Planning a trip to Barcelona? Wondering which neighbourhood you should stay in while you’re there? Overwhelmed by the options? We’ve put together a simple breakdown of the main districts, to help you easily decide where to stay in Barcelona.
Streets of Bari Gotic by Alejandra Palés CCFlickr
Where to stay in Barcelona – Barri Gòtic
Crowded but convenient
Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter is a district within the old town, dating back to Roman times. It’s the perfect place to stay if you appreciate ancient architecture (the 2,000 year old foundations can still be seen in parts of the district) and want to be in the throbbing heart of the city. Staying in the Barri Gòtic will be convenient. If you can sacrifice peace and quiet for the ease of having many of the city’s most popular attractions within just a few steps of your door, this is the place for you.
Where to stay in Barcelona – Ciutat Vella
Historical, with close proximity to the main sights
The Ciutat Vella area of Barcelona spans the five main historical districts of the city – Barceloneta, El Born, La Ribera, Raval, and the Barri Gòtic. Staying within the area means you’ll be close to most of the main attractions, including Las Ramblas, Barcelona Cathedral and the Picasso Museum. Though it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be overrun with tourists, as there are several smaller and quieter districts situated within the area. If you want to be away from the hustle and bustle but close enough to make travelling to the sites, Ciutat Vella could be the perfect option.
Where to stay in Barcelona – Sants – Montjuïc
Community feel and great links to mainland Spain
A little bit further from the city’s centre you’ll find the adjoining districts of Sants – Montjuïc. This is where the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, Catalonia’s National Art museum and Montjuïc Castle can be found. The area is also situated just a short distance from Barcelona’s famous Camp Nou Stadium. Sants – Montjuïc is only a 10 minute metro ride from the city’s centre but the vibe is very different. From Sants you can catch regional trains out to the rest of the country, so the area is also popular with business commuters, giving it a real community feel.
Where to stay in Barcelona – Eixample
Modern and simple
Eixample is one of the newest parts of the city. A genius piece of urban planning the district is a uniform grid-network of building blocks, given character and charm by wide tree-lined avenues. The aerial view of Eixample is one of the most iconic views of Barcelona. Though centrally located and close to many of the main attractions such as the Sagrada Familia, Placa de Catalunya and Casa Mila, Eixample is still a relatively quiet location for visitors and can makes for a great place to stay – especially if you’re not so great at navigating winding streets.
Where to stay in Barcelona – Gràcia
Tranquil and charming
If you’re looking for somewhere tranquil, beautiful and full of great restaurants, Gràcia is the place for you. The district actually has the highest concentration of international restaurants in Barcelona. Gràcia was originally its own town separate from the city so it has a unique atmosphere and lots of charm. Visitors are drawn here for the village feel, but its still pretty close to the city centre. You will also find popular attractions such as Park Güell and Casa Vicens close by.
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