The 9 Best Areas in Barcelona to Stay for Every Traveller

Rich Catalan culture. UNESCO-recognised Modernista architecture. Sumptuous seafood and sun-drenched beaches. Barcelona has it all with something for every kind of traveller, whether you’re a history buff, a culture vulture, a sun seeker or a party animal. Families are also well catered for with plenty of amazing things to do for kids of all ages. The first step to a memorable trip is deciding where to make your base. We explore the best places to stay in Barcelona from the El Born nightlife district to laid-back, residential Gràcia.

With its narrow medieval streets and abundant places of interest, the Gothic Quarter is one of the best areas in Barcelona to stay for first-time visitors. Astonishing historic landmarks stand shoulder-to-shoulder with more modern buildings, immersing you in the city’s story. When you get tired of exploring, seek sustenance in one of the many tapas bars or rest for a moment in a peaceful plaça. These vibrant squares represent the heart of the city and provide a place to relax amongst elegant fountains and shade-giving palms.

The best place to start your adventure is on La Rambla, an iconic tree-lined boulevard famous for its street artists and performers. Stop in at La Boqueria covered market for an Iberian ham sandwich or glass of sangria, before diverting to breathtaking Barcelona Cathedral. This Gothic masterpiece dates back to the 11th century and includes a crypt, cloister and towers with panoramic views of the Ciutat Vella. We also love the Barcelona History Museum on Plaça del Rei for its interactive exhibits that take you through 2,000 years of the city’s history. These include a Roman archaeological site and an air raid shelter from the Spanish Civil War.

Don’t miss: Barcelona Cathedral 

• Location: Pla de la Seu, s/n, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona
• Hours: 9:30am to 6:30pm (weekdays), 9:30am to 5:15pm (Saturdays), 2 to 5pm (Sundays)

With its many bucket-list sights, city-centre Eixample is another great option for first-time visitors. This is a large neighbourhood with several sub-districts including Eixample Esquerra, Eixample Dreta and Sant Antoni. The latter is one of the best areas in Barcelona to stay for those who appreciate a bohemian atmosphere, a remarkable blend of old and new architecture, and a thriving independent restaurant and bar scene. Don’t miss the Sant Antoni Market, which sells artisan produce on weekdays and vintage books and stamps on Sundays.

Other must-see sights in Eixample include the Sagrada Família, the Roman Catholic cathedral whose surreal, twisting towers grace most Barcelona postcards. Although famously unfinished, it is the magnum opus of the legendary Modernista architect Antoni Gaudí. To fully appreciate its intricate, organic architecture, pay extra for a guided tour. Want to stay nearby? ibis Barcelona Centro is located a few minutes’ walk away and is one of the most affordable and convenient hotels in the area. You should also make time in your Eixample itinerary for people-watching in Plaça de Catalunya and browsing the high-end boutiques on leafy Passeig de Gràcia.

Don’t miss: Sagrada Família

• Location: C/ de Mallorca, 401, L’Eixample, 08013 Barcelona
• Hours: From 9am (Monday to Saturday) or 10:30am (Sunday). Closing times vary by day and season

The city has more than 2.5 miles of golden beaches and of these, the biggest and most famous is Barceloneta. The neighbourhood of the same name is therefore one of the best areas in Barcelona to stay for beachgoers, combining easy access to sand and surf with the picturesque, winding streets of the city’s old fishing quarter. Summer vibes rule on Barceloneta Beach with its beach volleyball courts and vibrant xiringuitos – the local name for a waterfront bar serving mouthwatering tapas and refreshing beverages. Pull up a lounger, order an ice-cold Estrella and settle in for an afternoon sunbathing session.

La Barceloneta is also home to Saint Sebastian Beach with its curving views of the city skyline, and quieter, less crowded Somorrostro Beach. You’re a short stroll from Port Vell, too, where you can admire the superyachts at anchor, get your retail fix at Maremagnum shopping centre, or meet local sea creatures at the aquarium. To make your home at the heart of it all, choose Sofitel Barcelona Skipper, a luxury hotel with sea view rooms and suites, two swimming pools and a gourmet tapas restaurant. Rooftop ElCielo bar is one of our favourite spots in the whole city for watching the sunset, cocktail in hand.

