Where to Stay in Barcelona: Top Neighborhoods and Hotels

Wondering where to stay in Barcelona? You have an abundance of beautiful choices!
This captivating city is our favorite to explore in Europe, and we especially enjoy its vibrant culture. We’re not alone in this; travelers from all over the world visit Barcelona year-round to experience its stunning beaches, lively food scene, and exciting nightlife.

Barcelona is situated in the Catalonia region of northeastern Spain. The independence flags adorning balconies remind us that its inhabitants proudly identify as Catalans, rather than merely Spaniards. The local Catalan community takes immense pride in their city, heritage, and of course, their football team, FC Barcelona! This spirited independence enhances the city’s unique personality.

However, deciding where to stay in Barcelona can be a daunting task, as the city is expansive and divided into distinct neighborhoods, each with its unique vibe and community. So, how do you determine the best neighborhoods for your stay? That’s where we come in!

This article is brought to you by Ashley and Alex of the blog In Pursuit of Adventure. Although I have visited Barcelona several times, I’m no expert—hence why I engaged two local experts to put together this detailed guide on Barcelona accommodations. They’ve done a fantastic job, and I hope this helps you find the ideal neighborhood for your stay.

For the record—my personal favorite neighborhood in Barcelona is Gràcia!

We know each of these neighborhoods in Barcelona as intimately as we know the stamps in our passports. Here are our top picks to make your trip unforgettable.

Remember, regardless of where you decide to stay in Barcelona, make sure to venture out and experience the unique flavors of each neighborhood, from the trendy yet touristy El Born to the eclectic and vibrant El Raval.

Also, every traveler’s preferences differ—the best neighborhood for one person may not work for another! After all, Barcelona truly has something for everyone.

This post was last updated in April 2023.

Top Neighborhoods for Your Barcelona Stay

What are the best neighborhoods to stay in Barcelona? Ultimately, it hinges on your travel style. Some visitors prefer beachfront accommodation, others want proximity to Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces, while some seek quieter, community-oriented neighborhoods. Here’s what we’ve gathered:

If you’re a beach lover, Barceloneta is the neighborhood to be, as it is right next to the city’s best shorelines.

Food enthusiasts will want to stay in Poble Sec, which is conveniently located near a plethora of top-notch restaurants.

Furthermore, most of these neighborhoods are easily accessible from Barcelona Airport.

El Born

We highly recommend El Born as the best neighborhood in Barcelona. It’s ideal for those who wish to immerse themselves in the heart of the old city, featuring fantastic artisan shops and trendy eateries. Although it can get a bit touristy, El Born remains one of the best places to stay.

Located near the city center, El Born offers easy access to many major attractions, making it perfect for first-time visitors. This neighborhood is great for exploring local boutiques offering unique products, from handmade pottery to custom leather items (which waitstaff at many trendy restaurants often wear) and art galleries. If you’re looking for souvenirs, this is one of the best areas in Barcelona to shop!

Don’t miss the Picasso Museum, which showcases the artist’s evolution from his early works to renowned masterpieces. If you can, visit on the first Sunday of the month when entry is free! Afterwards, enjoy a coffee or vermouth at one of the many inviting outdoor cafes and soak in the leisurely lifestyle of the area.

The lower part of El Born can be quite touristy, especially around the church of Santa Maria del Mar, which commands the area, and the bustling pedestrian zones filled with chic restaurants and cocktail bars that stay lively well into the night.

Conversely, the upper portion of El Born is quieter, featuring more residential buildings, local bars, and the iconic Mercat Santa Caterina, known for offering the best local menú del día (lunch special) at Bar Joan, acclaimed for its amazing value.

Where to Stay in El Born:

Barceloneta

Barceloneta is arguably the most proudly Catalan neighborhood in Barcelona, where you’re always just a five-minute stroll to the beach. Here, you’ll see the Catalan independence flag waving from nearly every balcony.

However, Barceloneta also exemplifies a strong pushback against tourism. Residents are dedicated to preserving the neighborhood’s authenticity and fervently oppose excessive commercialization.

This doesn’t mean you should shy away, though. Respectful tourists who appreciate the local culture are always welcomed. So, if you’re leaving the beach, please dress appropriately before entering shops or restaurants, and if you’re out late (which easily happens), keep your voices down out of respect for the locals who may be asleep. By doing this, you’ll be embraced in one of the top neighborhoods to visit in Barcelona.

Make an effort to support local businesses; for example, dine at family-owned spots like La Cova Fumada, home to the original la bomba (a fried potato ball stuffed with minced meat, topped with aioli and bravas sauce), first created during the Civil War. Or check out Vaso del Oro, a historic brewery that has been crafting its beer served in flautas (beer flutes) for over fifty years.

READ MORE: How to Protect Your Belongings on the Beach

Take a leisurely walk along the shoreline and observe the locals enjoying their daily routine—walking, rollerblading, biking, or basking in the Mediterranean sun. If you treat Barceloneta with respect, the neighborhood will treat you well in return.

Where to Stay in Barceloneta:

El Raval

El Raval is a neighborhood that has shed its notorious past filled with nightlife, cabaret entertainment, and crime, which is precisely why it deserves a visit. This area embraces its colorful history while looking towards a brighter, modern future. Centrally located near the port in the historic district of Barcelona known as Ciutat Vella, El Raval today is charming rather than seedy.

Known for its vibrant diversity, it was referred to as Barri Xinès (Chinatown) by locals. You’ll find a mix of residents from various cultural backgrounds: Chinese, Pakistani, Filipino, South American, Eastern European, and Middle Eastern. Once overlooked as a place to stay in Barcelona, El Raval is now thriving.

