacted by a recent revitalization, El Raval presents a wide range of shops and businesses in Barcelona , without losing its traditional brand as an immigrant neighborhood.
Like Gràcia, it doesn’t have as many tourists and interesting places to visit, as well as many African and Asian restaurants. But it is well connected with the rest of the city and well located – which makes the region an excellent option for where to stay in Barcelona.
The problem is that the streets are quite busy and therefore noisy. Some of them may be more isolated and darker after dusk. A small area of the neighborhood, further away from the hotels, is still considered more dangerous. It is therefore worth checking the location of your hotel.