As a Barcelonian, I often get asked where to stay — and just as importantly, where not to stay. With thousands of hotels, hostels, B&Bs, and apartments to choose from, it can be overwhelming to find the right spot for your trip. Which neighborhoods are ideal for soaking up the local vibe? Which areas are better avoided? And how do you get the best value for your money?
On this page, I share my personal tips and recommendations — not just on the best places to stay in Barcelona, but also on the areas I usually advise against, based on local knowledge. Whether you’re looking for charm, comfort, or convenience, you’ll find everything you need here to book the perfect stay.
Best Places to Stay in Barcelona
Some of the nicest neighborhoods in Barcelona to stay in are Barri Gòtic and El Born, both located in the old city center. Another beautiful and practical place to stay is l’Eixample. If you’re coming to Barcelona in the summer, you might prefer a hotel by the beach, such as La Barceloneta.
Option 1: The Old City Center
Most tourists stay in the old center of Barcelona, the so-called Ciutat Vella. In the neighborhoods of Barri Gòtic, El Born, or El Raval, you are very central, within walking distance of most sights (think of the Ramblas, the Cathedral, and the historic Gothic quarter), and well connected by public transport to the rest of the city.
As fun and practical as it may be, staying in the old city center also has its downsides: the area is flooded daily by tourists, has some less pleasant areas (especially in El Raval), and its narrow streets can be a bit intimidating at night. Most streets are also pedestrian areas, making it very difficult to get here by car.
Of all the neighborhoods in the old center, I find El Born the most beautiful and fun area to stay: you are here among the old warehouses and medieval palaces, a stone’s throw from the Ramblas and Parc de la Ciutadella, with numerous hidden streets with the coolest bars and cafes, excellent restaurants for dining out, and trendy shops and boutiques for endless shopping. All in a very beautiful, lively, and inspiring environment.
Tip: If you want to stay in the center, I advise asking for a room at the back of your lodging address for a good night’s sleep.
Option 2: The Modernist Eixample
The Eixample, literally translated as “expansion,” was the block district that broke with Barcelona’s medieval past and began to build outside the city walls.
Compared to the old city center, it is a very ‘new’ neighborhood, orderly and yet very central: in my opinion, the ideal base for a city trip. Here you are a bit more among the locals and experience the daily life of the city dwellers.
The Eixample is also an open-air museum in itself: it has the most modernist buildings per square meter (including the world-famous Sagrada Família!) and also has numerous nice shops and eateries.
Because of its central location and good connection to public transport, you can easily explore all of Barcelona from l’Eixample.
The area known as Gayxample is particularly popular with the gay community and has some hotels that cater to this demographic, such as Axel Hotel.
Option 3: The Beach and Harbor Area
Staying near the beach in Barcelona is the perfect combination of a beach holiday and a city trip. Especially in the summer months, this area is ideal if you’re looking to soak up the sun, enjoy the beach vibes, and still be within walking distance of the historic city center.
La Barceloneta, the city’s old fishing quarter, offers a lively local atmosphere and direct access to the most famous beach in Barcelona. It’s also just a short stroll from the Gothic Quarter and El Born, making it incredibly convenient for sightseeing.
If you’re arriving or departing by cruise ship, staying near the harbor — especially around Port Vell or the World Trade Center area — can be very practical. These spots are well-connected and give you a smooth transition from sea to city.
Option 4: The Folkish Gràcia
If you want to be among the locals in one of the nicest and most inspiring neighborhoods of Barcelona, you should book a hotel or apartment in Gràcia.
Especially the area of Vila de Gràcia, the old village center of Gràcia, is very worthwhile.
Here you will find numerous cozy squares with terraces to have a drink, car-free streets where children can play, small-scale boutiques of local designers, and many places to eat out. In this Bohemian neighborhood, you will also find the famous Park Güell.
Option 5: Upcoming Poble Sec
On the edge of Montjuïc lies the neighborhood of Poble Sec, an area of Barcelona that is on the rise, partly because of its favorable location to the old city center and the lower prices (which are now becoming increasingly higher).
On the so-called ‘pintxos street’ of Barcelona (Carrer Blai), you can still eat for very little money and end your evening festively at one of the many theater and concert halls on Avinguda Paral.lel.
Foodies can also indulge themselves at one of the many trendy eateries at the intersection of Avinguda Paral.lel with Carrer del Parlament.
If you plan to hike or run during your visit to Barcelona, this is the place to be, as Montjuïc, with its fantastic walking paths, parks, and viewpoints, is just around the corner.
10 Lovely Hotels in Barcelona
- Hotel Pulitzer
- Hotel Casa Bonay
- The Hoxton
- Hotel Regina
- Yurbban Passage
- Seventy Barcelona
- Gallery Hotel 4 Sup
- Chic & Basic Habana Hoose
- Praktik Bakery
- Andante Hotel
Places I Usually Don’t Suggest for Visitors
While Barcelona has many great neighborhoods for visitors, there are a few areas I generally don’t recommend for first-time travelers or for those looking for a more relaxed experience. These areas may be less convenient, feel less safe at night, or simply not offer the charm and comfort most visitors are hoping for.
1. El Raval
El Raval is a neighborhood full of character, creativity, and great food — but some parts, especially closer to the lower end near Las Ramblas, can feel a bit rough, especially at night. While it’s not necessarily dangerous, it can feel less comfortable for some travelers, particularly those unfamiliar with the city. If you do stay here, I recommend choosing accommodation near MACBA or Sant Antoni, which are more lively and safer.
2. El Poblenou and El Fòrum
While this modern seaside neighborhood is appreciated for its proximity to the beach and its vibrant, up-and-coming vibe, it can feel a bit removed from the heart of the city. The area also tends to attract a lot of business travelers, which can make it feel less authentic or appealing for those looking to experience the real Barcelona.
3. Zona Franca & Industrial Zones
These are more industrial or business areas on the outskirts of the city, with little to offer in terms of sightseeing or local atmosphere. While hotel prices might be lower here, you’ll likely spend more time and money commuting into the city center.
4. La Mina & Some Outlying Suburbs
Neighborhoods like La Mina (in Sant Adrià del Besòs) or other far-flung suburbs aren’t recommended for tourists. They’re residential and lack tourist infrastructure — plus they’re further from main attractions, which can make your stay less convenient.
In general, I always recommend choosing a neighborhood with good metro access and a lively, walkable environment. Areas like Eixample, Gràcia, El Born, and Poble Sec offer a great mix of local charm, safety, and convenience.
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