Barcelona, the enchanting, magical capital of Catalonia, drew in nearly 12 million visitors in 2024, and for good reason. Here, on Spain’s northeastern Balearic coast, people are drawn to the delectable food scene, the lively nightlife, and the art that is a pulsing vein through the city.
It is a diverse city, Barcelona, and there’s a place for everyone. Students, financiers, backpackers and more flock here to live and visit and work. That it’s such a large city—though fairly well organized, thanks to the radical ingenuity of city planner Ildefons Cerdà—means there’s a wide range of options in terms of accommodation. There are ten districts, each divided into multiple barrios, or neighborhoods, each with its own unique charms.
But that size and diversity means that often, first time visitors aren’t sure where to stay in Barcelona. If you’ve never had to think about the topic before, it can be a lot to wade through. Enter our bite-size, digestible guide that will help you answer the question, “Where should I stay in Barcelona?”
Pro Tip: Like any large city that draws in a lot of tourists, Barcelona has its fair share of pickpockets and bag-snatchers in every neighborhood. Among our best travel tips is for you to stay alert and keep your belongings close, no matter where you are. Consider putting your phone on a lanyard or neck leash.
Best Areas to Stay in Barca for Visitors
These neighborhoods are where most of the action is happening in Barcelona
1. L’Eixample
Though best known as home to the world-renowned Passeig de Gracià shopping and business district, the truth is that the entire district of Eixample is a shopaholic’s paradise. Roaming through the tidy street grid rewards visitors with plenty of retail treasure, from exquisite little boutiques to major designer shops. Instagram addicts, too, love L’Eixample, as this is where some of Barcelona’s most photogenic sights are, such as the majestic but incomplete Sagrada Familia Cathedral designed by Antoni Gaudí, the also Gaudí-designed primal fantasy that is Casa Batlló, and of course Plaça Catalunya, the beating heart of the city.
Unsurprisingly, there are a lot of upscale hotels here, but the savvy traveler will also find some wallet-friendly hostels and guest houses to suit their budgets.
Hotel Suggestions for L’Eixample
1. Catalonia Eixample 1864: Centrally located in Eixample, the 19th-century Eixample 1864 is beautiful inside and out. And for what it offers–elegant rooms, a rooftop pool, a lovely on-site restaurant, not to mention the superb location–it’s excellent value for the money.
Pricing: Can start at about €130 for a Double room
Amenities: Pool and sunbathing deck, restaurant, fitness room, breakfast available
Nearby: Passeig de Gràcia, La Pedrera, Casa Batlló
2. Hola Hostel Eixample: For the budget-conscious, the Hola Hostel comes very highly rated. It’s basic, but kept very clean and the staff gets rave reviews from travelers. Add to that low rates and a fantastic location close to transport, dining, and shopping, and you’ve got an unbeatable deal.
- Pricing: Can start at about €17 for a bunk in a shared dorm, or at €80 for a large private room
- Amenities: On-site bar, socializing rooms and activities, fitness facility
- Nearby: Plaça de Tetuan, Arc de Triomf, Sagrada Familia
2. Gothic Quarter
The marvelous little medieval neighborhood known as the Gothic Quarter or Barri Gòtic is a wonderful area for history buffs. This is the oldest section of Barcelona, where remnants of the Roman city wall and aqueducts still stand in all their ancient glory. Despite its mazelike street system, the Gothic Quarter is surprisingly easy to get around, being very pedestrian friendly and bordered by La Rambla to the west—follow that famous throughfare south to the waterfront or north to Plaça Catalunya, and from here, you can go anywhere.
There’s a surprising number of hotels nestled into this relatively small neighborhood, with something for every taste, whether you like historical significance, boutique jewelbox, or simple minimalism.
Hotel Suggestions for Gothic Quarter
1. Serras Barcelona: The boutique Serras is one of Barcelona’s top rated hotels, and for excellent reason. Just a stone’s throw from the waterfront, surrounded by great dining options and with the sights and sounds of the Quarter in easy walking distance, it makes a fairly ideal base camp. The bonus is that it’s also gorgeous, modern and comfortable; a lovely little oasis of tranquility after long days spent exploring Barcelona.
- Pricing: Can start at about €250 for a Superior room
- Amenities: Rooftop pool and bar, fine dining, fitness room
- Nearby: Plaça de l’Ictineo, Barceloneta Metro station, Moll de la Fusta
2. Hotel Catalonia Avinyó: Right in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, the Avinyó is small, but fully capable of meeting even the pickiest traveler’s needs. There’s a gym and a very pretty little pool on site, it’s pet friendly, the rooms are neat and stylish–it’s a super and more affordable option in the Barri Gòtic.
