Although Barcelona is not a huge city in terms of area, it can make a big difference in which of the Barcelona neighborhoods you are staying and how your Barcelona accommodation is equipped. In this guide we would like to introduce you to the most beautiful and popular neighborhoods in Barcelona with their special features, such as advantages and disadvantages, so that you get an accurate idea of which of the so-called Barrios in Barcelona is best for you.
For each of these neighborhoods, we’ll give you a recommendation for accommodation in Barcelona that suits your budget, so you can find the best places to stay in Barcelona. Furthermore, we would like to give you some Barcelona travel tips for your Barcelona hotel search.
What to find out in this post
- 1 General tips to find the best place to stay in Barcelona
- 2 Best places to stay in Barcelona – The best Neighborhoods
- 3 Comparison of the Barcelona Neighborhoods
- 4 Where to stay in Barcelona?
- 5 The perfect accommodation in Barcelona for each district
- 6 Best Places to stay in Barceloneta
- 7 Best Places to stay in Bogatell/ Ciutadella/ Vila Olimpica/ Poble Nou
- 8 Best Places to stay in El Born
- 9 Best Places to stay in Les Corts
- 10 Best Places to stay in L’Eixample
- 11 Best Places to stay in Barrio Gotico
- 12 Best Places to stay in Gràcia
- 13 Best Places to stay in Sants / Montjuïc /Poble Sec
- 14 Best Places to stay in Las Ramblas
- 15 Best Places to stay in El Raval
General tips to find the best place to stay in Barcelona
The most important thing is: Book in advance! Barcelona is a super popular city and the best places are often booked pretty far in advance. If you want to find a great deal, you should definitely book some weeks or even months before your trip.
If you want to save money on transport or time, you should make sure that your accommodation is not too far from the Barcelona attractions that you would like to visit. On the other hand, the accommodations in Barcelona, which are not directly in the city center, are usually quieter and cheaper, while the transport in Barcelona is absolutely affordable (with the T-10 ticket it is just about 1 € per trip ).
To see where places of interest are located, have a look at our detailed Barcelona Itinerary.
It is also handy to know if there is a metro stop near your accommodation, but don’t worry, we got you covered.
Note from the author: I deliberately do not recommend tourist apartments in Barcelona, as these are the reason for the far too high rents these days in the city and one reason why many locals even have to leave the city.
Best places to stay in Barcelona – The best Neighborhoods
Barceloneta
Barceloneta is the beach district of Barcelona and therefore very popular with tourists. If you are looking for accommodation near the beach, this is the place for you. Here you will also find a wide selection of bars, restaurants, supermarkets and clubs.
For party and beach enthusiasts, this district is just right.
Attractions near Barceloneta
- Barceloneta Beach
- W Hotel
Bogatell / Ciutadella / Vila Olimpica
This area is also suitable for beach lovers, but it is not quite as touristy as Barceloneta. Nearby, you can find both: Bogatell Beach and Ciutadella Park, which offers a bit of relaxation and tranquility.
Attractions near Ciutadella / Bogatell
- Ciutadella Park
- Arc de Triomf
- Bogatell Beach
- Port Olympic
El Born
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For me definitely one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Barcelona. With its old streets and many modern bars and restaurants, El Born is a perfect mix of new and old.
However, since this part is located right in the old town of Barcelona, it can be a bit more expensive and louder. But who plans to go out at night is just right here.
Attractions near El Born
- The old town of Barcelona
- Santa Caterina market
Les Corts
Just outside the city center, Les Corts has little to offer besides the famous football stadium of FC Barcelona, Camp Nou. But if you want to save money, you can find great budget accommodation here.
Moreover, this area is far less touristy than the city center. This neighborhood is great for all football enthusiasts and budget travelers.
Attractions near Les Corts
- Camp Nou
L’Eixample
Although the pronunciation of L’Eixample (Spanish: Ensanche) is not that easy, this district is considered one of the most popular in Barcelona.
This neighborhood is mainly divided into the left (Esquerra de l’Eixample) and right half (Dreta de l’Eixample), with the famous shopping street Passeig de Gràcia considered the subdivision.
