Barcelona consists of 10 different districts, known as ‘districtes’. Each district is subdivided into several neighborhoods or areas (‘barris’) and has its unique history and character, ranging from authentic working-class neighborhoods to the most upscale areas. There are a total of 73 different neighborhoods in Barcelona. Besides the well-known Gothic Quarter, El Born, or La Barceloneta, there’s much more to see in Barcelona! Below you’ll find an overview of all the neighborhoods in Barcelona, with their corresponding districts, main attractions, and metro stations.
Tip: Most of the famous landmarks are located in the old center and the modernist Eixample. This is why it is recommended to book a hotel in the center of Barcelona near Plaça de Catalunya or near Passeig de Gràcia. From these locations, you can easily explore Barcelona further, on foot or by metro, Hop-on Hop-off bus, or one of the many other transportation options.
My Favorite Neighborhoods in Barcelona
My favorite neighborhood in Barcelona is of course the place where I grew up: Horta. But I find other places in the city just as beautiful: each neighborhood has its charm. Walking through the old streets of Barcelona in the Gothic Quarter or El Born is always a pleasure. And in El Raval, you really notice how multicultural this city is.
For a good dose of inspiration and the coolest shops, I always go to Gràcia. In l’Eixample, I especially enjoy all the modernist buildings. And when I’m looking for the chicest addresses, I visit Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, the so-called ‘zona alta’.
Also important is the beach, but since La Barceloneta has become very touristy, I prefer to lie on the beach at Poblenou, where it is much quieter.
All the Neighborhoods and Districts in Barcelona
Barcelona is nestled between the Collserola hills and the Mediterranean Sea, and the rivers Besòs and Llobregat. The old city center is on the sea side, while the rest of the city grew over time on what was known as the “pla de Barcelona” (the plain of Barcelona). The old villages that were near Barcelona were eventually absorbed and are now part of the city of Barcelona. A map of the different neighborhoods in Barcelona can be found under the page.
The majority of tourists who come to Barcelona visit the neighborhoods in Ciutat Vella (due to the old city center) and Eixample (to see the modernist buildings and the Sagrada Família), and to a lesser extent Gràcia (for Park Güell), Sants-Montjuïc (for Montjuïc), Les Corts (to see FC Barcelona’s stadium) and Sant Martí (for the beach and the trendy Poblenou).
Generally, the suburbs of Barcelona are less visited by tourists, but that does not mean there is nothing to see and do. On the contrary, in places like Sant Andreu, Horta-Guinardó, and Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, you experience the real Barcelona feeling and are often the only tourist.
Therefore, take the time to get to know the lesser-known neighborhoods of Barcelona and its hidden gems! An overview of the most interesting and fun attractions by district can be found below.
1. Ciutat Vella
The old city center. The inner city of Barcelona is located in Ciutat Vella. The neighborhoods in Ciutat Vella are La Barceloneta, El Barri Gòtic, El Raval, Sant Pere, and Santa Caterina i La Ribera.
El Gòtic (the Gothic Quarter) contains the oldest buildings in Barcelona and many Roman ruins and Medieval buildings.
El Born is the part where the city grew during the Middle Ages and is now one of the most beloved neighborhoods in Barcelona, full of authentic boutiques, art galleries, and nice restaurants.
El Raval, the old Barrio Chino, grew outside the city walls in the times of the industrial revolution. The neighborhood is now a beautiful mix of cultures and has managed to change its bad image of being Barcelona’s red-light district to one of the most interesting and diverse neighborhoods.
The part of Ciutat Vella that lies on the beach is called La Barceloneta and was built in the 18th century to provide housing for the neighborhood residents of La Ribera, who were forced to move due to the construction of the citadel of Barcelona. La Barceloneta then became the fishing district of Barcelona and is now very popular due to its sandy beach and many nice restaurants and clubs by the sea.
Ciutat Vella is especially known for its narrow streets, old churches, and intimate squares. It was a very densely populated area and this made it necessary to expand the city outside the walls. After a long period of neglect, especially in the area of El Raval, Ciutat Vella is now completely refurbished and very popular with tourists and expats.
👉 Read more about Ciutat Vella.
2. L’Eixample
The grid district. The L’Eixample consists of the following neighborhoods: L’antiga Esquerra De L’eixample, La Nova Esquerra De L’eixample, Dreta De L’eixample, El Fort Pienc, Sagrada Família, and Sant Antoni.
Born from the Cerdà project in the 19th century to expand Barcelona, L’Eixample is a systematically designed district where streets are organized into uniform, octagonal blocks, only crossed by a long, diagonal avenue, the Avinguda Diagonal.
Countless buildings with apartments and office space can be found here. But also architectural gems of the previous century in Modernisme style, such as the buildings of Gaudí (including the Sagrada Família).