- Pricing: Can start at about €80 for a single room
- Amenities: Plunge pool, roof deck, restaurant, fitness room
- Nearby: La Rambla, Plaça Reial
3. Montjuïc
Those who love a gorgeous urban sprawl of historic buildings and lovely green space will adore Montjuïc. Here, you’ll find some of the city’s best and most stunning views. It’s not the highest point in the city—that honor belongs to Tibidabo, to the north—but it is culturally and historically significant, with sights like the 1992 Olympic Stadium, the whimsical Magic Fountain, and the 17th-century Castell de Montjuïc tucked within its winding paths. And of course, visitors should absolutely take a ride in the Montjuïc cable car to get a full look at the breathtaking expanse of Barcelona from the sky.
Hotels here mostly border the district rather than being in the heart of it, but there’s a good range of prices and comfort levels, and the proximity makes it so easy to get to Montjuïc itself.
Hotel Suggestions for Montjuïc
1. BCN Montjuïc: On the boundaries of Montjuïc, the BCN Montjuïc is an aparthotel, so guests get a full apartment with some hotel-style perks and service. With convenient public transportation nearby, Barcelona is easily accessible. The apartments themselves have kitchens, laundry facilities, and lots of space–a really great option for traveling families.
- Pricing: Can start at €88 for a double studio
- Amenities: Pool, gym, terrace, electric bicycle rental, breakfast available
- Nearby: National Museum of Catalan Art, Poble Espanol, The Magic Fountain
2. Hotel Brick: The no-frills Hotel Brick, just a few blocks from the Magic Fountain, offers small but clean rooms with private baths at some of the more reasonable rates in the area. It’s basic but well-located; if simplicity works for you, the Brick is the perfect pick.
- Pricing: Can start at about €95 for a Mini room
- Amenities: Hotel Wi-Fi, breakfast available
- Nearby: The Magic Fountain, Plaça d’Espanya
Family Friendly Neighbourhoods in Barcelona, Spain
Pockets of quiet and kid-friendly activity options make these areas great for families
4. El Born
Charming is the word of the day for the pocket-sized district of El Born. It’s as pretty and pedestrian friendly as the Gothic Quarter, just on a smaller scale. A bit of a hipster haven with plenty of cool little bistros and tapas joints, it’s nonetheless also a great place for families thanks to the calmer atmosphere and the proximity to some of Europe’s best museums (you’ll score brownie points with the kiddies at the Chocolate Museum!). Plus there’s easy access to the beach in neighboring Barceloneta! For such a small area, El Born is surprisingly well-equipped and located, one of the best neighborhoods to stay in while in Barcelona.
Hotel-wise, this is a good place to find apartment-style lodging that gives you all more room to lounge around.
Hotel Suggestions for El Born
1. Hotel Colonial Barcelona: On the edge of El Born and the Gothic Quarter, you’ll find the Hotel Colonial, a gorgeous old property with every modern comfort you could need. Guests particularly rave about the ideal location and incredible staffing here.
- Pricing: Can start at about €134 for a Double/Twin room
- Amenities: Luggage storage, bar, breakfast available
- Nearby: Catedral de Barcelona, Casa Padellà Barcelona History Museum, Gothic Quarter
2. Inside Barcelona Apartments: Practically on top of the massive Parc de la Ciutadella, the Inside Barcelona is perfectly located and well-equipped for families. The apartments are all very polished and modern, with lovely big windows letting in lots of light, chic furnishings, and gleaming up-to-date kitchens.
- Pricing: Can start at about €200 per night for a duplex apartment
- Amenities: Apartments have kitchens, access to bicycle parking, air conditioning
- Nearby: Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelona Zoo, Museum of Catalan History
5. Gràcia
Bohemian, easily walkable Gràcia is another quieter section of Barcelona—surprising when you consider how large and central it is. After all, this is where you’ll find Parc Güell and the Gaudí museum, and the district borders bustling L’Eixample as well.
But for all that, the tree-lined streets and Gràcia’s location slightly removed from the center of the city do go a long way towards making it more of an oasis of calm than you’d expect. But don’t worry, despite Gràcia being a little north in the city, public transport is readily accessible and will get you where you need to go in good time. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the atmosphere with your family when you need it, and get out and about when you don’t.
Gràcia’s size as a district means there’s lots of choice here in terms of hotels, whether you want a simple room, a bigger apartment, or you’re cool with staying in a hostel.
Hotel Suggestions for Gràcia
1. Hotel Royal Passeig de Gràcia: The chic Hotel Royal is an icon of Barcelona, with styling that evokes the Mod 60’s while still being up to date. It’s also brilliantly located, being half a block away from Gaudí’s La Pedrera house, two and a half blocks from his Casa Batlló, and of course, it’s situated directly on the Passeig de Gràcia.
