The Ultimate Guide to the Best Areas to Stay in Barcelona

In this article, we’re going to talk about the best areas to stay in Barcelona. If you are planning a trip to the capital of Catalonia, one of the first questions that will come to your mind is where exactly should you stay. We are here to help you plan the perfect trip with practical information and insider tips.

Barcelona has 10 districts, known in Spanish as “distritos”, formed by 73 neighborhoods, in Spanish “barrios”. We are not going to examine them all, but rather present you our pick of the best neighborhoods to stay if you plan on visiting Barcelona. Each “barrio” has its pros and its cons, and we will talk about them too.

A General Map of Barcelona’s Geography

Barcelona is a city quite easy to understand, as it is caught, so to speak, between two large natural barriers: to the west, the Collserola mountain range; and to the east, the Mediterranean Sea. A good number of tourist attractions are located in two basic areas: the Eixample district, close to the Passeig de Gràcia, and the neighborhoods that form part of the Ciudad Antigua, Barcelona old town.

Our Top 5 Picks for the Best Areas to Stay in Barcelona

1. Ciutat Vella (Barcelona Old Town)

Ciutat Vella, the Old Town of Barcelona, is a mixed bag of excellent locations and so-so choices. It is formed by four neighborhoods: El Raval, Barrio Gótico (the Gothic Quarter), El Born, and La Barceloneta (the old fishing quarter of Barcelona). Additionally, there is a fifth important area, Las Ramblas, that divides El Raval from the Barrio Gótico.

Pros:

• Neighborhoods full of history
• Well connected to Barcelona’s public transportation network
• High concentration of hotels
• Many tourist attractions
• Numerous bars and restaurants

Cons:

• Huge crowds of tourists
• Narrow and dark streets
• A few seedy areas to avoid

2. Vila de Gràcia

Vila de Gràcia is part of the larger district of Gràcia and is one of the trendy neighborhoods in Barcelona. It is an area of narrow streets and charming squares, lively day and night.

Pros:

• Trendy neighborhood
• Good connections with public transport system
• Many bars and restaurants

Cons:

• Few hotels in the area
• Soundproofing is essential due to nightlife

3. Sants-Montjuïc

Sants-Montjuïc is an extensive district of Barcelona. Within the district, we recommend two specific areas: the first one between Sants railway station and Plaza de España, and the second one, the neighborhood of Poble Sec. Both areas provide easy access to the underground network and getting to the main attractions of Barcelona is quite easy.

Pros:

• Cheaper rates than more central regions
• Connected to the underground network and great for the airport train or bus
• Near Montjuïc Park
• Many bars and restaurants

Cons:

• District is huge, pay attention to the address
• Not central

4. Sant Antoni

Sant Antoni is one of the trendiest addresses in Barcelona right now. It’s very close to the center of Barcelona, and there are many underground stations around the neighborhood.

Pros:

• Trendy neighborhood
• Well connected to the transportation system
• Many bars and restaurants

Cons:

• Few hotels in the area
• Hotel prices are more expensive

5. Passeig de Gràcia

Passeig de Gràcia, the most important avenue of the city, is our top pick for the best area to stay in Barcelona. We are actually talking about the avenue itself, and three or four blocks of streets to either side of the avenue. Not only is it a beautiful address in Barcelona, but it is also close to everything, making your stay simply wonderful. Needless to say, there’s easy access to the underground network.

Pros:

• Most elegant and beautiful neighborhood in Barcelona
• Wonderful collection of modernist buildings
• Perfect location close to nearly everything
• Easy access to public transportation
• Lots of bars and restaurants

Cons:

• Heavy traffic
• Crowds of tourists
• Accommodation is pricey

Final Thoughts on the Best Areas to Stay in Barcelona

So, now that our list is over, let’s go back to the map to show you all our choices together.

1. The historic center of Barcelona, the Ciutat Vella
2. The neighborhood of Vila de Gràcia
3. The large district of Sants-Montjuïc
4. The trendy neighborhood of San Antoni
5. Top of the list, Passeig de Gràcia

Does this mean there are no other suitable areas to look for accommodation in Barcelona? Far from it! We’ve just listed our favorites, but there are other regions, from Diagonal Mar, far from the center, to Les Corts, that are perfectly fine. Just make sure wherever you stay, there’s an underground station nearby, and you will be fine. With this guide, you should be well-prepared to find the perfect place to stay during your visit to the captivating city of Barcelona. Enjoy your trip.