Eixample is mostly used as a residential area, which is why it is usually quieter here than in other neighborhoods. (I live in Eixample for that reason). Probably the most famous district of Eixample is Sagrada Família.
Attractions near L’Eixample
- Sagrada Família
- Sant Pau
- Passeig de Gràcia
- Casa Battlò
Gothic Quarter – Barrio Gotico (Barri Gòtic)
One of the most beautiful areas of Barcelona. With its narrow Gothic-style streets, Barrio Gotico (Catalan: Barri Gòtic) enchants thousands of visitors each year.
This neighborhood, like El Born, is part of the Ciutat Vella (Old Town of Barcelona). If you are looking for a place to stay right in the historic center, you will love this area.
Attractions near the Gothic Quarter
- Las Ramblas
- Plaça Catalunya
- La Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia
- Columbus Column
Gràcia
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Gràcia is considered the scene district of Barcelona and has its own modern atmosphere. No wonder that so many artists settle here.
Here you will find many creative and alternative shops, bars and restaurants. Although Gràcia is generally considered calmer, there is still no lack of entertainment.
Every year in August there is a big neighborhood party (Fiesta Mayor de Gràcia). Then it can be a bit fuller and louder.
Attractions near Gràcia
- Plaza del Sol
Sants / Montjuïc /Poble Sec
In Sants, there is the main train station of the city, so if you want a short way to the airport, or want to save a few Euros for your Barcelona hotel, you can stay in this area. Nearby is the Montjuïc, a mountain adjacent to the famous Plaça d’Espanya. Here you will also find the popular light and water show of the Magic Fountains. The Poble Sec area nearby offers a street full of excellent tapas restaurants and bars. In general, this area is not directly in the tourist center of Barcelona and thus a bit cheaper.
Attractions near of Sants-Montjuïc
- Montjuïc
- Plaça d’Espanya
- Blai Tapas Street
- Magic Fountains
Las Ramblas
View on Las Ramblas from the harborLas Ramblas is probably the most famous street in Barcelona. In addition to countless souvenir stalls, you will find mainly street artists, restaurants, bars, cafes and everything that makes the tourist’s heart happy.
Las Ramblas (also called La Rambla) connects the center of the city (Plaza Cataluña) with the port.
If you want to be right in the center, Las Ramblas is a good option.
Attractions near Las Ramblas
- Las Ramblas
- Plaza Cataluña
- Columbus Column
- Plaza Real
- Merquat de la Boqueria
El Raval
While this district used to be considered unsafe, El Raval is gradually becoming the new trendy district of Barcelona.
The Rambla de Raval is not only popular with locals. Here you will find many inexpensive restaurants and especially international cuisine. The cat by artist Fernando Botero also contributes to the alternative atmosphere of El Raval.
Attractions near El Raval
- Cat of Fernando Botero
- La Rambla del Raval
Comparison of the Barcelona Neighborhoods
| Feature // Neighborhood | Central | Traditional | Party | Budget-Friendly Options | Beach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barceloneta | X | X | |||
| Ciutadella / Vila Olimpica | X | X | X | ||
| Born | X | X | X | ||
| Les Corts | X | ||||
| L'Eixample | X | X | X | ||
| Barrio Gotico | X | X | X | ||
| Gràcia | X | X | |||
| Sants Montjuic | X | X | |||
| Las Ramblas | X | X | X | ||
| El Raval | X | X | X | X |
Where to stay in Barcelona?
Could you find the perfect Barcelona neighborhood for your stay? Perfect! While we present below the best accommodations in Barcelona that you can find online, here’s an extra tip to save money on your accommodation and meet locals: Airbnb. As I mentioned before, I do not recommend renting a flat in Barcelona, but there’s nothing against a room in a local’s apartment. So you can directly get to know the Catalan culture and get fantastic insider tips on non-touristy things to do in Barcelona.
Check accommodation in Barcelona on Airbnb
The perfect accommodation in Barcelona for each district
Below, you will find the best Barcelona accommodation for each district divided by different budgets. So there is the right place for every kind of traveler.
Best Places to stay in Barceloneta
See all accommodation in Barceloneta
The best budget accommodation in Barceloneta
Safestay Barcelona Sea
Distance to Metro: 0,8 km to Barceloneta Metro Station
Distance to the nearest Beach: 50 m
This hostel is particularly popular for its beachfront location. Besides free wifi, this hostel offers a community lounge.