- Pricing: Can start at about €189 per night for a Comfort room
- Amenities: Fine dining, rooftop bar, fitness area, breakfast available
- Nearby: La Pedrera, Casa Batlló, Passeig de Gràcia
2. Casa Gràcia: Backpackers on a budget love the cool atmosphere and prime location of the Casa Gràcia hostel. The building is older, but the owners keep things in good working order with frequent renovations. Rooms are small but very clean, the hotel’s restaurant is charming, and free yoga is offered every weekday morning.
- Pricing: Can start at about €55 per night for a bed in a shared room
- Amenities: Free yoga, restaurant, themed socializing rooms
- Nearby: Diagonal Metro station, Passeig de Gràcia
Accommodations for Adults Near Balearic Beaches
Get your beach bum on in these sun-soaked areas
6. Barceloneta
In a city renowned for being home to some of Spain’s best beaches, there’s one that stands out as the best, and that’s Barceloneta. It’s very close to both Montjuïc and the Gothic Quarter, so staying here will put you basically on top of the beach and still give you good access to areas of interest. Barceloneta also boasts some great beachside dining with some top-tier people watching thanks to its popularity, so it’s all in all a fun neighborhood for extroverted types who love their days in the sun.
There aren’t too many hotels actually in Barceloneta, but the ones that are here really cannot be beat in terms of location, and most of them will have some rooms with absolutely unparalleled views.
Hotel Suggestions for Barceloneta
1. H10 Port Vell: A new hotel in a classic building, the H10 Port Vell is the best of both worlds in Barcelona. Guests can sunbathe and drink cocktails on the elegant rooftop patio while enjoying stunning views of Barcelona, or go out and find the city’s best restaurants and boutiques almost at their front door.
- Pricing: Can start at about €133 per night for an Essential room
- Amenities: Deck with bar and plunge pool, restaurant, fitness room
- Nearby: Barceloneta Metro, Museum of Catalan History, Parc de la Ciutadella
2. Hotel 54 Barceloneta: One of the few hotels actually in the Barceloneta neighborhood, the Hotel 54’s beachside location is just unbeatable. That it also offers a cool rooftop deck for socializing, a great breakfast, and bright, comfortable rooms is just the cherry on top of the cake.
- Pricing: Can start at about €146 per night for a standard room
- Amenities: Rooftop deck, bar, breakfast available
- Nearby: Museum of Catalan History, the Barcelona Aquarium, Barceloneta Beach
7. Bogatell and Nova Icària
When you want a Barcelona beach and a touch of peace and quiet, head up the coast to the neighboring areas of Bogatell and Nova Icària. These beaches tend to be less crowded and a fair amount cleaner than Barceloneta, and you don’t even have to go too far to get to them!
With volleyball courts, Ping-Pong tables, and even a football pitch there on the shore, beach sport lovers will have a the time of their lives. If chilling out and having a few drinks is more your thing, then escape to one of the little cafés or the xiringuitos beach bars for a spot of downtime. The seafood in this area is also highly recommended.
These are smaller beaches, so there’s not really room for beachside hotels, but the nearby La Plata and El Poblenou neighborhoods have a wide range of accommodations available within a stone’s throw of the beach.
Hotel Suggestions for Bogatell and Nova Icària
1. Occidental Atenea Mar: Strictly adults-only, the Atenea Mar enjoys an almost seaside location just a few minutes walk from Bogatell’s sporty end. Those who feel the need to have a child-free place to escape to at the end of the day will love it here, from the seaview pool to the three restaurants offering delicious Mediterranean fare. Rooms are modern and minimalist, very chic and with fantastic windows letting plenty of light.
- Pricing: Can start at about €97 per night for a superior room
- Amenities: Fitness room, restaurants, rooftop sunbathing deck
- Nearby: Mar Bella and Bogatell beaches
2. Hotel Arts Barcelona: A luxury beach escape, the Hotel Arts is one of the best places to stay in Barcelona, the ultimate indulgence for those seeking an upscale lodging experience. Rooms here are beautiful and plushly appointed, with stunning city and sea views. Guests can enjoy the onsite luxury spa, pool, garden and restaurant, take a leisurely stroll to the beach, or have a lively night of fun in the adjacent Casino Barcelona.
- Pricing: Can start at about €425 per night for a king room
- Amenities: On site spa, fine dining, gardens
- Nearby: Somarrostro and Nova Icària beaches, Parc de la Ciutadella, Casino Barcelona
Budget Friendly Hotels in Barcelona Without Breaking the Bank
Keep more Euros in your pocket when staying in these Barcelona neighborhoods
8. Sants
The largely residential area of Sants is a fantastic option for travelers who need to do Barcelona on a budget. It’s off the beaten path and not overly touristy, because there aren’t really any major attractions here. The main draw is mostly the nearby business district of Les Corts. That means that accommodations can cost less, but don’t worry about sacrificing location for saving money; Sants is also home to Barcelona’s main train station, plus there’s easy access to buses and subways. You can get anywhere you need in a matter of minutes.