L’Eixample is divided into two parts by the chic Passeig de Gràcia, Eixample Dreta (right, towards the river Besòs) and Eixample Esquerra (left, towards the river Llobregat).
L’Eixample has now grown into a neighborhood for the upper middle class, very suitable for families but also for singles and students, full of nice restaurants and shops and equipped with all conveniences.
The part of the neighborhood known as Sant Antoni is now seen as the hippest place in Barcelona.
3. Gràcia
Bohemian neighborhood. Consisting of the neighborhoods La Vila De Gràcia, Camp D’en Grassot i Gràcia Nova, La Salut, El Coll, and Vallcarca i Els Penitents.
Gràcia is a very pleasant neighborhood where you can still get an idea of what a Catalan village looked like in the last century. Due to the growth of Barcelona as a city, the old village Vila de Gràcia was added to Barcelona.
Today, Gràcia is a very trendy neighborhood, with a love for art and all things alternative. Despite the family atmosphere, many students, young people, and expats live here. Sitting on a terrace in one of Gràcia’s many squares is relaxed and enjoyable. Because Gràcia is a very popular neighborhood, house prices here are higher than average.
4. Sants-Montjuïc
Olympic mountain. Neighborhoods in Sants-Montjuïc: El Poble-sec, Hostafrancs, La Bordeta, La Font de la Guatlla, La Marina de Port, La Marina del Prat Vermell, Sants, and Sants-Badal.
Sants was (as in the case of Gràcia) an independent village until the city grew and Sants was added to Barcelona. The village feel is still alive in the neighborhood and can be seen, among other things, in the busy shopping street Carrer de Sants.
On the mountain of Montjuïc, where the 1992 Olympic Games took place, there are numerous interesting buildings and things to do: from sports to cultural outings.
At the famous Font Màgica, a show with water, light, and music is given every weekend. And at the buildings of the Fira de Barcelona, many fairs are organized.
The industrial area Zona Franca is also in this neighborhood and is well visible from the Castle of Montjuïc.
The area between Avinguda de Paral.lel and Montjuïc, formerly a fairly industrial area, is known as Poble Sec and is rising in popularity due to its many restaurants and cozy terraces and places. If you’re young and looking for something new and alternative, you’re in the right place here!
👉 Read more about Sants-Montjuïc.
5. Sant Martí
Industrial Heritage. Sant Martí includes the following neighborhoods: El Besòs i El Maresme, El Clot, El Camp De L’arpa Del Clot, Diagonal Mar-Front Marítim Del Poblenou, El Parc i La Llacuna Del Poblenou, El Poblenou, Provençals Del Poblenou, Sant Martí De Provençals, La Verneda i La Pau, and La Vila Olímpica Del Poblenou.
Originally, Sant Martí was the prime industrial area of Barcelona. Nowadays, many factories have disappeared or been transformed into new and trendy buildings, creating a fun mix of traditional and modern.
During the Olympic Games, work was done on Barcelona’s beach. For example, the two high towers of Mapfre were erected in Port Olímpic.
A whole new part of the city was built or rebuilt in recent years between Glòries and the Besòs river. This is due to the 22@ Plan. Among others, we now have the Fòrum, the Torre Glòries, and the new Diagonal Mar shopping center here.
Sant Martí was originally inhabited by workers and poor people, but due to new construction and the proximity of the beach, the value of houses here has risen.
However, it remains a strange mix of old industrial buildings with brand-new office buildings. Certain areas are less developed, and I would not recommend going there (such as in the Barri de la Mina, where there is a lot of poverty and it is less safe). On the other hand, the area of Poblenou is now brimming with life and rising enormously in popularity among locals.
6. Sarrià-Sant Gervasi
Affluent Neighborhood. Neighborhoods in Sarrià-Sant Gervasi: El Putget i Farró | Sarrià, Sant Gervasi-La Bonanova, Sant Gervasi-Galvany, Les Tres Torres, Vallvidrera, El Tibidabo i Les Planes.
The crème de la crème of Barcelona lives in Sarrià-Sant Gervasi. This neighborhood, located just outside the city, was chosen by wealthy families in the last century as a place to live. On the edge of the mountains, they built the chic, residential part of Barcelona, with many green areas and parks.
The villas and luxury apartment complexes in La Bonanova are self-explanatory. Only in the area of the old village of Sarrià, around Carrer Major de Sarrià, you can still see what Sarrià was like as an independent village, with many charming shops and buildings still in their old and original state, adding a charming atmosphere to the neighborhood.
As mentioned, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi is home to many wealthy Barcelonans, people with higher social status and thick wallets: the price per square meter here is the highest in the city. This area is also where most private schools, private universities, private gyms, and private hospitals are found.
👉 Read more about Sarrià-Sant Gervasi.
7. Les Corts
Football Mecca. Neighborhoods in Les Corts: Les Corts, La Maternitat i Sant Ramon, and Pedralbes.