Check Prices and availability of Safestay Barcelona Sea
The best mid-range accommodation in Barceloneta
Hotel 54 Barceloneta
Distance to Metro: 0,6 km to Barceloneta Metro Station
Distance to nearest Beach: 200 m
The rooms of this 3-star hotel, located on the beach, are equipped with: TV, kettle, private bathroom, air conditioning, heating, wardrobe, safe and soundproofing.
Check Prices and availability of Hotel 54 Barceloneta
The best luxury accommodation in Barceloneta
W Barcelona
Distance to Metro: 1,5 km to Barceloneta & Drassanes
Distance to nearest Beach: 50 m
This is probably the most famous hotel building in the city and belongs to the skyline of the city. The 5-star hotel is located directly on the beach and is an important landmark of Barceloneta.
The hotel is equipped with a spa, a swimming pool and a fitness center. There is also a bar offering breathtaking views of the beach and other parts of Barcelona.
Check Prices and availability of W Barcelona
Best Places to stay in Bogatell/ Ciutadella/ Vila Olimpica/ Poble Nou
See all accommodation in Ciutadella/ Vila Olimpica
The best budget accommodation in Bogatell/ Ciutadella/ Vila Olimpica
Unfortunately, there are not really budget options in this area.
Poblenou B&B
Distance to Metro: 0,6 km to Llacuna & Poblenou Metro Haltestelle
Distance to nearest Beach: 450 m
This bed and breakfast should probably be regarded as a medium price range, but also comes with its own bathroom, TV, air conditioning, heating, clothes horse and safe.
Check Prices and availability of Poblenou B&B
The best mid-range accommodation in Bogatell/ Ciutadella/ Vila Olimpica
ibis Styles Barcelona City Bogatell
Distance to Metro: 0,1 km to Bogatell Metro Station
Distance to nearest Beach: 800 m
This 2-star hotel offers rooms equipped with: TV, soundproofing, iron, heating, wardrobe, bathroom and good breakfast.
Check Prices and availability of ibis Styles
The best luxury accommodation in Bogatell/ Ciutadella/ Vila Olimpica
H10 Marina Barcelona
This 4-star hotel offers a swimming pool, gym, and bar, as well as a spa and wellness center.
The rooms come with bathtub, air conditioning, private bathroom, TV, minibar, safe & heating.
Check Prices and availability of H10 Marina
Best Places to stay in El Born
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See all accommodation in El Born
The best budget accommodation in El Born
Pension Ciudadela
Distance to Metro: 0,3 km to Barceloneta Metro Station
The cozy rooms of this guest house come with a balcony with city views, air conditioning, TV, safe, iron, heating, shared or private bathroom.
Check Prices and availability of Pension Ciudadela
The best mid-range accommodation in El Born
Hotel Santa Marta
Distance to Metro: 0,2 km to Barceloneta Metro Station
This 2-star hotel offers good value for money. The rooms come with private bathroom, TV & telephone.
Check Prices and availability of Hotel Santa Marta
The best luxury accommodation in El Born
K+K Hotel Picasso El Born
Distance to Bus Stop: 150 m to Parc de la Ciutadella – Princesa
This 4-star hotel in Born leaves nothing to be desired. The rooms feature garden or city views, flat-screen TV, air conditioning, soundproofing, private bathroom, telephone, laptop safe, in-room safe, iron, closet, fan, heating, seating area, clothes dryer, tea and coffee facilities and electric kettle. The hotel also has a swimming pool.
Check Prices and availability of K+K Hotel Picasso
Best Places to stay in Les Corts
See all accommodation in Les Corts
The best budget accommodation in Les Corts
Room018BCN
Distance to Metro: 0,4 km to Les Corts Metro Station
Private Room (Double Room) or Bed in Dormitory Room (Male, Female or Mixed Dorm). LED reading lamp on each bed available. Lockers and communal kitchen available. Including breakfast.