Don’t miss: TENDIEZ Tapas Bar & Restaurant

• Location: Sofitel Barcelona Skipper, Avenida del Litoral, 10, 08005 Barcelona
• Hours: Daily from midday to 3:30pm (lunch) and 8 to 11pm (dinner)

The beachfront neighbourhood of Poblenou was historically an industrial area. Today it includes one of the city’s most important tech villages and has become an artistic enclave with independent galleries, boutiques and cafés occupying many of its old factories. As such, it’s one of the best areas to stay in Barcelona for young adults who want an equal mix of beach and culture. The Olympic Village and Port are located in Poblenou, and they serve both as a water sports haven and as the gateway to three of the city’s best beaches: Bogatell, Mar Bella and Nova Icària.

All of these are more peaceful than Barceloneta Beach. They offer lifeguards in season and a wide range of facilities from accessible bathrooms to beach umbrella and lounger rental. Feeling sporty? You’ll find basketball courts, beach volleyball areas, and kayaking and windsurfing operators here. Finally, the neighbourhood’s Diagonal Mar Centre is the largest shopping centre in Catalunya. ibis Style Barcelona City Bogatell ticks all our boxes for affordable style within easy reach of the beach, including Mediterranean decor, a tapas bar and a rooftop pool.

If you’re coming to Spain to party, the best area in Barcelona to stay is El Born. Sometimes known as La Ribera or The Waterfront and located just to the east of the Gothic Quarter (a nightlife hotspot in its own right), this trendy, affluent neighbourhood is known for its many bars, clubs and late-night restaurants. Make sure to check out Paradiso, a speakeasy that was awarded fourth place in the 2023 edition of The World’s 50 Best Bars for its theatrical mixology. We also love Eldiset, an elegant wine bar with a cellar dedicated to the finest Catalan vintages. 

There’s more to El Born than being one of the best areas for bars in Barcelona, however. It’s also ideally located between the beach and the historic sights of the city centre, with many cultural highlights of its own. These include the Picasso Museum (home to more than 4,000 works by Spain’s most famous artist) and Parc de la Ciutadella, a green oasis complete with a boating lake and ornamental gardens. The latter is the ideal place to recover after a late night or to recharge before your next outing.

Don’t miss: Paradiso 

• Location: Carrer de Rera Palau, 4, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona
• Hours: Daily, from 3pm to 2am

Insider tip: Don’t leave too early for a night out. Barcelona’s bar scene doesn’t heat up until at least 10pm, with most establishments staying open until the early hours of the morning.

Our pick for the best area in Barcelona to stay with kids is Gràcia, a safe residential neighbourhood with leafy streets and a unique identity. It’s popular with hipsters and young families, which means local cafés and restaurants are used to welcoming little ones. The streets are less crowded than those of the Gothic Quarter or La Barceloneta and much quieter at night. You can reach the sights of Eixample easily or explore Gràcia’s own attractions. These include Park Güell, a magical Gaudí-designed wonderland where kids can run wild, and Casa Vicens, the architect’s first project in Barcelona. Consider timing your visit with Festa Major, a festival held every August that features music, street food and incredible themed decorations.

Don’t miss: Casa Vicens

• Location: Carrer de les Carolines, 20-26, Gràcia, 08012 Barcelona
• Hours: Daily from 9:30am to 6pm (November to March) and from 9:30am to 8pm (April to October)

• El Raval: This is the best area in Barcelona to stay in if you want a multicultural atmosphere. Take a stroll along Rambla del Raval and find restaurants serving everything from Mexican and Moroccan cuisine to Turkish and Pakistani delicacies. The neighbourhood boasts several notable cultural venues, too, including the oldest working theatre in Barcelona (Gran Teatre del Liceu) and the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art. 
• Montjuïc: Located to the south of residential Sants, this hilly neighbourhood is one of the city’s greenest. Escape from the hustle and bustle in Barcelona Botanical Gardens or amid mountain-top views of sea and skyline in Parc del Mirador del Poble-Sec.
• Les Corts: If you’re headed to the city on business, the financial district may well be the best area in Barcelona to stay.

Although each of the neighbourhoods mentioned here have unique characteristics that make them especially rewarding for one kind of traveller or another, you’ll find something to love wherever you stay in this incredible, charismatic city. And the best part is, with an easily navigable transport system including a metro, trams and buses, you’re never too far from where you want to be.