Where to Stay in Barcelona | Neighborhoods & Hotels 2025

Catalonia’s capital is a relatively big city with ten administrative districts. When planning a visit to this bustling town, it’s essential to know where to stay in Barcelona, which areas are great for travelers, and which ones to avoid.

Most of Barcelona neighborhoods are well linked to the city’s attractions. Therefore, you won’t need to use public transportation. To ease your travel planning, I describe some of the best areas to stay in Barcelona.

However, before I explain the best neighborhoods in Barcelona in detail, I would like to discuss the city’s general division.

As I mentioned above, Barcelona has ten administrative districts: Ciutat Vella, Eixample, Sants-Montjuic, Les Corts, Sarria-Santa Gervasi, Gracia, Horta-Guinardo, Nou Barris, Sant Andreu, and Sant Marti. Each district contains several different neighborhoods within its territory.

These neighborhoods of Barcelona are based on historical division, while some are former towns affixed by Barcelona in the 18th-19th century and still showcase their unique character.

Things to note: 

As Barcelona is the capital of the Catalonia region, the primary language here is Catalan. That said, some streets have Catalan or Spanish words, making it a bit confusing for first-time visitors.

For instance, the word’ street’ in Catalan is ‘Carrer,’ while in Spanish, it’s ‘Calle.’ The same goes for districts – “districtes” in Catalan and “distritos” in Spanish, while neighborhoods in Spanish is “barrio” and “barri” in Catalan.

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Where to stay in Barcelona for first time

The Eixample District 

Considered Barcelona’s best shopping and dining area, Eixample is a large and central neighborhood close to the El Born and Gòtic (Gothic) Quarters.

For me, it was the best neighborhood to stay in Barcelona as all the main attractions are within walking distance, including Gaudi’s masterpieces – Casa Battlo, Casa Mila, and the Sagrada Familia. Besides, if you are looking for art nouveau works of other Spanish architects, this is the district for you.

Due to its residential nature, Eixample is also one of the safest areas to stay in Barcelona. Additionally, it is home to some of the most vibrant nightlife and cafe culture.

Sant Antoni, an up-and-coming area of the Eixample district, is also a great place to stay in Barcelona, featuring hip brunch spots and coffee shops.

Gothic Quarter or Barri Gòtic

This is the “old town” of Barcelona, where the city started to emerge and became what it is today. This former Roman village still preserves the remains of its glorious past, eventually giving it its name – Gothic Quarter- and making it one of the first places to explore on your Barcelona itinerary. 

Because of the former city plan, the district has narrow, winding streets creating a labyrinth-like layout. If you don’t pay attention, you might feel lost or miss some of the best attractions in the area. 

As Barcelona gets too many tourists, the Gothic Quarter becomes quite packed. Therefore, whether the Gothic Quarter is an excellent place to stay in Barcelona truly depends on what you prefer and what kind of traveler you are. 

I wouldn’t recommend staying here if you prefer to avoid crowded areas. On the other hand, the Gothic Quarter is ideal for those who love being in the epicenter of the town, with easy access to bars, cafes, and restaurants. 

El Born Barrio 

El Born borders the Gothic Quarter but is much quieter than its neighbor. Since the district was built on top of the medieval area, the streets are also narrow and winding here, just like in Gothic.  

One of the main attractions here is the Calle Montcada, a former medieval street where you’ll find Picasso and Textile museums. Additionally, you can visit Mercat del Born, an old public market that is now an archeological site. 

El Born has restaurants, cafes, and tapas bars like the Gothic Quarter. It’s one of the best places to stay in Barcelona if you want to be in the city center but also avoid big crowds. Moreover, you can find some of the best Instagrammable places in Barcelona wandering through its narrow streets. 

Where to stay in Barcelona for a local vibe

Gracia

If you want to experience how locals live in Barcelona, Gràcia is one of the best places to do so. It was an autonomous town until the late 19th century, when Barcelona annexed it within its city borders. Even today, residents of Gracia create a small and tight community that loves to spend their spare time outdoors with friends and family.

Gracia is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Barcelona, boasting hidden gems and Instagrammable spots. It is famous for artists and a bohemian crowd.

Where not to stay in Barcelona

El Raval 

El Raval is a controversial district in Barcelona, primarily suitable for experienced travelers who have visited Barcelona many times. Without a doubt, El Raval is an attractive and exciting neighborhood in Barcelona; however, it also has its shady and tacky side that you need to be aware of.

It’s not the safest or cleanest neighborhood in Barcelona, but it does have its personality and character. I suggest exploring it as one of the Barcelona attractions rather than staying there.

Quiet neighborhoods in Barcelona

El Poble Sec

If you are looking for where to stay in Barcelona on a budget, Poble Sec should be your choice, with the most affordable hotels and accommodation options. Other than that, the area doesn’t offer tourist attractions to visit. However, it is well-connected with public transport, taking only 10 minutes by metro to reach the center. 