Check Prices and availability of Room018BCN
The best mid-range accommodation in Les Corts
NH Barcelona Entenza
Distance to Metro: 0,5 km to Entença Metro Station
This 3-star hotel is less than a 10-minute walk from Barcelona Sants Central Station. The rooms are furnished with satellite TV, minibar and private bathroom. There is also air conditioning, heating and a bathtub. The price-performance ratio is considered very good.
Check Prices and availability of NH Barcelona Entenza
The best luxury accommodation in Les Corts
Catalonia Rigoletto
Distance to Metro: 0,3 km to Maria Cristina Metro Station & 0,4 km to Les Corts Metro Station
This 4-star hotel features an outdoor pool and a gym for its guests. Each private room is equipped with soundproofing, private bathroom with bathtub, flat-screen TV, safe, TV, telephone, wardrobe, and minibar.
Check Prices and availability of Catalonia Rigoletto
Best Places to stay in L’Eixample
See all accommodation in L’Eixample
The best budget accommodation in L’Eixample
360 Hostel Barcelona
Distance to Metro: 0,3 km to Arc de Triomf Metro Station
This hostel has very good reviews online. It offers both single beds in dorms and twin rooms. It is centrally located and has a shared kitchen and lockers. Each room also has air conditioning, heating and a fan.
Check Prices and availability of 360 Hostel Barcelona
The best mid-range accommodation in L’Eixample
Ecozentric
Distance to Metro: 0,2 km to Universitat Metro Station
This centrally located pension is especially designed for environmental friendliness. There are air-conditioned and soundproofed rooms with TVs that use little energy, such as organic cotton sheets. Something of every reservation is donated to reforestation of forests. We really like that idea!
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The best luxury accommodation in L’Eixample
El Avenida Palace
This centrally located 4-star hotel is considered one of the most famous in Barcelona – even the Beatles have stayed here. The rooftop terrace offers city views, a sun terrace and a pool. The guestrooms are equipped with private bathroom, television, desk, in-room safe, sitting area, fan, heating, air conditioning, closet, telephone, mini bar and soundproofing.
Check Prices and availability of El Avenida Palace
Best Places to stay in Barrio Gotico
See all accommodation in Barrio Gotico
The best budget accommodation Barrio Gotico
Itaca Hostel
Distance to Metro: 0,3 km to Jaume I Metro Station
For those who are only looking for luxury, you can find a cheap accommodation option in the Barrio Gotico. All rooms and dormitories have a balcony with city views. In addition, every guest gets a locker allocated. Furthermore, there is a communal kitchen.
Check Prices and availability of Itaca Hostel
The best mid-range accommodation in Barrio Gotico
Hostal Benidorm
Distance to Metro: 0,2 km to Liceu Metro Station
The guestrooms are equipped with central heating, AC, private bathroom, flat-screen TV, safe, wardrobe, and bathtub. There are also rooms with a balcony and city views.
Check Prices and availability of Hostal Benidorm
The best luxury accommodation in Barrio Gotico
Ciutat de Barcelona
Distance to Metro: 0,3 km to Jaume I Metro Station
This 3-star hotel is very centrally located and leaves nothing to be desired. It is equipped with a pool and a bar. The rooms offer city views (balcony if required), soundproofing, flat-screen TV, air conditioning, private bathroom, bathtub, safe, heating, wardrobe and tumble dryer.
Check Prices and availability of Ciutat de Barcelona
Best Places to stay in Gràcia
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See all accommodation in Gràcia
The best budget accommodation in Gràcia
Factory House
Distance to Metro: 0,9 km to Metro Stations Lesseps, Vallcarca, and Joanic.
This hostel, located near Park Güell, offers a variety of air-conditioned dorm rooms and private rooms. Each dorm has lockers and individual reading lights. There’s also a panoramic terrace, a shared kitchen and a library.
Check Prices and availability of Factory House
The best mid-range accommodation in Gràcia
Hotel BestPrice Gràcia
Distance to Metro: 0,4 km to Joanic Metro Station
The name of this 1-star hotel speaks for itself. The price is very good and despite everything, it is considered one of the best-rated hotels in the city. The private rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a private bathroom, flat-screen TV, soundproofing, laptop safe, heating, a closet and, if necessary, a bathtub.