This neighborhood tempts visitors with notable attractions such as Gaudí’s early work, Palau Güell, and the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA). You’ll often find local residents relaxing on the steps, enjoying a glass of wine while watching skateboarders perform tricks.

In recent times, El Raval has become a haven for rising foodies and cocktail enthusiasts. Enjoy classic establishments like Bar Marsella, a vintage absinthe bar echoing the times of Hemingway, alongside modern gastronomic spots such as Bar Cañete, which creatively incorporates traditional Catalan ingredients for contemporary dishes.

Where to Stay in El Raval:

Poble Sec

If you’re a food lover, Poble Sec is the best neighborhood in Barcelona for you, offering a peaceful atmosphere. This neighborhood is quiet during the day, but as dusk approaches, it springs to life with locals gathering at the cozy tapas bars along Carrer de Blai. It’s the perfect place to savor vermouth, enjoy cheap delectable eats, and immerse yourself in Catalan culture—all while having a grand time.

Although Poble Sec doesn’t feature prominent tourist attractions, it is conveniently served by a metro station, and it’s just a short hike to Montjuïc Castle and its beautiful gardens, where you can take a funicular ride down to the beach.

Don’t miss Quimet & Quimet, one of the city’s most celebrated tapas bars. Their focus is on high-quality conservas (canned goods) and montaditos (small open-faced sandwiches).

Join the locals at Quimet & Quimet, order some cava and a couple of montaditos, and don’t forget to toss your napkins on the floor like the locals do—that’s just how it’s done in Poble Sec! However, if you’re watching your diet, you may want to tread carefully here.

Where to Stay in Poble Sec:

Gràcia

Gràcia is the neighborhood for those seeking a charming, small-town atmosphere amidst the city hustle. Once a village in its own right, Gràcia now forms part of Barcelona, but its residents still proudly retain their unique identity and culture, which becomes immediately evident when you step off the metro.

We personally love Gràcia for its lesser-known charm among tourists, making it a perfect spot for experiencing authentic Catalan cuisine. Restaurants like Cal Boter offer traditional delights such as snails and pig trotters, whereas Bar Bodega Quimet showcases lively local tapas in a cozy setting. Don’t miss out on La Festival, a modern wine shop focusing on organic and biodynamic wines.

In the late afternoon, head to Plaça del Sol, the neighborhood’s main square, where locals gather to socialize, people-watch, and embrace daily life—grab a beer and join in!

Gràcia encapsulates the spirit of Barcelona—individuality and independence amidst external influences. It has a peaceful, quaint atmosphere with traditional shops, yet also makes room for modern developments. We highly recommend Gràcia, especially if you prefer a local vibe and are returning to Barcelona after earlier visits, as it’s located slightly outside the old city.

Furthermore, Gràcia is conveniently situated right under Gaudí’s famous Parc Güell and is near lesser-known Gaudí architectural works and the historic Tibidabo amusement park, which has been operating since the early 1900s.

Where to Stay in Gràcia:

Sant Antoni

Sant Antoni is the embodiment of the hipster vibe in Barcelona! This neighborhood has quickly transformed into a modern area with various trendy establishments like Café Cometa and La Donutería (yes, you can even find gourmet donuts here!). Residents often gather around Carrer del Parlament, a street filled with chic restaurants, bodegas, and bars.

Although Sant Antoni has introduced multiple hip venues, it retains its historic charm; you can still enjoy traditional dining at beloved spots like La Bodega d’en Rafel. Additionally, the heart of the neighborhood, Mercat Sant Antoni, is undergoing renovations—it’s been a staple since 1882.

While Sant Antoni is primarily residential, it makes for a great place to live like a local, though first-time visitors might find it less convenient due to the absence of major tourist attractions and limited hotel options.

However, with the surge of new restaurants and nightlife options, we can expect more growth in the future, making Sant Antoni a chic choice in Barcelona!

Where to Stay in Sant Antoni:

Top Hotels in Barcelona

Barcelona offers an array of excellent accommodation options, but here are three that we particularly love. We will recommend our favorite luxury hotel, a great mid-range stay, and a preferred hostel.

For luxury, we recommend the W Barcelona, which stands out as one of the best five-star hotels in the city. It’s unique and iconic with its beachfront location that embodies the ultimate Barcelona experience!

For a mid-range option, we suggest Barceló Raval, located in the El Raval district. We appreciate this hotel for its value, along with the fantastic 360-degree views from the rooftop bar. It’s also ideally situated for those eager to enjoy Barcelona’s vibrant nightlife.

Finally, Generator Barcelona is our top choice for hostels. This chic hostel differentiates itself with an upscale design that feels more like a boutique hotel. It’s a wonderful spot for meeting new people at the bar or in the lounge.

Read on for more details about our favorite accommodations!

Best Luxury Hotel in Barcelona: W Barcelona

The W Barcelona hotel is an icon—an ultimate luxury destination in the city.
This five-star property is situated on the beach in Barceloneta, across from the famous Desigual headquarters. With its stunning glass sail-shaped exterior, it beautifully reflects the city and the ocean.

The rooftop pool, perched on the 26th floor, features a bar offering breathtaking views of the city and the Mediterranean. During the summer, the W hosts a series of vibrant parties featuring local and international DJs, making it the go-to accommodation in Barcelona for trendsetters.

Check out the latest rates on the W Barcelona here.