There are some fairly large and decent hotels of the more modern persuasion in Sants, good for singles, couples, and families alike.
Hotel Suggestions for Sants
1. Barceló Sants: It doesn’t get more convenient than the Barceló Sants; this hotel is located right at the Sants train station, connecting guests to the rest of Barcelona within minutes. Rooms are updated, clean and comfortable; families with kids might find the space theme of the hotel amusing.
- Pricing: Can start around €82 per night for a double room
- Amenities: Gym facilities, restaurants, meeting rooms
- Nearby: Sants train station
2. Pestana Arena Barcelona: The Pestana Arena, a boutique hotel in Sants, gets rave reviews for being clean, well-equipped, and amazingly located. It’s very near to two main metro stations and there are plenty of options nearby for good food and fun recreational activities. The rooms are generous in size here and very up to date, with flat screen TVs and–important in a Barcelona summer–air conditioning.
- Pricing: Can start at about €112 for a standard twin
- Amenities: Sauna/Turkish bath, gym facilities, lobby bar
- Nearby: Plaça d’Espanya, Arenas de Barcelona shopping mall
9. El Poble-sec
Another mostly residential neighborhood, El Poble-sec is a fun and diverse area. There are plenty of hip little bars and bistros here, and a wide range of food is on offer at the restaurants. As it’s more or less on top of Montjuïc, it’s a bit of a hilly neighborhood, but it’s certainly pretty, and a good mix of history and modernity. It’s good for folks who like a working-class atmosphere with a little bit of lively trendiness mixed in. And somehow, it’s remained a bit undiscovered by the tourist crowd, but as with Sants, don’t fret, thinking you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere. There’s plenty of public transportation access to link you to the city center.
You’ll find some decent, basic hotels here, nothing too fancy, enough to suit your needs. Hostels, too, are available here for solo travelers who need to pinch their pennies; this is actually a great area to stay in if you’re a young adult.
Hotel Suggestions for El Poble-sec
1. Hotel Brummell: The Brummell is a pretty little boutique hotel–only 20 big, comfy rooms–with a superb location practically on top of Montjuïc. The staff here get absolute top notch marks from guests, giving local recommendations and lots of helpful advice, anything to make visitors feel at home. With a bus stop right outside the hotel, it’s easy to get anywhere else in Barcelona quickly.
- Pricing: Can start at around €115 for a poolside standard
- Amenities: Pool, sauna, garden, yoga classes and equipment, in-house bakery
- Nearby: Montjuïc, the Parallel Metro
2. Hey Lola! Hostel: One of the top rated hostels in the city, the Hey Lola! offers fun vibes, clean accommodations, and great prices to its guests. The hostel has been renovated within the last year, paying special attention to the communal kitchen guests can use to cook meals in. There are social activities on offer, and the hostel itself is located in a cool and fun neighborhood with plenty to do, and the rest of the city is easily reached by foot or transit.
- Pricing: Can start at around €30 for a bed in a shared room, or at €90 for a private room
- Amenities: Communal kitchen and terrace, social activities, luggage storage
- Nearby: Montjuïc, the Parallel Metro
Places that are not Secure for Visitors
These areas are best approached with caution
Overall, Barcelona is a safe city, and travelers can feel at ease walking around it night and day. But as with any city, there will be some places you might want to be more alert in. First-time travelers may consider these neighborhoods as places not to stay in while in Barcelona, and should exercise caution when visiting during the day.
1. El Raval
This neighborhood in the Ciutat Vella district is colorful, full of historical interest, and possessed of a lively evening scene. There are also cool little boutiques, a unique and gritty artistic presence, and easy access to a lot of Barcelona’s best cultural attractions and food markets.
But it is also a busy, noisy area, not a place for those seeking peace and quiet in the evenings. It also has a reputation for drug dealing, pickpocketing, and prostitution. An alert traveler will avoid trouble handily, but if you’d rather just not deal with it, then we don’t recommend staying here.
2. La Mina
A relatively new neighborhood in Barcelona, La Mina came into existence in the 1970’s. And while the Sant Adrià de Besòs area in general has become the focus of governmental revitalization efforts, it still really looks like it was designed in the 1970’s—plain, square, and unadorned. Further, it is a fairly significant distance from the main tourist areas of Barcelona.
La Mina also suffers from a significant criminal element but lacks the historical and cultural interest that helps a neighborhood like El Raval balance out its disadvantages. In time, with the promised governmental assistance, La Mina might become a more desirable locale for tourists but for now, if you have other options, it might be best to consider them first.
Barcelona: Something For Everyone
At turns gritty, enthralling, historic and hip, Barcelona can be whatever you need her to be. The diversity of her neighborhoods means there’s something for every taste. As long as you know what you want, you’ll find it in Barcelona.