Les Corts 

Les Corts is a financial and business district with many restaurants and hotels but lacks tourist attractions. Therefore, if you prefer a peaceful area to spend your days in Barcelona, this a great place to stay. Moreover, a big shopping complex has a small exhibition center, clothing shops, supermarkets, and several good restaurants.

Sants

Sants district is one of the best area to stay in Barcelona with family. This quiet residential area lacks tourist attractions and is ideal for those who come for a relaxing vacation rather than exploring the city. And if you need to go to the center, it is a well-connected public transportation system.

It is also the best area to stay in Barcelona for budget-conscious travelers, offering affordable accommodation options.

Places to stay in Barcelona near beach

Barceloneta Barrio

Barceloneta district is the closest beachside area to the city center and the top swimming location for many tourists and locals. If you are looking for where to stay in Barcelona with kids, this is an ideal place. You will be closer to Barcelona city center but away from its hustle.

The beach is the main attraction of Barceloneta, making it packed during hot summer days. And if you get hungry, there are many restaurants and bars. Besides kid-friendly playgrounds, Barceloneta is also home to an aquarium, allegedly the biggest in Europe.

Bogatell 

Bogatell is a bit further away from the hustle and bustle, but it is one of the best areas of Barcelona to stay to be closer to the beach. However, you can’t find a place here during the summer days either, as it gets very crowded.

Like any other neighborhood with beach access, Bogatell doesn’t have many tourist attractions and is a peaceful residential area with good access to the city center.

Where to stay in Barcelona – best hotels

Barcelona hotels get pretty pricey. If you are looking for cheap hotels or hostels, travel to Barcelona during the off-season, when prices are low.

Best cheap hotels in Barcelona

Hotel Ronda Lesseps: For a more convenient stay, choose Hotel Ronda Lesseps as it is only a 15-minute walk from Park Guell and 200 meters from Plaza Lesseps. Located in the Gracia neighborhood, the hotel is ideal for those who would love to stay out of touristy places and experience the local vibe but still be close to Barcelona attractions. 

Best hostels in Barcelona

360 Hostel Borne: one of the best place to stay in Barcelona for budget travelers and those who want to be in the center. The hostel is only a 10-minute from Plaza Catalunya and La Rambla, making it very close to the iconic Barcelona sights.  

The hostel has twin rooms or single beds in the dormitory with ornate tiles and high ceilings. It offers a shared spacious kitchen for snacks, dinner, or breakfast. 

Hola Hostal Eixample: Located only 15 minutes from Plaza Catalunya, the hostel is ideal for those who want to visit Barcelona on a budget and be in the center. The hostel offers air-conditioned dormitories, a sun terrace, a private bar, individual storage lockers in the dorm rooms, a communal area, and a shared kitchen, to name a few. 

Arc House Barcelona: This youth hostel has one of the best location to stay in Barcelona as it is only 350 meters from the Arc De Triumf metro stop and offers mixed, same-sex dorm rooms with bright interiors and individual lockers. You can use laundry facilities, a shared kitchen, a dining area, luggage storage, and computers. 

Plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars are within a 10-minute walk from the hostel. Barcelona sights, such as Plaza de Cataluna, La Barceloneta Beach, and Las Ramblas, are easily accessible on foot as well.

No Limit Hostel Graffiti: As the name suggests, graffiti works adorn this cute little hostel near the Encants metro stop, a short walk from the Sagrada Familia. Dorm rooms are bright and come with shared bathrooms. It also has a shared kitchen to prepare your meals, while the dining areas and lounge are air-conditioned. 

Best boutique hotels in Barcelona

Hotel Brummell: Located in the Poble Sec neighborhood, this boutique hotel in Barcelona has an outdoor pool on the roof, stylish rooms, a garden, and a sauna, to name a few. Additionally, you can benefit from free and unlimited yoga classes held at the venue premises. 

The hotel is well connected to the touristy sights of Barcelona. For instance, La Rambla is only a 15-minute walk, while the famous Montjuic is only 2 km away. 

Pol & Grace Hotel: Situated in the Gracia neighborhood, the hotel is ideal for couples, as each room has its own theme and style. There’s a library for those who love having a good read during their travels. And if you need to catch up on some work, there’s a free working area with complimentary tea and coffee from mid-morning. 

Best beach hotels in Barcelona

Hotel SB Icaria Barcelona: Located only 300 meters from Nova Icaria Beach, the hotel offers a sauna, an outdoor pool with a sun terrace, and a hot tub. The rooms have stylish modern furniture, wooden floors, and adjustable lighting. Even though it’s close to the coast, the hotel has excellent access to the main sights of Barcelona, including Ciutadella Park, Barcelona Cathedral, and the historic Gothic Quarter. 

Occidental Atenea Mar: Situated only 150 meters from Nova Mar Bella Beach, the hotel is adults only and features a sauna, terrace with sea views, seasonal infinity pool, gym, and hydromassage beds. Most of their rooms have views of the sea or the city. 

→ None of these suit your taste? Check out more hotels in Barcelona