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The best luxury accommodation in Gràcia
Hotel Barcelona 1882
Distance toMetro: 0,5 km to Sagrada Família Metro Station
This 4-star hotel is just 400 meters from the Sagrada Família. It offers an outdoor pool and a fitness center. Each room is equipped with a desk, flat-screen TV, air conditioning, soundproofing, safe, heating, tea and coffee making facilities, kettle, minibar, laptop safe and closet. Some rooms have city views.
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Best Places to stay in Sants / Montjuïc /Poble Sec
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The best budget accommodation in Sants / Montjuïc /Poble Sec
Hostel One Ramblas
Distance to Metro: 0,4 km to Metro Stations Parallel and Drassanes
Not only does this hostel offer air-conditioned single beds in dormitories at a good price – even dinner is included. There’s a communal kitchen, a shared terrace and a lounge with a TV, DVD player and two computers.
Preis und Verfügbarkeiten von Hostel One Ramblas ansehen
The best mid-range accommodation in Sants / Montjuïc /Poble Sec
SmartRoom Barcelona
Distance to Metro: 0,4 km to Plaça de Sants Metro Station
This hotel, which is located about 1 km from Sants Central Station, is mainly designed for environmental friendliness. Each of the private rooms is equipped with a private bathroom, a desk, air conditioning, soundproofing, safe, heating and a closet.
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The best luxury accommodation in Sants / Montjuïc /Poble Sec
Crowne Plaza Barcelona
Distance to Metro: 0,4 km to Poble Sec Metro Station
This 4-star sup hotel spoils you and leaves nothing to be desired. The hotel features a rooftop terrace overlooking Barcelona, an outdoor pool, sun loungers and rooftop dining area, a spa that includes a water circuit, dry sauna, hammam, hot tub, gym and 6 treatment cabins as well as a piano bar. The rooms are equipped with flat-screen TV, hydromassage shower, air conditioning, soundproofing, bathtub, private bathroom, safe, laptop safe, heating, closet, minibar and extra-long beds.
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Best Places to stay in Las Ramblas
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See all accommodation las Ramblas
The best budget accommodation in las Ramblas
Kabul Party Hostel Barcelona
Distance to Metro: 0,2 km to Liceu Metro Station
This well-reviewed hostel is perfect for those looking for budget accommodation and party. The hostel offers a rooftop terrace and a common room, where in the morning the included breakfast is served and in which can be partied in at night.
Check Prices and availability of Kabul Party Hostel
The best mid-range accommodation in Las Ramblas
Hostal Operaramblas
Distance to Metro: 0,1 km to Liceu Metro Station
This 2-star guesthouse is located in the heart of Barcelona. The rooms are equipped with private bathroom, air conditioning, telephone, desk, ironing facilities, heating, wardrobe, TV and safe.
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The best luxury accommodation in Las Ramblas
Hotel España Ramblas
Distance to Metro: 0,1 km to Liceu Metro Station
This 4-star hotel, housed in a 19th-century building, offers its guests a swimming pool. Each private room is equipped with air conditioning, a private bathroom, flat-screen TV and pay-per-view, soundproofing, mini bar, safe, telephone, seating area, heating, optional bathtub, laptop safe and closet.
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Best Places to stay in El Raval
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The best budget accommodation in El Raval
BCN Home Guest House
Distance toMetro: 0,2 km to Liceu Metro Station
Although there are certainly cheaper hostels in this area, we can not recommend them 100%. That’s why our choice fell on this 1-star pension. It offers a terrace for its guests. In addition, each room comes with air conditioning, flat-screen TV and heating.
Check Prices and availability of BCN Home Guest House
The best mid-range accommodation in El Raval
Acta BCN 40
Distance to Metro: 0,4 km to Universitat Metro Station
This 2-star hotel is very centrally located. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, private bathroom, flat-screen TV, heating, safe and telephone.
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The best luxury accommodation in El Raval
Atlantis by Atbcn
Distance to Metro: 0,2 km to Universitat Metro Station.
This 3-star hotel offers a lounge area to relax in. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, a private bathroom with a bathtub, a flat-screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities, a minibar, a telephone, heating, a closet and an electric kettle.
Check Prices and availability of Atlantis by Atbcn