Les Corts is a business district characterized by many apartment complexes and high buildings inhabited by middle and upper-class families.
In Les Corts, you’ll find the Mecca of football: the FC Barcelona stadium. Furthermore, Les Corts is a nice and tidy neighborhood for families with many city parks like Parc de Pedralbes and Parc de Cervantes, and two shopping centers, L’Illa Diagonal and Pedralbes Centre.
Les Corts also hosts most faculties of the University of Barcelona. Les Corts has an old village feel around Plaça de la Concòrdia.
The area of Pedralbes stands out from the rest with its luxurious residential appearance: here live the wealthiest Barcelonans, in the most exclusive villas enclosed by fences and large gardens. An example of such a villa is the Palau Reial de Pedralbes.
8. Horta-Guinardó
Green Hills. Neighborhoods in Horta-Guinardó: El Baix Guinardó, El Guinardó, Can Baró, El Carmel, La Font D’en Fargues, Horta, La Clota, Montbau, Sant Genís Dels Agudells, La Teixonera, La Vall D’hebron.
Horta is a very quiet and cozy neighborhood that was originally an independent village. The neighborhood where I grew up and where my family still lives.
The wealthy families of Barcelona used to have their summer houses in Horta and La Font d’en Fargues, which is still evident in some villas.
Especially the northern part of Horta is very quiet and nice to see (from Plaça Eivissa along Carrer d’Horta and Carrer Campoamor to Passeig Universal): only cute old houses and locals living here.
The area of Guinardó is characterized by its mountainous environment and beautiful viewpoints.
Although the neighborhood is mainly inhabited by middle-class families, you also occasionally encounter wealthy people who seek the peace and quality residential houses and lifestyle of Horta. This area offers the quiet and peaceful green space that is missing in the center (moreover, Horta is a lot cheaper than Sarrià-Sant Gervasi).
On the other hand, parts of the neighborhood such as El Carmel, which originated from barracks and other humble dwellings, are less chic but still retain the charm of a working-class neighborhood.
👉 Read more about Horta-Guinardó.
9. Nou Barris
Working-Class Neighborhood. Neighborhoods in Nou Barris: Can Peguera, Canyelles, Ciutat Meridiana, La Guineueta, Porta, Prosperitat, Les Roquetes, Torre Baró, La Trinitat Nova, El Turó De La Peira, Vallbona, Verdum, and Vilapicina i La Torre Llobeta.
Nou Barris grew thanks to the many migrants who moved from other Spanish regions to Barcelona in search of work in the 1960s and 1970s. It is a real working-class neighborhood that still attracts many migrants. You won’t find many major attractions or tourists here. In some neighborhoods (such as Les Roquetes, Torre Baró, and Trinitat Nova), there is still a lot of poverty; hence, it may be less safe for tourists.
10. Sant Andreu
Authentic Working-Class Neighborhood. Neighborhoods in Sant Andreu: Baró De Viver, Bon Pastor, El Congrés i Els Indians, Navas, Sant Andreu De Palomar, La Sagrera, and Trinitat Vella.
Sant Andreu was an independent village until it was added to Barcelona. The old village can still be seen in the narrow streets and small houses in the old part, around Sant Andreu de Palomar, Plaça d’Orfila, and Plaça del Mercadal.
Additionally, a lot was built to accommodate new residents in the 1960s and 70s. This area used to have many factories, such as the Fàbrica Fabra i Coats and the Fàbrica de la Pegaso, which attracted many migrants.
Sant Andreu is now mainly inhabited by middle-class families mixed with new migrants. The areas of Trinitat Vella and Bon Pastor, due to the poverty prevalent there, are less recommended.
👉 Read more about Sant Andreu.
Did You Know?
The current division and naming of neighborhoods in Barcelona date back to 1984. The neighborhood with the most residents is Eixample (with over 266,000 inhabitants), while Sants-Montjuïc has the largest area (more than 2,290 hectares). The most expensive neighborhood to live in is Sarrià-Sant Gervasi (with an average price per square meter of €5,323), while the cheapest houses can be found in Nou Barris (with an average price per square meter of €2,458).
Map of Barcelona
Barcelona is a reasonably large city, but most attractions are not far from each other, making it easy to explore a lot on foot. If you are here for the first time and are not familiar with the area, it is handy to always have a city map handy. Thanks to new technologies, it is also possible to navigate with your mobile phone and applications like Google Maps. If you prefer traveling with a paper map, that’s also an option.
Districts of Barcelona Map
Below you will find a map with the different districts of Barcelona, called ‘districtes‘.
Neighborhoods of Barcelona Map
Below you will find a map with the different neighborhoods of Barcelona, called ‘barris‘.
Tip: If you already know the famous neighborhoods of Barcelona, you can certainly try to explore the less-known areas of the city. Especially the outskirts are a big unknown for most people, while that is where the life of the locals takes place.
