Where to Stay in Barcelona, Spain – A Guide to the Top Neighborhoods
We spent an incredible week in Spain, with three unforgettable days in Barcelona. Finding a hotel in such a lively city can feel overwhelming, but picking a central location is key. Staying in the heart of the city made it easy to explore Gaudí’s masterpieces, vibrant neighborhoods, and delicious dining spots, ensuring we didn’t miss any of Barcelona’s top attractions.
In this post, I’ll share all the fantastic neighborhoods in Barcelona, and what makes each one unique, especially for those of us who are a bit older and appreciate a comfortable, convenient stay.
Recommended Hotel
We stayed in the Ohla Hotel located in the Gothic Quarter. This is a great five-star hotel in a perfect location. We really enjoyed our stay here and would come back!
Click here to view and book the Ohla Hotel
The Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic)
If you want to stay somewhere with historic charm, medieval architecture, and narrow streets (which I love), Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is the place to stay. In addition to the Ohla Hotel, below are a few of the best hotels in this area.
- Hotel Neri
- Boutique luxury with historic charm
- H10 Madison
- Stylish hotel with a rooftop pool
Eixample Neighborhood
The Eixample district is known for its modernist architecture, shopping, and dining. This area can be considered within the city center, and is also home to the iconic buildings by Gaudi like La Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà (La Pedrera), these are located on the popular street Passeig de Gràcia. This area is also within walking distance of Plaza de Catalunya and Las Ramblas (both popular areas).
Hotels in the Eixample Neighborhood:
- Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona
- Luxury hotel with a rooftop pool and spa
- Room Mate Anna
- Trendy hotel in a central location
Gràcia Neighborhood
The Gracia neighborhood is a vibrant area with a bohemian, artistic feel. Gracia has more of a village-like local atmosphere with narrow streets and lively squares. The Gaudí attraction Parc Güell is also partly located in Gracia, this park offers stunning views of the city and whimsical architecture, making it a must-see spot in Barcelona.
Hotels in the Gracia Neighborhood:
- Casa Fuster Hotel
- Historic luxury hotel with modern amenities
- Hotel La Casa del Sol
- Cozy boutique hotel with a laid-back vibe
El Raval Neighborhood
The Raval neighborhood is popular for its vibrant street life, eclectic mix of people and rich history. Raval is bordered by La Rambla to the east, the popular shopping street, and Sant Antoni to the west. The neighborhood is also packed with trendy bars, cozy cafes, and restaurants.
Hotels in the Raval neighborhood:
- Barceló Raval
- Modern hotel with a rooftop terrace
- Hotel 1898
- Historic hotel with a colonial flair
El Born Neighborhood
El Born is located in the larger La Ribera district, to the east of the Gothic Quarter and near the waterfront. The neighborhood is known for its rich history, cultural attractions, diverse dining options, and lively nightlife. It is also home to the Picasso Museum, many art galleries, and the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar. Overall, El Born is a trendy, stylish neighborhood with a mix of old and new.
Hotels in the El Born neighborhood:
- Borneta
- Boutique hotel with a rooftop swimming pool
- Chic & Basic Born Boutique Hotel
- A hip boutique hotel is known for its unique design and relaxed vibe
Poblenou Neighborhood
The Poblenou neighborhood is dynamic and rapidly evolving, known for its blend of old industrial charm and modern tech areas. Poblenou has some of Barcelona’s best beaches along the Mediterranean Sea, including Bogatell Beach and Mar Bella Beach. The main street of the neighborhood, Rambla del Poblenou, is filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants. You will also find the old Olympic Village from 1992.
Hotels in the Poblenou Neighborhood:
- Hotel SB Diagonal Zero
- Modern hotel near the beach
- Four Points by Sheraton Barcelona Diagonal
- Nice hotel, near the beach in the modern 22@ district
La Barceloneta Neighborhood
The Barceloneta neighborhood is the best area for beaches, seafood restaurants, and a lively atmosphere. Barceloneta is located right by the water and features popular beaches, a beachfront promenade, and Port Vell, which has a marina, shopping, and attractions such as the Aquarium Barcelona.
Hotels in the Barceloneta Neighborhood:
- W Barcelona
- One of the best luxury hotels with a beachfront location
- Hotel Arts Barcelona
- Beautiful hotel with waterfront views
Sarrià-Sant Gervasi
Although Sarrià-Sant Gervasi is one of the largest neighborhoods in Barcelona, it still maintains a village-like feel. The area is set against the Collserola hills and has a quieter, more residential atmosphere. A great place to visit in this area is Tibidabo, the highest point in Barcelona, which features an amusement park and the beautiful Sagrat Cor church.
Hotels in the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi Neighborhood:
- Gran Hotel La Florida G.L Monumento
- Luxury hotel with panoramic views
- ABaC Restaurant & Hotel
- Boutique hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant
Poble Sec
Poble Sec is a culturally rich neighborhood that sits at the foot of Montjuïc Hill. It’s bordered by the Raval neighborhood and is popular for its lively atmosphere and old-world charm. Montjuïc Hill is a beautiful area where you can see sites such as the Magic (Miró) Fountain and the Olympic Stadium. Poble Sec has an amazing tapas scene, with Carrer de Blai being the most notable street for pintxos and tapas bars.
Hotels in Poble Sec:
- Hotel Brummell
- Boutique hotel located near the Miró Fountain
- InterContinental Barcelona, an IHG Hotel
- Has fantastic views of Barcelona with a rooftop terrace, and also a short walk to the Miró Fountain
Sant Antoni
San Antoni is a vibrant neighborhood known for its eclectic mix of traditional charm and modern amenities. The neighborhood is located between Poble Sec, Raval, and Eixample, making it a convenient spot for exploring the city. A top attraction in this area is the Sant Antoni Market (Mercat de Sant Antoni), a beautifully renovated and historic market housed in a 19th-century building. The market offers fresh produce, gourmet foods, and local delicacies. San Antoni also has a diverse restaurant scene, from tapas bars and cafes to lively bars and nightlife spots.
Hotels in San Antoni:
- Hotel Market
- Boutique hotel near the market
- Acta Azul Barcelona
- A budget-friendly hotel with clean, functional rooms and a rooftop terrace
In conclusion, when deciding where to stay in Barcelona, the city offers a diverse range of neighborhoods, each with its unique charm and attractions. From the historic allure of the Gothic Quarter to the vibrant atmosphere of El Born, the beachside beauty of Barceloneta, and the trendy vibe of Sant Antoni, there’s a perfect spot for every traveler. Choose a neighborhood that aligns with your personal interests and travel style, whether you’re into history, food, nightlife, or simply relaxing by the sea. For the best experience, book your accommodations in advance and consider the proximity to public transportation and key attractions. Happy travels, and enjoy your stay in beautiful Barcelona!
Getting around in Barcelona
Getting around in Barcelona is relatively easy thanks to its well-developed public transportation system, which includes metro stations, buses, and taxis. Taxis are readily available throughout Barcelona and are easily identifiable by their black and yellow colors. We used all three and I preferred to ride the Metro, it was easy to navigate and accessible from most areas. Using my Apple Maps made it easy to get from area to area.
Taxis are also available throughout Barcelona and are easily identifiable by their black and yellow colors. Taxis can be hailed on the street, found at designated taxi stands, or booked through taxi apps. While in theory, they were all over the city, we found it hard at times to get a taxi to stop for us and they were more expensive.
Barcelona also has an extensive bus network that complements the metro system, providing additional coverage to areas not served by the metro. We used the bus at times when the Metro station didn’t quite get us to our destination.
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